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Randolph’s Leap

IMAG3068November 21st 2013: Scotland: Forres to Aviemore and back.

If you look up Randolph’s Leap on the internet you will find that they are a Glasgow based figment of your imagination.  This is not the Randolphs Leap I was looking for, the leap of rushing waters and craggy rocks where the Findhorn and the Divie rivers converge http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randolph%27s_Leap here the Findhorn tumbles side on into unrelenting hardcore and is squeezed around this bend and through a mean gap in the rocks.

Legend has it that this narrow gorge was Alistair Cummings’ (Comyn) saving grace when being chased by the Earl of Moray (Thomas Randolph) as a result of land scrimishes.  Although he was able to leap to freedom he was not lucky enough, in the long run, to hold on to land that historically belonged to the Cummings. Over time he lost his right to the legend too as Comyns Leap became Randolph’s.  We, myself , Adam and Bob,  stop off en route to Aviemore where Bob has to catch a train to Edinburgh.  We are all enchanted in this deeply russet chalice of nature.  On a quiet day it is benign but accidents have happened; a 39 yr old man lost his life here earlier this year and there is a warning of flash floods.  In this narrow gorge it is possible for water to raise 50ft above normal levels.  The caged stones marking the floods of 1829 bracket our walk down to the gorge and the mound of Venus where the waters meet.  Here you can sit and and absorb the ions of copulating rivers.  I can imagine druids and rock faeries hanging here, siphoning off the peaty waters for spells and whisky.  We stay longer than intended and it is rush to get Bob for his train.  We are late by 2 minutes but to be obliging the train is delayed by 4 min.  Bob safely aboard Adam and I partake of an abundance of cheap and cheerful meatballs at Papa Rocks, sipping cider in amongst motorbikes and pensioners http://www.paparock.org.uk/

Home along the flat flood plain of the River Spey, bouncing along on squishy peaty roads under the off white fleece of felted sky, soft and shot through with pink and blue hints of heaven. We arrive at Logie Steading at the closing of the day in time to browse the book haven and craft shops. Discovering old tomes and trying on hats of elves and orks http://www.logie.co.uk/

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