Ley Way, Crathes Castle

Summary

The longest of thee waymarked woodland walks in the parkland of Crathes Castle, this route - also known as the Red Squirrel trail - takes in a variety of woodland as well as countryside views and passing the castle and famous gardens. There is a charge for parking.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Waymarked paths, some narrow and rough underfoot.

Getting there

Start

Crathes Castle, near Banchory.

Public Transport

Regular bus from Banchory and Aberdeen stops at Castle entrance (1km from start).

Start Grid Ref

NO735968

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.75km / 4.25 miles
Time: 2 hours
Ascent: 114m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

Crathes Castle is just east of Banchory off the A93. As well as the magnificent 16th century tower house and formal gardens brimming with summer flowering borders and ancient topiary, the parkland has a number of waymarked trails. The Ley Walk (or Red Squirrel Trail) is the longest, taking in a variety of woodland and parkland. The estate also has a very good adventure playground (charge) and cafe. There is a parking charge. Start the walk from the visitor entrance to the castle and take the main (widest) path on the right hand side of the grassy area in front as you stand with your back to the castle.

Stage 2

Almost immediately the path forks, take the right branch, with red waymarkers. Just before the trees there's a pine marten sculpture. Turn left here and head into the woodland, soon branching right onto a narrower path and then heading up steps next to a large rock wall with trees growing out of it. Head straight across the driveway to the castle to enter an area known as Caroline's Garden. Stay on the main path to pass a bench; eventually the path bears left. When a track is reached, turn right along it.

Stage 3

Before reaching a bench turn right onto a woodland path, keep an eye out for the red markers as it meanders through fir trees to reach a track, turn right here. At a junction (note the specimen Japanese fir tree on the left) branch left and follow the waymarkers as the path winds through the trees. Eventually cross a surfaced lane, passing under some of the Go Ape tree course.

Stage 4

Further on the adventure play area is seen on the right; bear left here along a track. Soon branch right onto a waymarked path. It eventually rejoins the track and then, at an otter sculpture, forks off again - this time on the left side. The routes soon rejoin and the path heads into an extensive woodland. Keep on the main path; eventually it comes nearer to a burn and keeps to the right of it. When there are steps turn left down them and continue beside the burn.

Stage 5

Follow a long stretch of boardwalk which elevates the path above the wet ground and provides a good spot to look for wood anemones and wood sorrel as well as the woodpeckers and the many smaller birds that live in this woodland. Soon turn left to cross a bridge over the Coy Burn and follow the path to another junction where you bear left; soon the path swings back right. Another section of boardwalk passes alongside the water before the route heads back into denser woodland with a signed right turn at a fork at a large pine tree leading to views over the mill pond. Eventually cross a bridge over the pond outflow and pass the fish ladder which allows fish to pass through the barrier of the mill pond dam.

Stage 6

At a fork keep right to follow the west side of the pond where there are benches and then head left up through the trees and cross the castle driveway. Keep following the red markers as you cross a wider path into dense trees. Head down steps through birch trees and bear right at more open ground and then up steps and turn left onto a wider path.

Stage 7

Keep following the red waymarkers to pass the estate cemetery. Continue past a squirrel sculpture before finally returning to the grassy area in front of the castle.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Stonehaven Hotels

Aberdeenshire B&B

Stonehaven cottages

Aberdeenshire hostels

Glamping and Camping

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