This pleasant circular walk climbs through forestry and gives excellent views over Strathdon.
Steep path then forestry tracks, partially waymarked.
Limited (school times only) bus to Bellabeg.
Bellabeg.
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Take the turning signed 'Lost' on the west side of the river in Bellabeg (not the one signed 'Lost Gallery'). There is a parking area on the right hand side. From here walk back to the main road past the war memorial, then turn left, crossing the bridge over the river Don. Pass the shop and ignore the left turning, continuing along the main road. A green signpost indicates where a path turns off left (ignore the other wooden footpath sign) - climbing directly up the hillside with a fence on your left. There are good views back over Bellabeg - the main cluster of houses in Strathdon - as you climb.
Eventually a forestry track is reached, turn left along this. The track continues to climb but gently, soon passing a mast. A short distance beyond is a bench with a superb view of the upper reaches of Strathdon. Continue - ignoring a waymarked path off left, and instead keep to the track ahead.
It soon swings sharply to the right. After this, continue along the track as it cuts back across the hillside, ignoring any branches off to the left. After 1.1km from the bend, turn right onto a grassier track leading downhill. After 350m follow it as it turns sharp right.
The track nears a fenced section of the plantations and swings left again, descending once more. Continue down until a t-junction above the houses at Forbestown. Turn right here, then keep straight ahead - slightly uphill to stay above the houses - when you meet a track coming in from the left. Pass a barrier, and look out for a signpost indicating a grassy path forking off left. This leads back to Bellabeg where you first left the road - retrace your steps from here back to the start.
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