Auchtavan clachan from Inver

Summary

Set on heather moorland on the flanks of Glen Feardar, Auchtavan is a well-preserved example of a clachan or fermtoun (hamlet), with three buildings restored. It's a great destination for a walk and perhaps a picnic, with a superb outlook over Lochnagar - which made it a favourite of the Queen Mother.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Tarmac lane then landrover tracks.

Getting there

Start

Layby at Inver.

Public Transport

Buses between Braemar and Aberdeen call at Inver.

Start Grid Ref

NO234938

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 11km / 6.75 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 250m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

The walk begins from Inver, where there is a large layby on the south side of the A93. Begin by heading along the verge towards Braemar very briefly before crossing the road with care to take the minor road off on the right, signed for Aberarder. Follow this tarmac lane as it comes alongside the river, swings left to cross it via a bridge and then passes a converted former church.

Stage 2

At the end of the tarmac road continue ahead through a gate on a landrover track, signed as a public footpath to Auchtavan. There are good views across the glen on the right. Keep on the main track at a fork (keeping right); the track leads across the floor of the glen. At a junction ignore the lesser track ahead towards a bridge, instead following the main track which turns right. Take the left hand track behind the house at Balnoe. After a gate the track climbs a little and passes behind a derelict house before descending towards the farm at Balmore.

Stage 3

At Balmore ignore the main tracks left and right, instead going straight ahead through a gate onto a grassier track. This soon crosses a wooden bridge and then swings left to begin climbing through attractive woodland. The old miller's house at Ratlich is out of sight down the slope to the left (info post). The track climbs more steeply beyond this and reaches a junction - stay on the main track to the left.

Stage 4

The track undulates and later finally climbs clear of the trees. The first ruins of Auchtavan are tumbledown walls, but soon the track descends to reach three restored buildings. The first (locked) house on the left was built early in the 20th century, and was later leased as a picnic spot by the Queen Mother, who loved this spot. Just beyond it is the horse mill - which has a covered picnic table inside and more outside from which to enjoy the stunning views across Deeside to Lochnagar.

Stage 5

The third cottage on the other side of the track is a cruck house, known as 'Hingin' Lum cottage' due to its wooden fireplace canopy (it is kept locked). To return to the start it is best to retrace your steps. It is possible to take a higher route from the junction at the end of Stage 4 using tracks round the far side of Creag Bheag, but these have become very overgrown in places and impeded by fallen trees, so we recommend going back to the same way.

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