Crathes Castle and the River Dee from Banchory

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.

Terrain

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

Public Transport

Buses to Banchory and Milton of Crathes.

Start

Banchory; Bellfield car park on Dee Street. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 8.25km / 5.25 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 57m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NO697955

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Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a large car park (Bellfield) on the east side of Dee Street in Banchory; part of it is pay-and-display but at the time of writing there was a free section furthest from the High Street. Begin the walk by turning left down Dee Street, and then turn left onto the lane that runs past the King George V Park and Pavilion; there are playing fields on the right at first, and soon a park on the left. At the T-junction at the end turn briefly left and then immediately second right - onto a path (first right is a track alongside). This 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. Bear right through a parking area and, further on, descend some steps on the right to reach a concrete walkway alongside the mighty River Dee. 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 cycleway which follows the route of the old Deeside Railway line. Keep left to pass behind a fishing hut and continue along the line, which is now also the route of the Deeside Way. On the next section it is possible to get closer to the river at several points by following rougher paths atop the river bank itself, but a couple of streams necessitate returning to the rail-line in any case. When the woods end and the path reaches an open field you can opt to veer right and follow the river bank closely, passing above another fishing hut. As the buildings at Birkenbaud are reached, head around these on the track to the left.

Stage 3

Once beyond the buildings you can either stay on the cycle route, or take the track back to the waters edge, passing yet another fishermen's hut and through a gate. If taking the latter option, continue along the length of the next field until a dog-leg left is necessary. In the following field you have to bear left eventually to rejoin the cycle route beside the railway line before reaching Milton of Crathes craft village. This part of the line has been restored and a local group plan to eventually run trains through to Banchory. A track leads on the left to the main road at this point, where there is a bus 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.

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