Banchory to Crathes Castle
Date Walked: 11th October 2011
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Actual Ascent: 659 ft (201m)
Time Taken: 3.5 hours
This virtually flat stroll makes a nice little 'warm down' wander following yesterdays bogfest.
So, begin in the car park in the town centre, note that you can pay and display or go around the corner in the same car park and park in the 'free' section once parked head on out across the adjacent playing field
So, begin in the car park in the town centre, note that you can pay and display or go around the corner in the same car park and park in the 'free' section once parked head on out across the adjacent playing field
once across the field (or use the adjacent track if you wish) pick up the obvious path that leads away toward an old railway bridge and stick with it all the way until it passes behind a council 'sheltered housing' site where you need to keep your eye out for a small set of steps leading down to the river
it's quite a nice little spot along by the river for a while until it rises again back to the old railway line (now the deeside way)
follow the route East until you approach the back of the sewage works....you will know . where you will see this split, if you are on a MTB stay left but if you are walking take the right hand fork here
it is a much more pleasant walk through here than on the track dodging MTB's and other walkers
this section wanders in and out close to the river at all times and there is a ton of wildlife to observe as you go including frequent leaping salmon
at this spot you may need to ascend back up to the Deeside Way to cross a small burn using the old railway bridge though in a dry time it is possible to ford the burn
if you have to cross the bridge you can immediately return to the riverbank or stay on the path, I suggest taking the riverbank just a little further
it is only a short (1/2 mile or so) section before you rejoin the Deeside Way but worth it I think
at the anglers bothy turn left up the hill and rejoin the Deeside Way and continue East
there are some unusual vehicles on the preserved railway that is in the process of extending all the way into Banchory
this section is a pretty plain straight track with road traffic to your left and the river to your right
the wildlife along here is mainly confined to sheep and cows
once you reach the Milton of Crathes go through the car park to the small courtyard and past the shops and cafe ...... or follow the yellow brick road
out of the courtyard turn immediately left alongside the burn
soon after, you will see the main road passing overhead, you need to walk under this bridge ignoring the Deeside Way signs as you are leaving it now
following the path round under the main road you will come to the castle entrance road
once through the gate you have a number of routes to chose from, the longest one is the one I'm doing today, after 50 yards or so turn right and walk along the path that passes the end of the pond and cross over the small bridge and fish ladder, then follow the path round and alongside the lake
the path will lead you to the board-walk which meanders along beside a small burn
off the small burn and through the trees for a short time you will see this sign pointing toward a small bridge, ignore the sign and turn right
continue alongside the small burn and past the bench (unless you want a sit down about now) until you come to the next bridge
once over the bridge you can go straight forward and cut off some distance but we are turning right through the birch trees
a second section of board-walk is next which leads into a 'standard' pine forest
the paths are still excellent and this is a real 'trainers only' route (if you want to do that)
occasionally the route opens out on one side allowing views out across Deeside
hearing a scuffle in the trees beside me as I go, I stopped to see these two young red squirrels playing, though I had the wrong lens I took a snap anyway (top left side and centre right side of frame)
stay on this track past the kids play area, you will see the castle car park to your left and this to your right
on reaching a junction with a tarmac road in the woods, turn left and walk 100 yards you will arrive in the castle cafe and shop area, go on, have a coffee and some cake
after your coffee and cake, exit the square through the gap between the cafe and the shop and walk down the hill toward the castle
pass the castle and go straight across the lawn in front of it in a direct line from the path
maintain that direct line you will come across a tarmac road turn left for 20 yards then turn right and walk the small path to the edge of the forest
turning left now follow the trail as it runs beside the castle entrance road
still some beautiful autumnal colour on display
drop down the small hill through the trees and you will be back at the castle gate where you can retrace your steps under the road and back onto the Deeside Way this time heading West and back to Banchory.
This is a great little family walk which can be shortened or lengthened as required and stays on very good dry trails throughout, dogs are welcome on the entire route.