(095) Aberlour-Braes of Allachie-Linn Falls Circular

Route Summary
An enjoyable walk from the River Spey onto the Braes of Allachie, where there are fine open views towards Ben Rinnes and over the attractive mid-Speyside countryside. During the descent, the focal point on the walk is the double-cascade Linn Falls in a wooded rocky gorge.

Duration: 2.5 hours.

Route Overview
Duration: 2.5 hours.
Transport/Parking: Stagecoach bus services. Check timetables. Free public parking options near to walk start/end point.
Length: 7.300 km / 4.56 mi
Height Gain: 191 meter.
Height Loss: 191 meter.
Max Height: 237 meter.
Min Height: 86 meter.
Surface: Moderate. A mix of hard-surfaced and grassy paths, tarred minor roads.
Difficulty: Easy.
Child Friendly: Yes, if children are used to walks of this distance and overall ascent.
Dog Friendly: Yes, but keep dogs on lead on public roads and near farm animals.
Refreshments: The Gather’n cafe, the Fresh! cafe, and the Mash Tun bar/restaurant.

Description
This is a varied rural walk that begins and ends at the former Aberlour railway station, now renovated, on the eastern bank of the River Spey, one of the longest, and certainly the fastest flowing, river in Scotland. (Charlestown of) Aberlour is based on an 18thC planned village, built around a far earlier settlement called Skirdustan. This handsome large village is now firmly established on Speyside’s Malt Whisky Trail and tourists are also attracted to the world-famous Walkers shortbread factory here, the company being Scotland’s biggest exporter of food products. Leaving the river, the route passes the old clock tower and memorial garden on the site of the Aberlour Orphanage, founded in a small cottage there in 1875, and eventually growing into an establishment of national significance, housing 500 children. The orphanage is gone, but from it developed the Aberlour Child Care Trust, one of the largest charities in Scotland. The walk then climbs onto farmland on the shoulder of the Knock of Allachie, providing splendid open views towards Ben Rinnes and of the surrounding Speyside countryside. The return route then starts to make a gentle descent through the Wood of Birkenbush before following the Lour Burn to the Linn of Ruthrie Falls, a renowned local beauty spot featuring an enchanting double cascade waterfall in a woodland gorge setting surrounded by native broadleaf, Scots Pine, and towering North American conifers. In the concluding section of the route we pass the Aberlour Distillery, an old pack horse bridge, and the ruinous gable wall of St Drostan’s Kirk. Finally, returning to the Spey, there is a fine view of the impressive Victoria Bridge, an A-Listed iron suspension footbridge. Built in 1902 following a drowning accident on the predecessor ferry, it is sometimes referred to as The Penny Bridge, as there was originally a toll of one penny to cross.