Wednesday March 19th

Cults Walk to Foggieton and Ladyhill Woods

Meet at the Cults Hotel at 10 am. Buses 19/201/202

We'll set off up the path to the left of the hotel and continue uphill following the Cults Burn

until we get to the opening to Foggieton Woods. We'll have a wander through Foggieton and

Ladyhill Woods before returning to the Cults Hotel. Coffee options on our return - Costa

Coffee and Blether on the main road and the Boxcar coffee hut on the Deeside railway line,

down Station Road opposite the hotel.

Distance 4+ miles

Wednesday April 2nd

Loch Kinord

There are toilets at the Centre. 

Long Walk Version 1

The walk is a combination of the Culblean Circular route and the Little Ord Trail. From the Burn O’ Vat the route climbs steadily upwards to the west of the Centre, then turns north-east, skirting Culblean Hill, to Loch Head. Turning south it then joins the Little Ord Trail, passing Old Kinord and one of the many hut circles. It then returns to the centre via New Kinord and the loch north shore path, past the crannog, the castle island, Pictish Stone and the eskers. Distance 6 miles; ascent 190m.

Long Walk Version 2

Alternatively, instead of returning to the Centre via the north shore path, from New Kinord the walk could continue round the loch in a clockwise direction. Distance 7 miles; ascent 200m.

Although longer, Version 2 misses out a lot of interesting points of Version 1.

Short Walk

The short walk is the well-known Loch Kinord circuit. The way markers indicate an anticlockwise circuit, but the group may wish to consider a clockwise direction in order to negotiate, early in the walk, the sometimes quite steep ridges (eskers) encountered on the north-west side of the Loch. Distance 4 miles; ascent 95m.  

Short walkers may also wish to explore the Burn O’ Vat, a round trip of about 0.5 mile, whilst waiting for the return of the other group. However, access to the inner cavern via the slippy narrow entrance can be hazardous. 

Wednesday April 16th

Dunotter Woods and Stonehaven

Grid Ref. NO863843Cowie to Dunnottar Woods: A pleasant generally level walk which takes in coast and woodland. From Cowie hamlet along the coastal path of Stonehaven Bay to the harbour, then cutting inland for a circular walk through Dunnottar Woods, returning to Stonehaven. Long walk : 5miles, short walk available.

Wednesday April 30th

Drummuir to Dufftown Station

NJ376442. For the fit. Flat walk to Lochpark followed by a long and steady climb to Brawlands. Then quiet roads to Tullich. Cutting through the Balvenie distillery to the disused railway to Dufftown station. Ascent 120m. Distance 6 miles.

Short Craigellachie to Dufftown station. Along disused railway from Craigellachie to Dufftown station. Ascent negligible. Distance 3 miles.

Wednesday May 14th

Portsoy to Sandend Circular - Grid Reference NJ588662 - Distance 5.75 miles - Ascent 128m

An interesting coastline walk joins the picturesque harbour of Portsoy to the beautiful beach at Sandend. 

The route to Sandend is via a clear path from which a number of beautiful coastal views can be enjoyed. The return is on a minor road passing through adjacent farmland.

Wedn

Wednesday May 28th

Glen Esk. Tarfside to Invermark and beyond.

Long Walk: Starting at Tarfside, the walk goes westwards to Invermark, taking in the Hill of Rowan. From there the route follows Glen Mark towards the Queen’s Well and Mount Keen along one side of the Water of Mark, crosses over the water at the first bridge and returning on the other side to finish at the Invermark car park. There is the option to have a cuppa and comfort stop at the Glenesk Folk Museum (also known as “The Retreat”).

6.5 Miles. Total ascent 250m.

Short Walk: The short walk follows the same route to Invermark, but by-passes the Hill of Rowan. At Invermark it follows the road down to Loch Lee and returns by the same route to the Invermark car park.

5.2 Miles. Total ascent 180m. Can be shortened by not going as far as Loch Lee.

Wednesday 11th June

Long - Carnoustie to Broughty Ferry. Short - Moniefieth to Broughty Ferry

NO566344. Level walk along coastal path from Carnoustie golf course to Broughty Ferry castle. Approx 8miles

NO502324. Short

 walk from Monifieth to Broughty Ferry also along coastal path. Approx 3 miles with option to extend further along the coast beyond the castle then back

Wednesday July 10th

Fasque Estate Circular Grid Ref: LM55 650735  Approx 5 miles

From the square in Fettercairn, pass the school and distillery, onto a country road, then farm tracks into woods to enter the estate. Pass front of Fasque House & Chapel then exit the estate, pass the former Stables, now converted into apartments 

Wednesday July 24th

Loch Muick Circular. OS Grid Ref: NO309851 Distance  7.75 miles Ascent 170m.

Long Walk : Fairly level circuit of grand Loch Muick on the Balmoral Estate provides good views of the surrounding hills.

Short Walk :

Distance of approximately 3.5 miles route to be confirmed at time of recce.

Wednesday August 7th

Newburgh to Collieston (Grid Ref NK003270) (5.5 miles)

From Newburgh, the walk goes along the coast to Hackley Bay for a pleasant lunch stop at the beach, then through Forvie Nature Reserve to Collieston (5.5 miles) 

The short walk will be from Collieston round Forvie Nature Reserve (3miles)

Wednesday August 21s

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 Sept 4th

Haddo House and Country Park (OS LM38NO877855)

A pleasant walk along generally level woodland paths around parkland and lakes. Long walk 4-5 miles.

Short walk available 2.5 miles.

Wednesday Sept 18th

Burghead to Lossiemouth

Long Walk: Joins the Moray Coastal Trail at Hopeman, and includes a fine cliff top section with coves and sea stacks, finishing with a long walk along a sandy beach to Lossiemouth.

Distance : 6 miles Total Ascent 160m

 

Short Walk : The Short Walk joins the Moray Coastal Trail near Covesea (subject to recce) and follows it to Lossiemouth.

Distance 4 miles, Total Ascent 100m 

Wednesday Octoebr 2nd

Starting in Dinnet, the walk takes us along the Deeside Railway line to Ballater. Along the way we pass Cambus O May suspension bridge, the Cheese Creamery and Tullich Kirkyard. The route has still to be recce'd

Wednesday October 16th

Local Walk

Kincorth Hill Nature Reserve to Loriston Loch circular

Wednesday Ocotber 30th

Local Walk

A walk around the area of Cults, via the back path from Foxlane, doon tae the Shakin Briggie along bye the golf course and then up through Allan Park. Then taking some lanes back up to Cults village and Friarsfield Park before heading back to Countesswells via Foxlane 4.5 to 5 miles

Wednesday November 13th

A walk around Historic Ferryhill and South Aberdeen. This is the walk that was postponed due to adverse weather in February.

Wednesday November 27th

Local Walk  Duthie Park to Cults and return.

Wednesday Decemeber 11th AIRYHALL RAMBLERS CHRISTMAS LUNCH. VENUE – ROYAL DEESIDE GOLF CLUB. MORE DETAILS NEARER THE TIME.

 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.