This circular waymarked walk explores the woods and fields on the east side of Tarland, the heart of the Howe of Cromar.
Woodland paths and minor roads.
Limited service from Banchory / Torphins, week days only.
Tarland, square.
Start from the square in the centre of Tarland, and take the main Aberdeen road northwards along the side of the Aberdeen Arms hotel. Continue along this main road as it bends to the right, but when it bends back to the left continue ahead onto Cromar Drive - also signed for the Alastrean Circular walk. The whole circuit is marked in green from here. Follow the road past the impressive church and then take the marked path left into the woods.
Keep straight ahead when the path meets another in the pinewoods - and remember to keep following the green waymarker arrows as the darker coloured ones are for a different route. Turn right at the next junction, and straight ahead at two more junctions. Just before the path reaches a track, take a path on the left that runs parallel to the track. Go straight ahead when it crosses a drive, and then left on a track near the edge of the trees. When this track turns left go straight ahead towards a footbridge at the start of fields.
Cross the bridge and go along the path directly ahead between the newly-planted hedgerows. Eventually the path curves right and heads towards the edge of a small wood. A large, curved stone seat stands here and provides a great spot for a break to admire the views. Continue through the gate into the wood to reach a tarred lane, and turn right along this. Follow the lane as it curves right and then left to pass the farmhouse at Oldtown of Kincraigie.
Continue along the lane downhill until it eventually meets a minor road at a T-junction. Turn right here and follow the road through the rich farmland to return to Tarland beside a ruined church.
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