This country walk passes through arable fields and several plantations, collectively known as the Forest of Deer. The highlight is the Pitfour Observatory, a viewing tower in Drinnies Wood which is open in the summer months.
Bog Factor
Easy forestry tracks and minor road.
Drinnies Wood car park.
None to start, nearest bus Fetterangus 1.5km from start.
NJ973505
The walk begins from the car park in Drinnie's Wood, around 1km west of Fetterangus on the left side of the minor road past the Den o'Howie. Begin the walk by following the wide forest path to the south between the densely-planted conifers. Ignore a first path off right into the trees. After just over 500m a track on the right enables a brief detour to visit the Observatory. This is usually open in the summer months, with a lower viewing area reached via a short stair but the upper deck reached via an inner spiral-staircase. From here there are excellent views over the Forest of Deer and the surrounding countryside. The tower was built by Admiral Ferguson of Pitfour, once the owner of the estate. The grand Pitfour House, once the centrepiece of the estate, was demolished in 1928 and the stone used for a housing scheme in Aberdeen.
Return back down to the main path and continue along it to the right. When it meets a larger track turn right, ignore a smaller track coming in from the left, then keep left at a fork - staying on the main track. Soon the plantations on the left are replaced by a field; the main track goes left at a crossroads here, but to continue our walk go straight ahead. At the far corner of the field the track leads into Loudon Wood - these plantations were felled in 2023 but replanted. Keep on the main track, curving right at one point.
Eventually the track passes through a gate and reach a minor road just beyond; turn right along this. The road passes through open, farming countryside before reaching more plantations on the left.
To the left is a car park for White Cow wood; the walk could be extended by following a loop track through this. Otherwise take the track off the right hand side of the road. The track heads dead straight through an area felled in 2023, descending and then climbing to reach a t-junction; turn right here.
The track here runs along the edge of the forest; it was once part of a racecourse built by Admiral Ferguson and dubbed 'the Ascot of the North'. Continue along the track until it eventually reaches a t-junction - turn right here and continue between fields; the track soon becomes tarred. Eventually the minor road bends left and leads back to the car park at Drinnies Wood and the start of the walk.
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