This combination of two waymarked walks climbs through Glenmulliach forest and on upwards to a moorland viewpoint overlooking Tomintoul and the surrounding hills. The return leg heads deeper into mixed woodland and passes a wildlife hide.
Waymarked path and tracks, steep with steps in places
None to start.
Parking at Glenmulliach forest.
Start the walk from the Glenmulliach Forest car park, part of the Glenlivet Estate. Begin by heading up the track, signed for both the Viewpoint and Nature Trail. After 300m ignore a track turning sharp right (to a house) and keep ahead. Another track junction is reached a short distance further along; this time, turn right. This part of the route is only waymarked in the reverse direction - our route combines both the Viewpoint walk and Nature Trail which means doing in the opposite direction. After a further 300m or so there's another junction - this time turn left on a track climbing uphill. The track has open views over felled areas flanking the glen of the Allt Mulliach down to the left.
Eventually it reaches a t-junction. You'll return to this point, but first turn right to make a detour to visit the moorland viewpoint. Pass a small pool used as a water resource in case of forest fires and go through a gate and continue uphill. The track now climbs through open heather moorland. Turn right at a junction and head uphill, with great views looking back.
After 600m from the junction there is a viewpoint with bench and indicator on the right hand side. Here you can see the names of the hills, farms and villages visible from here. From the viewpoint retrace your steps back down the track junction in the forest; this time keep ahead to make a return on the north side of the Allt Mulliach.
After half a kilometre a signed path ('Nature Trail') goes off on the right - take this turning and follow the path into the trees.
After a while a wooden hide is reached on your right. The hide overlooks the glen where the forestry has been thinned and in some places cleared and replanted with native species to try and increase the biodiversity of the area. There are leaflets inside the hide of the animals and birds that you may spot.
Beyond the hide continue on the path through the forest. It eventually descends to reach a path junction - turn left here. The path now descends further, initially alongside a fence and later in zig-zags down to a footbridge. Just beyond the footbridge the outward track is rejoined - turn right along this and follow it back to the car parking area at the start.
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