Duff House and the Bridge of Alvah, Banff

This circuit from the magnificent Duff House - now a museum and part of the National Gallery of Scotland - takes in part of the former estate. The focal point is the 17th century Bridge of Alvah, towering high over the impressive gorge of the River Deveron.

Terrain

Footpaths and tracks throughout; can be muddy in places.

Public Transport

Banff is served by regular buses; Duff House is then a short walk away.

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Start

Duff House car park. Map and directions.

grade
Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 8.5km/5.25 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 122m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NJ689633

Maps / GPS

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GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk begins from Duff House car park in Banff. Although the walk starts along the track on the right of the playing fields, make a short detour first to see the house, built magnificently in the style of a French Chateau; or even better, make a day of it by visiting the house and gallery as well as doing the walk. Back to the walk, and follow the track - signed for woodland walks and Bridge of Alvah, passing the pavilion before reaching the fine Marr gates. Pass through this and continue on the track into the woods (the woodland path on the left is an alternative but keeping to the track at first makes it easier to visit the ice-house).

Stage 2

Keep left when the track forks and soon the ice-house is seen on the left and can be visited down a flight of steps. It acted as a refrigerator for Duff House. From here continue down the steps to meet the woodland walk path, and turn right along this. The route passes through very fine broadleaved woods with some benches and occasional glimpses towards the River Deveron.

Stage 3

When the path forks keep right to reach the ornate mausoleum, built by the second Earl of Fife to house the remains of his ancestors and descendants. Join the track just above and head left along it. When it meets another track bear right onto it, and then keep ahead (slightly right) at the next fork. The track then reaches a bungalow with a double garage; go left here. There are now open fields on the right with a view towards the windfarm. Continue on the track, eventually with a good view down to the river Deveron, until it reaches a junction where the route forks around a tree. Go left and follow the track downhill.

Stage 4

The track soon crosses the beautiful Bridge of Alvah, high above the river and its dramatic wooded gorge. There are often salmon fisherman far below and the river can be alive with wildlife - watch out for kingfishers. On the far side keep to the track, bearing left at fork and keeping to the main route as it climbs uphill. The track passes just above Moncoffer House and then bears left; the cylindrical stone stump seen off to the right is the remains of a medieval dovecot. The track becomes a minor road below the fine Mains of Moncoffer. After three quarters of a kilometre it reaches a t-junction; turn left here. Almost immediately afterwards turn left again onto a track just past a white cottage. As the track bends right to a bungalow keep straight on onto a grassy path hemmed in by gorse and broom.

Stage 5

The path is a little muddy at times but keeps straight ahead, eventually becoming wider and passing through woodland. After slightly over a kilometre it reaches Gaveney Cottage from where there is an excellent view over towards Banff. Continue straight ahead, now on tarmac, and pass through the very modern-looking MacDuff distillery, eventually emerging on the A947.

Stage 6

Turn left and follow the pavement until reaching a major junction. Go left again here, crossing the graceful seven arches of Banff Bridge. On the far side keep ahead on the pavement, with the golf course on the left, until reaching the turning for Duff House. Go left here to return to the car park and the start of the walk.

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.