Place

We got up reasonably early and headed straight to Loch Mallachie, probably my favourite place. We didn't manage to spy a crossbill, but were rewarded for sitting at this spot quietly eating some strawberries from the allotment when an otter popped up, fishing around the little crannog. We were both so thrilled that we just stared, rather than get the cameras out. First time I've ever seen an otter in fresh water.

Later we went up to the base of the funicular on Cairngorm - the railway is currently closed for repairs, but we just went for a (short) walk; the temperature was about 30°, even with a mountain breeze. See the extra for a general view - can't believe that that patch of snow will last much longer!