Climb the ancient round tower in the heart of the pretty village of Abernethy and then explore the surrounding countryside on this short circular route.
Summary
Good clear paths
Terrain
Users'
rating
1. Start in the centre of Abernethy. There is a small car park just to the north signed from the main street. At the centre of Abernethy stands the tower, one of only two remaining Irish celtic style round towers in Scotland, thought to have been built in the late 11th century. It is possible to borrow the impressively large key from the tea room opposite and climb the spiral staircase to reach the top and admire the view. Be warned that the bell at the top of the tower still chimes the hour which can seem very loud in such a confined space.
2. Further information and exhibits about the history of the area can be found at the Abernethy Museum just down the narrow street past the tea room - it is open afternoons, Thursday to Sunday in the summer months. From the tower walk across the square, bearing left and then turning right up Kirk Wynd. Follow the narrow road past the houses and old church until it becomes a rough track signed for Witches Road, path to Craigden. Follow the track uphill, keeping left at a fork. Soon the path narrows and continues climbing uphill signed for Craigden.
3. As the path follows a fence on the right, there are good views to the fort at Castle Law which it is possible to climb later in the walk. Continue along the path through the trees and climb down wooden steps towards a bridge at the bottom of the Dell of Abernethy. Don't cross the bridge but continue upstream on the clear path. Eventually the path emerges onto a minor road at Craigden.
4. Turn right and follow the road, passing horse-grazing fields on either side. Where the road starts to head downhill there is a signed path on the left for Castle Law. Head up this to take a short, but steep, detour up to the remains of a fort and a great viewpoint over Abernethy and the surrounding countryside. From the top return by the same route back to the road.
5. Continue down the road until a sign indicates the Rough Glen path to Abernethy on the right. Follow the short tarmaced section and then the narrow path, passing a bench. The path passes through hedgerows before bearing right onto a track.
6. The track heads gently downhill and reaches the road into Abernethy. Turn right here and pass the Corner Shop to follow the road round to the right and then left back to the centre of Abernethy.
Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing?
Please let us know by using the error report form.
