All over the place

No, the title of this post is not a commentary on the state of the UK government (although we would understand how some readers might think it should be...)

Rather, the fact is that Gail has been taking me here, there and everywhere this past week, celebrating the variety of different landscapes within a twenty mile radius of our Aberdeen home. Apparently at this time of year, in our part of the world, it is particularly important to take advantage of any not-too-cold and not-too-grey days that come our way. Especially when the autumn colours are so pretty.

So I have of course, as always, been enjoying my early morning walks in Duthie Park, where the sycamore trees are putting on a particularly fine show just now. 

Last Friday, I 'posed nicely' mid-way up our ascent of Millstone Hill, allowing Gail to take in the view over the fields and forests of Donside.

Then I ran ahead up the winding path through the now faded heather.

Of course I still had plenty of spring in my step when we reached the Millstone Hill summit cairn. (Mither Tap, the pointy peak in the background, was the final destination for this walk.)

So onwards to Mither Tap, where I tested Gail's nerves as I explored a gully in the weatherbeaten granite outcrop. 

I tested Gail's nerves again on Saturday, when I balanced on a wall beside the lake in the grounds of Crathes Castle (photo courtesy of our friend 'M'). More splendid autumn colours! 

On Sunday I discovered what a nice hike it is, along the Ythan Estuary (home to an impressive array of wading birds), to reach the beach at Forvie Nature Reserve.

And on Tuesday I had fun too, exploring the shoreline and checking out the beached strands of kelp closer to home near the mouth of Aberdeen harbour.

Finally, on Wednesday I helped Gail find the route through the beech trees in nearby Tollohill Wood, despite the path being hidden by all the fallen leaves.

All in all, it was a fine week. (Unless you are UK's now ex-Prime Minister Liz Truss.)

Happy Nature Friday friends!