Deeside Way 4: Aboyne to Ballater

Summary

The final section of the Deeside Way continues along the old railway line through woods and farmland with open views towards Ballater and the mountains beyond. It passes Dinnet and the pretty Cambus o'May Bridge over the Dee but is often fairly close to the busy A93.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Almost flat, good path, waymarked, shared cycle route.

Getting there

Start

Aboyne Victory Hall.

Public Transport

Aboyne, Dinnet and Ballater are all linked by regular bus service along the A93.

Start Grid Ref

NO528985

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 17.8km / 11 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4 hours
Ascent: 120m (Profile)

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OL59 Aboyne

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

Leave Aboyne by taking the signed path just west of the Victory Hall (War Memorial Buildings) on the far side of the A93 to the shops and parking area in the centre of the village. Keep left to head down onto the old Deeside Line and follow this through a tree-lined cutting and over a minor road to reach a track on the edge of the houses, turn left here and before the A93 turn right onto a path which soon returns to the old railway.

Stage 2

The route crosses the A93 and there are views of the River Dee and the path soon widens and there are more open views before a layby with picnic tables. Cross this and continue ahead, passing a gliding club to your left. Follow the path as it skirts a house, passes fenced farmland and comes close to the river again.

Stage 3

The route now enters woodland. Go straight across a couple of access tracks and pass some houses on your left. The path soon skirts to the left of a garage and passes between the old platforms of the old Dinnet Station, now surrounded by tall pines. Go straight across the road (Dinnet which has a hotel and bus stop is just to the right) and continue on the old railway.

Stage 4

The route now passes through the birch trees and heather of the Muir of Dinnet nature reserve as the route slowly draws closer to the Cairngorms. Eventually the tiny old station at Cambus o'May is reached.

Stage 5

Next up is the picturesque Cambus o'May suspension bridge where there is a picnic table. The bridge was built in 1905 at the spot where a much older ferry service once ran. Funds for the bridge were provided by the estate of local man Alexander Gordon. The bridge was severely damaged by a storm in 2015 and closed for 6 years until it could be repaired. Don't cross the bridge, instead continue upstream, soon passing a pink and stone cottage.

Stage 6

There are glimpses of the river (an alternative path nearer the river is possible for a short section as an alternative, or you can detour a couple of steps to a fishing hut with a good river view) otherwise the route continues through birch trees near the A93 before reaching the Cambus o'May Cheese centre which has a seasonal cafe (note the stone cheese press on the route). Pass this and continue ahead at the entrance to Drylea Farm.

Stage 7

The straight route continues on the final approach to Ballater, with the option to detour slightly to the right to visit the ancient church ruin at Tullich. At the far end of the graveyard a range of carved Pictish and medieval stones are displayed; the church itself dates from around 1400 although it is believed there was a church here as early as the 7th century AD. Local folklore suggests the circular wall ensured there was no hiding place for the devil. Continuing on the Deeside Way, descend to cross the A93 and soon after this the first houses of Ballater are reached. Go straight across at the residential road to follow a pathway past houses and the old platform before a sign indicates a turn left up steps to emerge at the front of the old station in Ballater now a cafe and information centre.

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