Ben Newe, Strathdon

1. To reach the car park, take the minor road that cuts across towards Glen Buchat from just east of Bellabeg in Strathdon. After passing the house at Altdachie a signed, rough track branches off to the right; the parking is a short distance along this. There is an information board here outlining the route of this walk and shorter alternatives. Begin along the rutted forest track, waymarked in all colours. It passes above a forest pool and then bears slightly right and climbs gently through the trees – stay on the main track.

2. A marker post indicates where the route turns sharp right, still following the main track and climbing. There is a felled area on the left; when the fence ends another marker post indicates a left turn, climbing uphill beside the fence. The path passes a large rock outcrop; just when it seems the route will re-enter the trees it turns left onto a track. Almost immediately another marker indicates a right hand turn up a forest ride with dense trees on either side. Further up, look out for a left turn (waymarker) onto a grassy track running across the slope.

3. Another marker post indicates where to turn right, climbing steeply once more. The route comes clear of the trees and soon reaches the summit of Ben Newe. There is a large rock outcrop – incorporating a medieval well – and a trig point as well as a wooden seat. The views in all directions are superb.

4. Glen Buchat looks beautiful to the north, backed by the rolling hills and the outcrop on the summit of The Buck. Further right can be seen the ruins of Glenbuchat Castle and the winding River Don, and, in the distance, the summits of Bennachie. Continue the walk by following a narrow path south through the heather.

5. The path renters the forest and descends steeply down a ride, before meeting a track down some wooden steps. Turn right along the track and then right again at another marked junction. Another marker post indicates where to turn left onto a narrow path through a gap in the trees. Follow this until it meets a post and wire fence, and then turn right downhill alongside the fence (marker). Eventually a flight of steps leads down to a wide track.

6. There is no marker post here; go straight across the track – down a steep bank initially – and keep on through the trees to reach a second track; now turn left. Further on a marker post indicates a right hand turn down another fire break. This eventually becomes a track and leads down to a junction, with a house visible ahead through the trees. Turn right here and follow the track slightly uphill back to the start of the walk.

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