(143) Corrie Hill-Gordon Way-Black Hill Circuit (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
An energetic upland walk on grassy woodland paths and open moorland with a reasonably demanding overall ascent of 300 m. There are wide-ranging views from the summit of Black Hill, at the quieter, less-visited western end of the Bennachie range.

Duration: 3 hours. Continue reading “(143) Corrie Hill-Gordon Way-Black Hill Circuit (Aberdeenshire)”

(142) Bellabeg-Colquhonnie Castle-Poldullie Bridge Circuit (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
After a steep initial ascent this is an undemanding walk in the scenic Strathdon valley with points of historical interest to enjoy. This area of forests and hill farms forms part of the Cairngorms National Park, and has been a vital passageway for people since Pictish times.

Duration: 2.25 hours. Continue reading “(142) Bellabeg-Colquhonnie Castle-Poldullie Bridge Circuit (Aberdeenshire)”

(141) Muir of Dinnet-Cnoc Dubh Circuit (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
A fine leg-stretching forest walk in the pine and birch woods above the National Nature Reserve Visitor Centre at the popular Muir of Dinnet location on Deeside. The ascent to the rocky summit of Cnoc Dubh is rewarded by good westerly views.

Duration: 2.5 hours Continue reading “(141) Muir of Dinnet-Cnoc Dubh Circuit (Aberdeenshire)”

(140) Huntly-Clashmach Hill (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
Ascending Clashmach Hill makes for an enjoyable and vigorous hike to an exhilarating viewpoint. Due to its northerly position, the hill offers views to the Caithness hills as well as the more familiar peaks in Aberdeenshire and Moray. The return leg re-traces the route back to Huntly.

Duration: 2.75 hours. Continue reading “(140) Huntly-Clashmach Hill (Aberdeenshire)”

(139) Glen Tanar – Gairney Bridge Circuit (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
This is a good walk in old pine forest and open farmland close to the banks of the fast-flowing Water of Tanar, and within the special natural environment of Glen Tanar, a varied and scenic national nature reserve that lies within the Cairngorms National Park.

Duration: 3 hours. Continue reading “(139) Glen Tanar – Gairney Bridge Circuit (Aberdeenshire)”

(136) Whitehill Stone Circle-White Lady-Balvenie Stone (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
This is a moderate hill and forest walk in a very scenic area popular with mountain bike enthusiasts. The route takes in an ancient stone circle, some very fine views, near and far, and an unusually large boulder left over from the last Ice Age.

Duration: 2.75 hours. Continue reading “(136) Whitehill Stone Circle-White Lady-Balvenie Stone (Aberdeenshire)”

(135) Kincardine O’Neil-Old Roads Ramble (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
This is a pleasant walk in a mixed rural landscape on Deeside. The ascent from the river to the old grazing pastures on the ridge of the Hill of Dess is gradual. There are good views throughout, and many historical associations.

Duration: 2.5 hours. Continue reading “(135) Kincardine O’Neil-Old Roads Ramble (Aberdeenshire)”

(134) Dinnet-Old Kinord History Trail (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
This is an easy walk with minimal overall ascent in a beautiful area of Deeside that possesses considerable ecological and historical importance.

Duration: 2.5 hours. Continue reading “(134) Dinnet-Old Kinord History Trail (Aberdeenshire)”

(132) Huntly-River Deveron-Castle Hotel Circuit (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
*** This route is currently blocked at the old bridge (Waypoint 4) due to ongoing bridge repairs ***
An easy walk from the centre of Huntly, with minimal overall ascent. The route incorporates some very scenic sections, with the impressive ruins of Huntly Castle, the old Castle Bridge, and the Castle Hotel all adding an interesting historical dimension.

Duration: 2.25 hours. Continue reading “(132) Huntly-River Deveron-Castle Hotel Circuit (Aberdeenshire)”

(130) Glenbuchat-Meikle Firbriggs Circuit (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
After a scenic walk-in along the Glenbuchat valley, there is a stiff climb up a heather-clad hillside to the Meikle and Little Firbriggs summits where there are wonderful views of the Glen below, and panoramic views to further afield, including towards the Cairngorms.

Duration: 3.5 hours. Continue reading “(130) Glenbuchat-Meikle Firbriggs Circuit (Aberdeenshire)”

(128) Corgarff Castle-Carn Oighreag Circuit (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
Over a relatively short distance, this is a good hill walk through moorland, involving some steep ascents. The starkness of white-walled Corgarff Castle in the upland landscape, proximity to the Cairngorms and the high hills of upper Deeside, add to the sense of remoteness.

Duration: 2.75 hours. Continue reading “(128) Corgarff Castle-Carn Oighreag Circuit (Aberdeenshire)”

(127) Coull-Tarland Way-Gallow Hill Circuit (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
A relatively easy walk, initially following a good way-marked trail. On the return route there is a gradual ascent into a pine wood on good forest roads before gently dropping back into the farmland surrounding the old church at Coull.

Duration: 2.5 hours. Continue reading “(127) Coull-Tarland Way-Gallow Hill Circuit (Aberdeenshire)”

(126) Keig-Turf Hill Circuit (Aberdeenshire)

IMG_1116

Route Summary

Although this is a short hill-walk to a relatively low wooded summit, the ascent provides good exercise and fine views. As it is one of the least known tops on the Bennachie range, you are unlikely to meet fellow walkers. The Cothiemuir Stone Circle makes for a memorable visit during the final section.

Duration: 3.5 hours.

Continue reading “(126) Keig-Turf Hill Circuit (Aberdeenshire)”

(125) Forest of Birse Circuit (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
This is an easy upland walk in an enchanting valley surrounded by high hills. There are good views throughout the route, with a fine perspective of Birse Castle. However, this walk won’t suit everyone due to the fords to be crossed, and the consequent possible wet feet factor!

Duration: 2.5 hours. Continue reading “(125) Forest of Birse Circuit (Aberdeenshire)”

(124) Lazy Wells-Baderonoch Hill Circuit (Towie – Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
This is a good moorland walk with gentle ascents and easy route-finding. There are excellent and varied views near and far throughout the walk, especially from the summit of Baderonoch Hill.

Duration: 3 hours. Continue reading “(124) Lazy Wells-Baderonoch Hill Circuit (Towie – Aberdeenshire)”