Five Farms walk, Crovie

Climb high above picturesque Crovie to enjoy the rolling fertile farmland and extensive sea views on this popular circuit. This is described from Crovie but it can easily be started from Gardenstown by following the impressive coastal path from the far east end of Gardenstown.

Terrain

Footpath between Gardenstown and Crovie has steps and can be slippery or impassable at very high tides. Tracks and minor roads.

Public Transport

Bus to Gardenstown from Banff

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Start

Crovie viewpoint car park. Map and directions.

grade grade
Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.5km/4 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 140m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NJ807652

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Buy Explorer 426 - Banff
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

The best place to park for Crovie is the viewpoint car park signed on the left as you start to come down the hill towards the village. Parking at the bottom is limited to those staying in the village and the road is very steep and can be congested in summer. From the viewpoint car park walk down the twisting road and follow the flight of steps to the right to emerge by the stream. It is worth exploring Crovie in both directions before continuing the walk. Crovie (pronounced �Crivvy�) has been a settlement since 1297, but it was not until the 1900's that the Highland Clearances boosted the population to around 300 mostly earning a living from fishing.

Stage 2

A massive storm in 1953 destroyed homes and led many people to leave, prompting the local Council to consider bulldozing the whole village. A campaign to preserve the village was eventually successful and today the village is protected by a conservation order. Once you have explored Crovie return to the stream and head up as if returning to the flight of steps on the right hand side of the stream as you look inland. stream comes down. Don't go up the steps but head left and cross the stream and pass in front of two cottages, the first has a glass gable end and the second is number 25, and head uphill on the narrow track. At the top of the track turn left onto a farm track.

Stage 3

Follow this track as it curves right and uphill. Before a bungalow is reached turn left onto another track signed with a green arrow. Head downhill and then up the other side, there are good views down over the bay and to Gardenstown beyond. The track heads inland and passes Crovie Farm on the left.

Stage 4

When the track reaches the entrance to Northfield Farm at a T junction turn right. It is possible to detour to the left here and visit Troup Head and see the large Gannet colony - directions from the car park just beyond Northfield Farm, this would add about 1.5 hours to the walk. To continue on the Five Farms route follow the road through the rolling countryside, passing a pottery and after a bend, climbing to Protston farm.

Stage 5

Immediately after the large barn on the left and before you pass the house on the right turn right down a rough track and pass a tiny derelict house on the left. Follow the track as it turns sharp right and then heads up past Stonewells farm on the right. When the track bends right into the farmyard continue straight ahead on a grassy track with the barn on your right. This soon narrows into a grassy path between field fences and the sea comes into view again.

Stage 6

Near the bottom of the hill the path curves left and is lined with gorse bushes, it soon widens to follow a valley bottom before emerging at the road near the bungalow seen earlier. Continue straight ahead and after the corner turn right onto the steep track which leads down into Crovie. Climb the steps on the far side of the stream to return to the car park.

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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.