The Forest of Deer, near Fetterangus

This country walk passes through arable fields and several plantations, collectively known as the Forest of Deer. The highlight is the Pitfour Observatory, a viewing tower in Drinnies Wood which is open in the summer months.

Terrain

Easy forestry tracks and minor road.

Public Transport

None to start, nearest bus Fetterangus 1.5km from start

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Start

Drinnies Wood car park. Map and directions.

grade
Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.5km/4 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 60m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NJ973505

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Explorer 427 - Peterhead
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk begins from the car park in Drinnies Wood, around a kilometre west of Fetterangus on the left side of the minor road past the Den o'Howie. Begin the walk by following the wide forest path to the south between the densely-planted conifers. Soon a wooden signpost indicates a path off to the right, a brief detour to visit the Observatory. This is open in the summer months, with a lower viewing area reached via a short stair but the upper deck reached via an inner spiral-staircase. From here there are excellent views over the Forest of Deer and the surrounding countryside. The tower was built by Admiral Ferguson of Pitfour, once the owner of the estate. The grand Pitfour House, once the centrepiece of the estate, was demolished in 1928 and the stone used for a housing scheme in Aberdeen.

Stage 2

Return back down to the main path and continue along it to the right. When it meets a larger track turn right, then keeping left at two forks (still on the main track). Soon the trees on the left are replaced by a field; the main track goes left here but to continue the walk go straight ahead, alongside the edge of the forest. At the far corner of the field pass back into the plantations, now part of Loudon Wood. Keep on the main track through this wood, curving right at one point. There is a stone circle off to the right but it is now hidden amongst the trees. At the edge of the wood pass through a gate and reach a minor road just beyond; turn right along this.

Stage 3

The road passes through open, farming countryside before reaching more plantations on either side. To the left is a car park and White Cow wood; the walk could be extended by following a loop track through this. Otherwise take the track through the woods on the right hand side of the road, strangely signed for Loudon Wood stone circle. The track heads dead straight through the trees, descending and then climbing to reach a t-junction; turn right here.

Stage 4

The track here runs along the edge of the forest; it was once part of a racecourse built by Admiral Ferguson and dubbed 'the Ascot of the North'. Turn right at a junction and continue between fields; the track soon becomes tarred. Eventually the minor road bends left and leads back to the car park at Drinnies Wood 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.