Sgòr Buidhe circuit, Ballater

Summary

This fine moorland walk leaves Ballater along the old railway line before taking a forest up onto the moorland of Sgòr Buidhe. It then continues across the open moors with excellent views before descending through the woods and finishing alongside the River Dee.

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Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Forest and moorland tracks.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Getting there

Start

Ballater Tourist Information / Old Railway station.

Public Transport

Ballater is well served by buses running between Braemar and Aberdeen.

Start Grid Ref

NO369959

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 11.5km / 7.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 3 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 410m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (7)

Stage 1

The walk begins from the car park in front of the restored railway station in the centre of Ballater; if there is no space there is alternative parking behind the church on the main green square. The walk begins through a signed gap at the far end of the station building and goes down the old platform, turning right along the route of the railway line. After a short distance at a footpath sign turn left off the railway line to head through the housing estate - between No.8 and a shed. At a road go straight ahead onto a footpath (yellow marker post). It runs along the edge of fields before reaching another small housing estate beyond the edge of Ballater. When it emerges onto a cul-de-sac road, go straight across and follow it onto the Pass of Ballater through road.

Stage 2

Turn right along this, passing an electricity sub-station, and then turn left onto a forestry track heading steeply uphill - again this is signed for Sgòr Buidhe. The track climbs very steeply through the plantation, and there is little to see at first to distract from the effort of the climb. Higher up the track bends left and the trees become much more varied, with occasional views down Deeside.

Stage 3

Eventually the woods thin out and there is a good view up the Tullich Burn to Morven, a Corbett. The track then swings left once more. When a slight saddle is reached the main track swings left towards a radio transmitter mast; leave the track here, taking the fainter grassy path / track ahead. There's a moorland information board on the right at this point - don't take the track that climbs up past it, instead following the track ahead for a short distance until a muddier track forks off right.

Stage 4

This soon heads uphill through the trees and becomes much drier underfoot. Wonderful views open out, with a view up the Dee as well as across to Lochnagar beyond with its great corrie. Continue on the track as the last of the trees are left behind. The track soon joins the crest of the moors, and continues alongside a line of old fenceposts.

Stage 5

Eventually it reaches another track crossing the ridge at a 't'-junction; go straight ahead here through a gate. The track continues, passing just to the right of a little white boulder that marks the highest point on the whole ridge, with wonderful views all around but particularly into Glen Gairn.

Stage 6

Leave the track you are on, instead joining a much newer track which runs parallel to it at first. Eventually this track curves left and begins the descent - around 100m to the right of a line of old fence posts, with lovely views up Deeside. Lower down the tree line is reached and the descent continues through some fine mixed woodland.

Stage 7

At the bottom of the woods the track curves right, passes the ruin of an old steading, and then turns left at a fence corner. A short distance further the path swings right back into trees - leave it here and instead turn left here onto a lesser, grassy track that leads through a gate. Follow this track, soon reaching a farmhouse. Pass in front of the fine farmhouse with its wonderful outlook up the Dee valley and continue ahead along its lane. This eventually reaches the Pass of Ballater road; turn right here for a short distance to reach the A93.

Stage 8

Cross this with care; on the far side, slightly to the right, a gap in the fence marks the start of a path that zigzags down the steep bank. This joins the wide path that follows the line of the projected railway from Ballater to Braemar; the railway was never built but this section makes a fine walk. Turn left along it, soon reaching a bench; the wide River Dee comes alongside for the final lovely section through the pinewoods. Go straight ahead when a lane is crossed, and again at another lane, passing some of Ballater's fine old houses. At the 't' junction turn left to reach the main A93. Turn right along this to return to the start.

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