free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
So 2014 hasn't exactly been a good year for getting into the hills for us, so we decided that we would explore our home county of Aberdeenshire and find some really nice, low-level walks around the forests and farms of this region. Our first walk took us to Kemnay and a ruined Bishop's Palace.
If travelling by car, park at this car park on Aquithie Road, or if travelling by bus, take the X20 or 420 from Aberdeen and get off at the stop at this car park.
Begin by walking towards the Co-op, being careful on this side of the road as the footpath disappears for a few meters near the turn off to Fetternear. You get to a signpost that indicates Fetternear to the right. Follow the road all the way to the very end and turn right over a bridge that crosses the River Don where there are some spectacular views.
Staying on the right hand footpath, take the first driveway on the right and enter through the gates of the Fetternear Estate.
The path here is very good as it is a tarred road along this section. You catch fleeting glimpses of the River Don to the right.
After a few minutes, there is a path that crosses a stream to the right. Ignore this path and carry straight on towards Fetternear Palace. This path will be returned to a little bit later as it begins the circular part of this walk.
You can start to see Fetternear Palace through the magnificent trees ahead. The canopy full of songbirds.
At the next junction, turn right and you are greeted by the ruins of Fetternear Palace. An information sign tells you its history. Due to its condition, you are unable to enter this building.
Retrace your steps back along the track and turn left before reaching the previous junction and turn left onto a slightly muddy path.
After a few hundred metres, bear right at this tree and rejoin another path.
This path will take you all the way to a road which begins your return to Kemnay. Ignore all paths left and right. Eventually you pass a run down shed on the right.
The path soon passes high above the River Don and you eventually reach a wooden gate. You can either open the gate and pass through, or head slightly left and make a tiny step over a wire fence.
This is a lovely section, passing some paddocks and walking on soft grass. There is another gate to pass through, but you can pass it without opening it by jumping across the wooden planks on the right. Passing down a driveway of a house, turn right onto the single track road.
The River Don is now on your left hand side. It is a good place to spot Heron's as they stand gracefully in the water looking for something to eat. Follow the road as it heads slightly downhill and a suspension bridge appears right before you. Cross this bridge and head up the steep, but short steps to the road on the other side.
This single track road is lovely and peaceful. You are high above the River Don on the right hand side and paddocks on the left. Follow this path all the way along as it turns left by Mill Farm.
At the next junction you need to turn right.
Take some time to explore the two lochans either side of the road. The eastern loch seems to have more birdlife and there are hides at each one. The key can be collected for the hides by calling the number on the door and arranging collection from Mill Farm.
Follow this road as it winds it way along past some houses on the right and you eventually reach Aquithie Road, the main road you start on in Kemnay. Turn right and follow this road along past an Arnold Clark dealer and back to the car park.
