(084) Torphins – “Netherlands” Circuit (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
An enjoyable country ramble in Mid-Deeside, characterised by rolling fertile farmland, upland pine forests and heather hilltops. The route is clear, apart from a short section on an overgrown old road, and the ascents are gradual. There are wonderful views throughout the walk.

Duration: 3.25 hours.

Route Overview
Duration: 3.25 hours.
Transport/Parking: The Stagecoach 202 service from Banchory stops at Torphins. Check Timetables. Free on and off street parking near the walk start/end point.
Length: 9.650 km / 6.03 mi
Height Gain: 190 meter.
Height Loss: 190 meter.
Max Height: 236 meter.
Min Height: 134 meter.
Surface: Moderate. The route is clear, mostly on tarred minor roads and hard-surfaced estate tracks. Not suitable for off-road mobility scooters due to fallen trees between Waypoints 10 and 11. You may achieve Waypoint 12 by returning on the rough road from Waypoint 10 (or 9).
Child Friendly: Yes, if children are used to walks of this distance and overall ascent.
Difficulty: Medium.
Dog Friendly: Yes. On lead on public roads and near to any farm livestock.
Refreshments: We can recommend the Platform 22 cafe. Also, the Learney Arms Indian Restaurant is open evenings.

Description
This is a very pleasant rural walk in the scenic countryside around Torphins, an attractive Deeside village. Although there is ample evidence that our Neolithic ancestors settled in this area, the village of Torphins essentially grew out of the arrival of the Deeside railway line in the 1850’s, in support of the huge changes in agriculture, and the development of the rural weaving industry, before and after the mid 19thC. Much of the lower land in this area would have been mossy bog and marsh before that time. Most of the route is within the bounds of the Learney Estate, and Learney House, a south-facing country mansion built in 1747 on a commanding position on Learney Hill, can be glimpsed on the route. The old farmstead called “Netherlands”, sitting below the head of the Learney valley marks the route’s return point on an unusual figure of eight loop that takes in pine and broadleaf woodland, arable farmland, and a section of the disused old railway track. There are great views up to the Hill of Fare, to the distinctive tor of Clachnaben, and sweeping vistas over mid-Deeside in general. Thanks to the Torphins Paths Group for this route. For further walks around and about Torphins, see: https://www.torphinspathsgroup.org/