Although a forest walk this circular route has plenty of open views of lovely Strathdon. The walk can be extended by taking in an additional loop.
Summary
Forest tracks and paths; occasional steep gradients.
Terrain
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1. Park in the marked car park and picnic area in Bellabeg. Begin the walk by turning right along the main road (noting the Doune of Invernochty, an imposing motte on the far side) and then right again onto the minor road signed for Strathdon Church. The road crosses a bridge over the River Don and then leads on to the attractive and surprisingly large place of worship. Just beyond it, turn left onto an even smaller road.
2. A short distance further fork right onto a rough track; an information board here gives details of the route. The track leads to a large turning area and then continues along the edge of the forestry, giving some fine views down Strath Don on the left. Eventually it enters the trees and reaches a cross-roads; the waymarkers (and our route) indicate a right turn here but you can extend the walk by following a loop ahead and returning from the left. On the waymarked route, the grassy track leads uphill through the trees. Eventually it crests a rise and begins to descend; there are good views on the right at one point where an area has been felled.
3. Continue ahead until a bigger track is reached at a t-junction. Turn right here – but then right again onto a narrower track amongst denser conifers. Continuing through the forest, look out for a blue marker post; the route turns left and descends quite steeply here. It then bears right and follows the line of a fence just above a minor road. Eventually it bears right uphill through Scots pines, with denser spruces to the left.
4. Part way up the slope the route turns left onto a clear path – but unmarked – through the dense spruce plantation. On the far side of this the path is a little indistinct for a time through a felled area, before becoming a clearer track. At the next junction, the circular walk continues with a sharp right turn, but before going this way it is worth going straight ahead along another track which eventually leads to a viewpoint with a wooden seat. This is a peaceful spot to sit and ponder the peace of upper Strathdon. Return to the junction and follow the grassy track which leads down to the turning area from earlier in the walk. Turn left here to head back to the road and church, and the start of the route.
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