This pleasant circuit takes in a viewpoint popularised by Queen Victoria and a lovely valley walk with good views. The walk can also be completed from the centre of Tomintoul by walking 1km along the minor road to the start.
Bog Factor
Paths, tracks and minor road, fairly flat.
Parking off minor road south west of Tomintoul.
Bus to Tomintoul.
NJ164176
Start the walk from the parking area just off the minor road that heads south west from teh southern end Tomintoul signed for Delnabo. Take the left fork before the road heads steeply downhill to reach the car park. Start the walk by following the track at the end of the car park and very soon, after a gate, take the signed detour up steps to the left to reach the Queen's viewpoint. Here Queen Victoria stopped to admire the view on one of her expeditions from Balmoral in 1860. This would have been on horseback from Balmoral to Grantown via Glen Feshie and then the next day back to Balmoral via Tomintoul and Glen Avon. After admiring the viewpoint return to the main track and turn left.
There are fine views across the valley to Delnabo House and to the heather moorland behind. In late summer the moor is a mass of purple flowers and at other times of year the effect of the management of the moor for grouse shooting can be seen in the striped patterns and the lack of taller vegetation on the slopes.
Follow the track as it passes above a house at Keppoch, keeping on the higher track, and continue along the side of the glen, crossing a stream on a bridge. Looking up the glen, the tors of Ben Avon can be seen in the far distance.
The track goes through sparse birch wood before dropping down to reach a tarmac track. Turn right here to reach the river, crossing the bridge and continuing straight ahead; turn right on the track to pass between a house and barn. The track rises slightly and passes a house on the right before reaching the end of the public road. Go past the cattle grid and follow the road through farmland.
The road passes the impressive house at Delnabo and turns sharp right to run alongside the River Avon. Soon the bridge is reached, turn right and climb back up the steep hill on the other side and then turn right again to return to the parking area. If returning to Tomintoul go straight ahead on this road until you reach the village.
This website and app are run by 'Walkhighlands for All' - a not-for-profit set up to serve walkers' needs.
We rely on the generosity of our users - can you help?
