Crathes Castle and the River Dee from Banchory

Summary

This linear walk follows the course of the mighty - and beautiful - River Dee for much of its length between Banchory and the Milton of Crathes craft village. Crathes Castle can then be easily visited by a detour, before catching a bus back from Milton to Banchory.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Riverside paths and cycle route. The route assumes a bus is taken back to Banchory from Milton of Crathes

Getting there

Start

King George V Park, Banchory.

Public Transport

Buses to Banchory and Milton of Crathes.

Start Grid Ref

NO697955

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 8km / 5 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 65m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

Take the lane signed for King George V park off the east side of Dee Street in Banchory; there is parking along the right hand side. Begin the walk by continuing along this lane; there are playing fields on the right a park on the left. At the far end turn briefly left and then immediately right, signed for the Deeside Way. The path soon passes under a box bridge and emerges in a residential estate. Turn right and follow a path which curves round the back of the houses. Pass around a parking area and, further on, descend some steps on the right to reach a walkway alongside the mighty River Dee - signed as the Platties. Continue along this, heading downriver.

Stage 2

Further on follow the tarred path as it veers left slightly away from the river, and then turn right along the Deeside Way cycleway which follows the route of the old Deeside Railway line. On the next section it is possible to get closer to the river at several points by following rougher paths beside the river, but eventually it becomes better to stick to the cycleway itself.

Stage 3

Eventually a restored section of railway is reached (on your left) and the path reaches the old station at Milton of Crathes. Follow the path to the car park; Milton of Crathes craft village is just beyond. A track leads on the left to the main road at this point, where there is a bus stop and shelter. This is used for the return journey to Banchory, but before waiting for the bus it is worth continuing the walk to visit Crathes Castle.

Stage 4

Turn right and head through the courtyard of the craft village. There are several businesses here, including a restaurant. Beyond the courtyard take the path / track to the left; this soon passes underneath the A93 to reach the entrance drive to Crathes Castle. Turn right to head through the gates, and then look out for a board indicating the start of a path on the left that avoids the cars on the approach to the castle. The path is waymarked with white arrows to avoid confusion with other waymarked trails on the estate.

Stage 5

The path largely runs parallel to the road and later a track; keep directly ahead until a clear white arrow indicates the point at which to turn right. This emerges on a rough lane; follow this to the left for the final approach to Crathes Castle. This magnificent 16th century tower house is one of the finest attractions in the region, whilst on the right the amazing series of walled gardens are a major draw (admission charge for both castle and walled garden). Another option from here is to follow one of the Crathes Estate waymarked walks. After enjoying the castle and grounds, return to Milton of Crathes craft village and the bus shelter on the main road for a bus back to Banchory.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Stonehaven Hotels

Aberdeenshire B&B

Stonehaven cottages

Aberdeenshire hostels

Glamping and Camping

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