Pass the impressive Doune of Invernochty, with the chance to detour to the top of the large mound, before continuing on a well built path which also serves as a walking route for the local primary school. Pass through mature trees to give views over Strath Don before returning by the same route.
Clear paths, optional ascent of castle is on steep grass.
Limited (school times only) bus to Bellabeg.
Bellabeg.
There is a parking area at start of the walk, off the road to Lost, behind the war memorial. On the opposite side of the road there is an information board about the Doune of Invernochty and a walk signpost. The Doune is one of the best examples of a Motte and Bailey castle in Scotland. It was originally built as the principle castle of the Earl of Mar and was used until the large stone castle at Kildrummy was built in the 13th century.
Follow the clear path along the line of trees, planted as a memorial to the 42 Strathdon men who lost their lives during the two World Wars. Just before a boardwalk, you can detour to the left to view the castle and climb up it by going through the kissing gate and following a faint and steep path up to the top. The mound is natural, formed from glacial rock and gravel. It has however been shaped by occupants since Pictish times. In the 12th century it was made into a classic motte and bailey design, with the Water of Bardock Burn re-routed to form the moat and a wooden palisade and watchtower built on top alongside the older chuch.
Once you have explored the Doune, continue along the boardwalk and over a small bridge, soon passing a pond on your left. The path soon forks - keep to the left branch (the right is used on the return), heading into the trees. Eventually the primary school is seen to your left and a cross-paths is reached - continue ahead.
The path winds through the trees, and bears right (marker post) to stay in the trees when there's a gate to a field ahead. Ignore a fainter path off right (which can again be used on the return). When the path emerges from the trees, it continues ahead to Roughpark and the road. Instead turn sharp right, slightly uphill on a wide grassy path, forking right after after just over 100m to descend back to the outward path.
Turn left here to retrace your steps back towards the school. At the cross-paths you can vary the return by turning left uphill. Don't go through the gate, following the path as it swings right, with a fence on your left. Soon it descends a zig-zag and rejoins the outward route. Bear left to had back past the Doune to return to the start at Bellabeg.
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