Pass the impressive Doune of Invernochty, with the chance to detour to the top of the large mound, before continuing on a well built path which also serves as a walking route for the local primary school. Pass through mature trees to reach a viewpoint over Strath Don and then return by the same route.
Summary
Clear path, waymarked, optional ascent of castle is on steep grass.
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1. There is a parking area at start of the walk, off the road to Lost, behind the war memorial. Here there is an information board about the Doune of Invernochty and a map of the walk. The Doune is one of the best examples of a Motte and Bailey castle in Scotland. It was originally built as the principle castle of the Earl of Mar and was used until the large stone castle at Kildrummy was built in the 13th century.
2. Follow the clear path along the line of trees planted as a living memorial to the local war dead. Just before a boardwalk, you can detour to the left to view the castle and climb to the top by going through the kissing gate and following a faint and steep path up to the top. The mound is natural, formed from glacial rock and gravel. It has however been shaped by occupants since Pictish times. In the 12th century it was made into a classic motte and bailey design, with the Water of Bardock Burn re-routed to form the moat and a wooden palisade and watchtower built on top alongside the older chuch.
3. Once you have explored the Doune, continue along the boardwalk and over a small bridge to pass a pond on the left. The path now climbs into the trees with numerous benches along the way. Eventually the primary school is passed, ignore the path to the left and continue through the mature beech trees.
4. The path winds through the trees. Ignore a fainter path up to the left, this is the return route. When the path emerges from the trees, it continues ahead to the road. Instead, turn right slightly uphill on a grassier track, keeping right when it forks. Look out for a green bench with a good view over a steading building and the glen below.
5. At the bench turn right to follow the diagonal path back to the main surfaced path. Turn left here to retrace your steps past the school, pond and Doune back to the start at Bellabeg. The avenue of 42 lime trees near the start have been planted as a memorial to the 42 Strathdon men who lost their lives during the first and second world wars.
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