Drummuir Castle Estate and Lochpark

This walk through the estate surrounding Drummuir Castle follows trails and tracks waymarked by a local group. It passes through a mix of farmland, pleasant woods and forest tracks above attractive man-made Loch Park.

Terrain

Waymarked paths and tracks throughout; the track along Loch Park is often churned and muddy.

Public Transport

Drummuir has a station on the (summer) Keith - Dufftown heritage railway as well as the local bus between Dufftown and Keith.

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Start

Botriphnie Church, Drummuir. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 7.75km/4.75 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 139m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NJ375441

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Buy Explorer 424 - Buckie
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

To reach Botriphne Church from Drummuir village, take the minor road which branches off N and then turn right over the railline; the parking and church are then down the next lane on the left. The new church here was built in 1820 but the ruins of an earlier church are in the graveyard. The walk begins from the parking area through a gate 'chicane' - and is signed Footpath. It crosses a footbridge and then runs briefly beside the heritage railway before veering right across another bridge. The new path keeps just right of the old track which is now wet and a little overgrown.

Stage 2

The are glimpses of the extremely grand Drummuir Castle - a stately home now used by drinks giant Diageo for corporate events - high above to the right through the trees. It is not open to the public, but the walk passes the walled garden which is often open. Continue on the level trail which now leads through conifers and then crosses a bridge and goes straight ahead along a track to a junction. You will return to this point later in the walk and head up to the right towards Westerton, but for now continue straight ahead. Soon cross a bridge on the left and follow the path which goes round the back of a salmon hatchery. Beyond this it rejoins the track; here you can either continue along the track or a path alongside in the trees on the left.

Stage 3

After heading through a field the path passes between the buildings of the Loch Park Adventure Centre. Cross the road here and ignore the Isla Way footpath sign, instead taking the lower track that runs between the Isla Way minor road and the shores of the loch. The loch was created in the nineteenth century as part of the landscaping of the Drummuir Castle estate; the track is often rutted and muddy underfoot but does give beautiful views across the water.

Stage 4

Almost at the far end of the loch a track goes off sharp right uphill (with a blue marker). Turn right here and ascend this, which can be wet underfoot at times. Keep ahead when another track joins from the left and continue until a minor road is reached. Go straight ahead down this road; it leads back to the outdoor centre at Loch Park. Retrace your steps back to the Westerton turning mentioned earlier, heading back between the outdoor centre buildings and along the track to reach it. Now turn left uphill towards Westerton.

Stage 5

Pass one house, and when the derelict farmhouse itself is reached turn sharp right on a track that slopes down to the burn. Cross this on stepping stones and follow the track which sweeps round to the right and then left, eventually passing an estate cottage. Continue ahead until a minor road is reached at a bend; turn right here and follow this downhill. Ignore the Isla Way which turns off to the left (for Keith) near the bottom, and pass a gatehouse for Drummuir Castle. The turning for the church and car park is the next on the right.

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.