Quarryhead and Egypt Salmon Bothy

Looking East from Quarry Head, Braco Park a distant silage tower on the horizon

In order to avoid a pair of threatening dogs, Grey Granite and Rufus had a much extended Saturday morning walk. What was to be a short walk along the back road towards New Aberdour from Monthooly Doocot turned into a circular walk down to Quarry Head Farm, where the dogs were, then east along the cliff tops towards Rosehearty. There were amazing things to be seen, new born lambs in a field a Stonebriggs, the salmon bothy and ice houses at Egypt and spectacular views along the coast. 

Troup Head from Quarry Head, the RAF helipad in the foreground

The ruined RAF hut at Quarry Head, a relic of Rosehearty bombing range

West of Quarry Head is Egypt shore where there are the ruins of a salmon fishing station. This bay was a favourite haunt of Grey Granite many years ago. It was here that she first found Grass of Parnassus. St Patrick's cabbage is said to grow on the cliffs here but eludes Grey Granite.

The ruined salmon bothy (in use until the 1950's when a replacement was built in Rosehearty) the lowest of 3 ice houses is built in to the cliff on the left.

Entrance to the upper ice house, this can be a bit creepy, making one very aware of the isolation of the bay, but today the presence of Rufus was very reassuring.

Looking across the salmon bothy shore to Paddy's Stone, Cat's Hole and Quarry Head

 

The walk back towards Rosehearty along the cliff tops was exhilarating, a stiff breeze gradually rose, bringing with it the threat of rain. At one point, just above Lord Pitsligo's Cave, Gray Granite was unsure if we were being rained on or by rain or sea spray. Drenched from the knees down by wet grass, we were very glad to be able to cut up cow free fields to the main road just west of Braco Park thus shortening the walk considerably.