(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)”

(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)”

(087) Meikle Tap (Hill of Fare) Circular (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
Close to Westhill and Banchory, this is an accessible walk in open conifer forest and heather moorland, easily accomplished in a half-day excursion. The ascent to the top is gradual, whilst the views from the top are wonderful. A good hill-walk for walkers of all abilities.

Duration: 2.5 hours.

Continue reading “(087) Meikle Tap (Hill of Fare) Circular (Aberdeenshire)”

(072) Ballater Bridges-Knock Castle Circuit (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
A little longer than our normal limit of 10 km, the overall ascent of 180 m is barely noticeable, making for an essentially gentle stroll in the scenic Dee Valley near Ballater. The diversion to Knock Castle is rewarded by great views and an interesting old story.

Duration: 3.5 hours. Continue reading “(072) Ballater Bridges-Knock Castle Circuit (Aberdeenshire)”

(071) Fyrish Monument Jubilee Walk (Highland)

Route Summary
A well-known walk that relentlessly climbs through pine woods, thinning out as you reach the massive Fyrish Monument, shaped to represent the gates on the old city wall of the Indian city of Negapatam during the late 18th C. There are wonderful views of the Cromarty Firth area.

Duration: 3 hours. Continue reading “(071) Fyrish Monument Jubilee Walk (Highland)”

(070) Glen Affric-Dog Falls-Coire Loch Circuit (Highland)

Route Summary
A fairly short walk in pine forest at beautiful Glen Affric. The 238m overall ascent on the route is compensated for by the scenic attractions of the fast-running River Affric, the peaceful Coire Loch, and the fabulous view westwards up the Glen from the highest point reached.

Duration: 2.5 hours. Continue reading “(070) Glen Affric-Dog Falls-Coire Loch Circuit (Highland)”

(069) Terpersie-Manabattock-Lord Arthur’s Hill (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
A circular route to the highest of the Correen Hills where there are outstanding views, not only of the Howe of Alford and Strathdon countryside below, but also to many of the distinctive hills and mountains in the Grampian area. There are interesting historical associations.

Duration: 4 hours. Continue reading “(069) Terpersie-Manabattock-Lord Arthur’s Hill (Aberdeenshire)”

(047) Back o’Bennachie-Oxen Craig-Watch Craig Circular (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
The first half of this walk involves an unrelenting ascent on well-maintained paths though pine forest and then heather moorland to the peak of Oxen Craig. The traverse to Watch Craig and return leg, in the lee of Hummell Craig, are on less well-known paths. Great hilltop views.

Duration: 3 hours. Continue reading “(047) Back o’Bennachie-Oxen Craig-Watch Craig Circular (Aberdeenshire)”

(040) Forest of Deer-Loudon Stone Circle Loop (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
This is easy walking on a gently undulating rural route passing through field and forest. There is historical interest along the way from Neolithic and Pictish times, and an insight into the foibles and indulgences of the landed nobility in Victorian times.

Duration: 2.75 hours. Continue reading “(040) Forest of Deer-Loudon Stone Circle Loop (Aberdeenshire)”

(034) Craibstone-Elrick and Brimmond Hills Circular (Aberdeen)

Route Summary
This is a walk of two halves. The first section is through a variety of woodland types, with some open views. The second half is mostly through an open landscape with great countryside views as far as the eye can see. The view from Brimmond Hill over Aberdeen is impressive.

Duration: 3.5 hours. Continue reading “(034) Craibstone-Elrick and Brimmond Hills Circular (Aberdeen)”