17–23 September 1877

A wet, misty morning, no hills whatever to be seen. Got up early and breakfasted at half-past eight, and at a quarter to nine we left with regret our nice cozy little hotel at Loch Maree, which I hope I may some day see again. Changed horses at L\inlochewe. The beautiful scenery was much obscured, but it got better as we went on, though it was not a really fine day. At a little before half-past eleven we reached Achnasheen, where Mr. (now Sir Alexander) Matheson, M.P. (who is chairman of the railway company, and has property farther north), met us. Here we got into the train, and went on without stopping to Dingwall ; Strathpeffci', and Castle Lcod, which belongs to the Duchess of Sutherland, partly hid- den among trees, looked very pretty. The lochs of Luichart and Garve are most picturesque. We stopped at Dingwall, and Keith, and Dyce Junc- tion as before. We had our luncheon at one o'clock, before coming to Keith, and tea after the Dyce Junction. Dear Noble was so good on the railway, and also at Loch Maree, where he came to our meals ; but he was lost without his companions. We reached Ballater at six. A very threaten- ing evening. Such dark, heavy clouds, and the air much lighter than at Loch Maree. We reached Balmoral at a quarter to seven. Dear Arthur received us downstairs, and came up with us and stayed a little while with me. He had been out deer-stalking these two davs, but got nothing.