Wednesday April 3rd 2024

Bucksburn Beacon Centre to Airyhall (Grid Ref NJ890095) FIRST BUS WALK

Starting at the Beacon Centre, the walk goes up the Bucksburn Valley to Kingswells. From Kingswells it follows a farm track parallel to the main road to Dobbies Garden Centre for late coffee or early light lunch, then through Maidencraig back to Airhall (6 miles approx)

Short walk from Sheddocksley Sports Centre to Dobbies, then through Maidencraig to Airyhall (3miles app)

 Wednesday April 17th 2024

Peterhead to Mintlaw along the Formartine Way

Long Walk

From Richmond Avenue Peterhead (Grid Ref NK112465) to Mintlaw (Approx 8 miles)

Short Walk

Starts at Car Park in Longside to Mintlaw along the railway line (Approx 3.5 mil

Wednesday May 1st 2024

Findochty to Cullen via the Bow Fiddle rock . OS ref NJ461 678

Findochty to Cullen via the Bow Fiddle Rock, along the beach at Cullen and through the Seatown,  then up the newly developed Cullen Castle Hill (not a big hill).  Finishing in Cullen Square for ice cream.  Great costal views.  Good path with short uphill stretch to cliff path and later downhill to beach.  Approx 6 miles

 

Short walk will follow the same route from Portknockie

OS ref NJ 490 686 to Cullen Approx 4 miles.

Coffee and boots probably at Deans of Huntly

Wednesday May 15th 2024

Milton of Crathes to Scolty.

Starting the walk at Milton of Crathes car park and proceed to the Bellfield Park, Banchory. (This is approximately 4 miles of very good flat pathway). This is a suitable short walk and short walkers can spend time in Banchory town centre.

Long walkers can continue on to Scolty with the opportunity to climb Scolty or take one of the trails around Scolty. 

Wednesday May 29th 2024

Hill of Bogston (OS Explorer Map 37)

Long Walk: Starting at Boultenstone on the A97 (NJ411 109) the walk follows a flat route along the Deskry Water past Deskryshiel towards Badnagoach and then skirts Hill of Bogston (with views across to Preas Whin and Morven), Craig Glas and Bonlee Hill before going through Balronald Wood to return to the A97 at the Migvie Junction.  

Distance 6 Miles. Total Ascent 220m.

Short Walk:

The short walk follows the same route, but instead of turning south west at NJ41207 to skirt Bonlee Hill, the route continues east and descends to the A97 near Tillypronie Lodge to meet the long walk finishing point at the Migvie junction.

Distance 4.5 miles. Total Ascent 180m

Wednesday June 12th 2024

Gourdon, Inverbervie & Benholm Circular Walk Grid Ref NO825707  Approximately 6miles

A circular walk from Gourdon on the coastal path to Inverbervie, then up along the old coach road, through farmland to Mill of Benholm, then down to Haughs Bay on the coast and along the old railway line and return to Gourdon.

Short walk - Gourdon along coastal path to seahouses at bay of Haugh and return. 2.5 / 3 miles.

 

THIS WALK HAS THE ADDITIONAL INCENTIVE of FISH AND CHIPS and REFRESHMENTS AT THE QUAYSIDE RESTAURANT, GOURDON

Wednesday June 26th 2024

SUMMER OUTING TO St ANDREWS.

WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO A GREAT DAY OUT!!

PUT THE DATE IN YOUR DIARY!!!

 

MORE DETAILED INFORMATION TO FOLLOW.

9th August 2023 

Duff House / Bridge of Alvah

OS Grid Ref NJ689633.  Distance 5.25 miles approx.

A circular walk which commences from the Duff House Car Park in Banff. The walk takes us through woodland with various points of interest including Duff House itself, the Ice House which acted as a refrigerator for Duff House, an ornate mausoleum and good views of the River Deveron. We will also cross the beautiful Bridge of Alvah and its dramatic wooded gorge.

Short walk will be available.

23rd August 2023 

Fochabers to Portgordon

Distance Approximately 7.5 miles.

The walk will start in Fochabers and follow the Speyside Way along the banks of the river Spey to Spey Bay and then along the coast to Port Gordon.

Short Walk should be available TBC.

6th Sept  2023

Johnshaven to St Cyrus & St Cyrus Circular

OS Grid Ref NO796670.  Distance 7.5 miles

Starting at Johnshaven, the walk follows the coastal trail and takes us along scenic cliff pathways, sandy beaches and heathland. When we reach St Cyrus, we take a circular route encompassing a lovely sandy beach and slightly steep cliffs from which there are some stunning views. Note if weather is unfavourable, the route may be altered accordingly.

Short walk St Cyrus beach circular (Approximately 2 miles).

20th Sept  2023

Bennachie Circular

OS Grid Ref. NJ61224.

Route of walk to be confirmed. A short walk will be available.

4th October 2023

Learney Estate Circular, Torphins

OS Grid Ref NJ651056. distance 5.5 miles total ascent 250m.

The walk passes through a variety of woodland areas and open countryside on the Learney Estate near Torphins, with views of Learney House and across to Clachnaben, (and as far as Lochnagar on a clear day). The walk starts at the North Lodge (NJ651056) ON THE B9119, skirts Ordie Caber, Learney Hill and Chapelwell Hill, then passes Learney House and finishes at the disused quarry (NJ650047)on the B993. The tracks are good and there are no steep climbs, just some undulations. 

18th October 2023

Forfar and Restenneth Priory

OS Grid Ref NO 456509. Distance around 7 miles

This is a walk around part of the outskirts of Forfar, taking in Restenneth Priory and Balmashanner Hill. The designated circular walk is nearly ten miles but our walk will only cover around seven miles. A more detailed description will be provided after the recce.

1st November 2023

Udny Green to Tarves

Distance around 7 miles

Starting at Udny Green we will make our way to Pitmedden House, Tolquhon Castle and then on to Tarves.  

15th November 2023

Haddo House 

Distance around 5 Miles

Level waymarked paths, Walk still to be recce’d more details on completion

29th November 2023

Culter Circular

The walk starts and finishes at the old Culter Station platform, beside the Heritage Centre. (Station Road East, Peterculter)

The route goes east along the Deeside Way, then North west past  Culter House, Hill of Ardbeck and continues west on tracks to Easter Anguston. The distance is approximately 5.5 miles and suitable for all. Ascent is about 170m, with a short ascent up Pittengullies Brae and a longer gradual incline up past Culter House. Those who mightn not wish to go all theway out to Easter Anguston can cut off at Malcolm Road and walk back down into Culter.

13th December 2023

Christmas Lunch -Atholl Hotel

Wednesday March 8th 

Bennachie Circular

OS Grid Ref.  NJ 61224.  A walk along the Gordon Way from the B992 to Bennachie Visitor Centre with a small climb at the beginning. 7 miles approx.  A short walk from the Visitor Centre . (TBA)

Wednesday March 22nd

Dunnottar

OS Grid Ref. NO877855  From Stonehaven to Dunottar, walk description and distance TBA

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Wednesday 5th April

Cambus o’May to Dinnet OS Grid Ref. NO405980  6 miles approx. From Cambus O’May up to and around the back of the Burn O’Vat to Loch Davan, around part of Loch Kinord and on to Dinnet. Wednesday April 19th Kingseat OS Grid Ref. NJ888193  6 miles approx. A circular walk up Kingseat, starting from the Axis Centre Newmachar (where King Malcolm III sat on a rock, hence the name), with beautiful views of Donside and Deeside.

We're Back!! This blog will be updated soon. Next walk is on Wednesday 22nd February to Duff House, as we call it the Snowdrop walk. No need to book the bus this time. Just turn up with your packed lunch and walking gear just beyond Airyhall School at 9am.

Wednesday Jan 29th

Airyhall, Duthie Park Circular (No Bus)  OS Grid Ref.  NJ907045  

Start from Airyhall, continue to Deeside Drive,round Kaimhill School and down to Bridge of Dee Supermarkets.  From there along the Dee to Duthie Park and return via Deeside Railway (5 miles).  Short  walk available. 

Wednesday Feb 12th

Bucksburn to Airyhall  OS Grid Ref. NJ890095

Bus from Airyhall to drop off long walkers at Beacon Centre, then continue to Dobbies to drop off short walkers.

Long walk from Beacon Centre to Dobbies for coffee, continue through Maidencraig and Hazlehead to Airyhall, 5 miles.

Short walk from Dobbies through Maidencraig and Hazlehead to Airyhall, 3 miles.

Wednesday Feb 26th

Aboyne to Dinnet, OS Grid Ref. NO528985

Start at Aboyne car park via the Fungle and Craigendinnie Hill to Glentanar.  Then along the riverbank to Braeloine, Newton Farm and Dinnet, 7 miles.  Short walk on Deeside Railway path

Wednesday March 11th

Chests Of Dee, OS Grid Ref. NO061896 

 

Coffee at Ballater, continue to Linn of Dee.  Long walk from the Linn to Chests of Dee and return, 7 miles.  Short walk from the Linn part way up the track and return, 3 miles.

Wednesday March 25th

Bin Forest Huntly, OS Grid Ref.

 

Circular walk from car park on forest tracks and waymarked routes, 7 miles.  Short walk similar, 3 miles.

Wednesday 28th August

Seven Bridges Ballater, OS Grid Ref NO369959

A circular walk along waymarked paths, tracks and minor roads that explores some of the fine countryside around Ballater. The route includes a detour to the ruins of a sixteenth century tower house, Knock Castle.  Starts and ends at the renovated old railway station in Ballater and, as the name implies, crosses a number of bridges along the way.  Long walk 6.5 miles. Various options for short walk (TBA)

Wednesday 11th September

Gourdon, Inverbervie, Benholm Circular, OS Grid Ref NO825707 

 

Gourdon harbour to Inverbervie, then gentle climb up Gourdon Hill, descending down towards Mill of Benholm. Turning east, we walk along the Beedies Brae to join the lovely coastal path back to Gourdon, where we will enjoy High tea with fish and chips at the fish restaurant there!  Long walk of 7.5 miles.  Short walk Gourdon- Inverbervie circular 4 miles.

Wednesday 25th September

Glen Ey, OS Grid Ref NO088892  

A walk up Glen Ey (beyond Braemar) and return following a farm track, slightly uphill at the start (8 miles approx).  Short walk similar but shorter.

Wednesday 9th October

Rocks of Solitude Edzell, OS Grid Ref NO600688

A circular walk starting and ending in picturesque Edzell.  The route follows the river North Esk upstream as it squeezes through an impressive gorge and then woodland paths and a minor road through pleasant countryside to complete the circuit.  Long walk 6.5 miles.  Various options for short walk (TBA).

Wednesday 23rd October

Cambus O'May to Dinnet via Loch Kinord, OS Grid Ref NO405980 

 

From Cambus O'May up the back of the Burn O'Vat to Loch Davan, around part of Loch Kinord and on to Dinnet. (6 miles approx)  Short walk available TBA.