The atmospheric ruins of Glenbuchat Castle provide the starting point for a walk along the ridge above the glen, right on the boundary of the Cairngorms National Park. There are good views across this quiet landscape.
Summary
Good hill tracks; optional summit detour is across heather.
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1. Park at Glenbuchat Castle. This fine ruin - built on a z-plan - dates back to 1590, when it was built for John Gordon and his wife Helen to celebrate their wedding. After exploring the castle, begin the walk by heading back along the access track to the road. Go left, crossing the Bridge of Buchat, and then turn left again onto the minor road leading up Glenbuchat. Continue along the road for just over a kilometre, passing Easter Buchat farmhouse, before turning right up a track to Blackhillock Farm.
2. At the farm pass to the right of the various barns; two tracks begin behind the farm, both through gates. Go through the right hand gate and follow the grassy track, bearing slightly right to stay on the main track at a fork. There are good views back over the farm to Ben Newe as height is gained. Higher up there are two more gates to pass through until the track reaches the ridgeline ahead.
3. Go left through a gate at the top and follow a grassy track which keeps just left of a fence; soon it climbs the heathery Little Firbriggs Hill via a zig-zag. A small cairn here has a fine outlook over the glen before the track descends a little and then climbs up Meikle Firbriggs Hill. The track then descends again to a second bealach.
4. As the track ascends Clachmaddy Hill a clear branch goes off to the left - this is the way back down to the glen. Before descending however, it is worth continuing at least as far as Clachmaddy Hill itself. From there you can choose another objective; either Creag an Eunan which can be reached further on by a detour across the heather from the track, or the little tor on Creag an Sgor which is further on and to the left of the main ridge. Strong hillwalkers could even make a day of it - if transport arrangements have been made - and continue from Creag an Eunan right through to The Buck. Otherwise, return to the descent track already mentioned.
5. Follow the track downhill with wonderful views over Glen Buchat. Further down go through a gate and then a second gate to pass just to the right of the farm buildings at Beltimb where their access track is picked up. Follow the track to the Glen Buchat road and then turn left to begin the 4km walk back to the start - no great hardship as the road is usually fairly quiet.
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