Hi everyone and a warm welcome to our Christmas event, for which booking is now open.
Full details are given below, so please ensure you read to the end, so that you have all the information required to make the most of this exciting day out.
For those who have already signed up, please note we will not be offering the Peters Hill walk as it was considered just too long for the time we have available. As there may be wintery conditions, please prepare accordingly and keep an eye on the website for any changes. Any major changes will be emailed directly to those who have signed up.
Walk host: Jaqui 07989 155 672
Email: postmaster@stockets.org.uk
Cost: £45 which includes the coach, meal and some wine.
OS Map 37
The coach will depart from Gordondale Road, Aberdeen at 8am.
The walk will be dependent on the weather and there are local options, apart from the planned walk which is a circuit towards Craig of Prony, 13km, 5 hours. See map below. The walk starts at Ballater Golf Club. We make our way along Victoria Road and Bridge Street to turn right to walk along the edge of Monaltrie Park. Meeting the B972, we turn right for about 350m to take to a track heading north-east then north then turning SW for 600m before heading NW over Creagan Riabhach. The walk goes westwards towards Craig of Prony with a cairn. Continue down SW to meet the track past Abergairn and Craggan, cross the B972 and walk along the side of a field to Craigendarroch. Turn right to the A93. At this point there is a choice, continue on the pavement into Ballater OR drop down onto ‘the old line’ along the river into Ballater and back to the Golf Club.
A further option would be the Seven Bridges Walk or you could just have a wonderful time wandering round Ballater - the choice is yours!
The coach will remain at the Golf Club all day, which is where we will be having our festive meal. You can leave a change of clothing on the coach, as we have use of the showers in the members' changing rooms, but please bring your own towel and toiletries.
Drinks can be purchased and the views enjoyed in the lounge bar all afternoon. At 4pm there will be a 3-course meal in the dining area, where the Stockets will provide some wine for each table. The coach will depart between 6-6.30pm arriving back in Aberdeen about 8pm.
The fancy dress theme this year is "Characters From Books" - let your imagination flow!
Dress code for the Golf Club is smart casual.
There will be a raffle as usual, so please feel free to bring something to add to the selection of prizes. Monies raise by the raffle, along with a Stockets donation, will be given to both Aberdeen Mountain Rescue and Braemar Mountain Rescue.
To reserve your place, book and pay on the Stockets website www.stockets.org.uk, no later than Friday, 28 November. Then, send your menu choices (below) and advise of any allergies, on an email, to postmaster@stockets.org.uk Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
We hope to see you on 6 December.
Menu
Starters
Soup of the day - Made from the finest seasonal ingredients accompanied with artisan roll and butter. (GF Available)
Rich and creamy potted brie - Gently warmed with a vibrant cranberry compote presented with crisp, golden sourdough toast. (GF Available)
A silky parfait of wild mushrooms, chestnut and miso - Served with rustic Scottish oatcakes for a satisfying contrast in texture (GF, V, VE)
Golden croquette of rich black pudding and apple chutney - Finished with a wholegrain mustard mayonnaise and crispy herb garnish
Mains
Slices of slow roasted turkey - Served with rich cranberry infused jus, accompanied with roasted potatoes, root veg glazed with honey and caraway and traditional pigs in blankets. (GF)
A roast of chestnut and seeds - Served with root veg glazed with honey and caraway crisp roast potatoes and rich onion-cranberry sauce. (V)
Fish pie - Featuring medley of sustainably sourced fish in a white wine and leek creamy sauce, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and served with warm sourdough bread and crisp garden salad.
Butternut squash risotto with crispy sage - A creamy risotto infused with roasted butternut squash balanced with a hint of nutmeg and white wine, toped with crispy sage leaves and finished with a drizzle of herb oil. (GF, VE Available)
Desserts
Traditional Christmas pudding - A rich Christmas pudding served warm with brandy sauce
Sticky toffee pudding - A moist homemade sponge pudding made with sweet dates served warm and drenched in toffee sauce paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Trio of vanilla ice cream - A classic indulgence featuring three generous scoops of vanilla ice cream served with a rich hot fudge sauce. (GF)
Cheesecake of the day - A smooth and creamy cheesecake layered over a buttery biscuit base garnished with a vibrant raspberry coulis
Followed by coffee/tea