Head past the Loch of Aboyne and through the woods beyond to climb the steep wooded hill of Mortlich. The descent returns through forest and gives views of Aboyne Castle.
Minor road, short section on golf course, woodland paths and tracks. Final climb to Mortlich is steep.
Buses to Aboyne.
Aboyne.
Start in the centre of Aboyne where there is a car park on the main A93 outside the row of shops. From here cross the main road to the public toilets, then turn right to follow the pavement and verge past the entrance to Aboyne Castle and over the Tarland Burn. Next keep left onto Ballater Road, a residential street running parallel to the A93. Take the next left up Golf Road. As the road bends right continue straight ahead on the narrow road which soon leads to the golf course. Keep straight ahead and when the driveway curves right towards the clubhouse, continue ahead on the track.
When the path forks follow the main right branch which leads across the golf course - take care and give way to any golfers playing shots. The track comes close to the Loch of Aboyne and curves left. Continue by the loch shores, and fork right onto a path just before a large pine tree; the path leads to a stile.
Cross the stile, and very shortly afterwards turn left onto a path that leaves the loch and climbs through the trees. It can be a little boggy in one or two spots, but the scattered deciduous woodland is a delight. Eventually the path turns left when there are broken bits of fence ahead. It continues up through the trees until reaching a conifer plantation.
Here the path turns right, soon reaching a kissing gate. Pass through and continue until a t-junction. You'll return here on the descent, but for now turn right; the route begins the steep climb up the slopes of Mortlich, with denser trees to the left. Keep following the path, and the views back start to be extensive over Deeside as height is gained. Go through a gate to continue the uphill climb, now through the trees. The large summit cairn is seen across a broken down fence. This is the site of a Pictish fort, a carved stone records that the cairn was erected for the 10th Marquis of Huntly who died in 1863.
Retrace your steps back down to the junction mentioned at the start of the previous stage. There are great views over Deeside on the way down. When back at the junction, ignore the outward path (which is left) and instead continue ahead to pass through a gate.
The path continues through the trees until it emerges at a forest track - turn left along this. At the next track junction, keep straight ahead. The route descends with views to Morven seen ahead. When the main track swings right, go straight on, then turn left (basically cutting a corner). Continue along the track, which eventually becomes a path and curves right, descending to reach a footbridge.
Cross the bridge and continue to the road beyond. Cross the road and take the path opposite, then turn left parallel to the road and wind through the woods. Eventually it climbs away from the road a little to a track - turn left along this. Continue down until the track reaches housing on the edge of Aboyne. Here turn left, crossing the road and going through the gateway into the Aboyne Castle grounds opposite. A tarmac lane leads through an avenue of trees. Keep ahead at a crossroads (the 'Coo Cathedral' business centre is seen off left). Further on, there are views to 13th century Aboyne Castle itself over to the left - this remains a private home. Pass through a gateway and then turn right, following the lane beside the burn. This re-emerges on the A93 - the start car park is just to the right.
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