Drummuir Castle Estate and Lochpark

Summary

This walk through the estate surrounding Drummuir Castle follows trails and tracks waymarked by a local group. It passes through a mix of farmland, pleasant woods and forest tracks above attractive man-made Loch Park.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Waymarked paths and tracks throughout.

Getting there

Start

Botriphnie Church, Drummuir.

Public Transport

Drummuir has a station on the (summer) Keith - Dufftown heritage railway as well as the local bus between Dufftown and Keith.

Start Grid Ref

NJ375441

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 7.75km / 4.75 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 139m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (5)

Stage 1

To reach Botriphnie Church from Drummuir village, take the minor road which branches off N and then turn right over the railline; the parking and church are then down the next lane on the left. The new church here was built in 1820 but the ruins of an earlier church are in the graveyard. The walk begins from the parking area to the left of the driveway track - and is signed 'Footpath'. It crosses a footbridge and then runs briefly beside the heritage railway before veering right. Eventually it meets a rough track - go straight across on the waymarked path.

Stage 2

The path leads through the trees and across a footbridge before rejoining the track again. Soon a junction of tracks is reached; you will return to this point later in the walk and head up to the right towards Westerton, but for now continue straight ahead on the track opposite. Soon turn left to cross a footbridge and follow the path which goes round the back of a salmon hatchery. Beyond this it rejoins the track; continue along this.

Stage 3

The track reaches the buildings of the Loch Park Adventure Centre - pass between these. Cross the road here and continue ahead, but ignore the Isla Way footpath sign on the uphill road, instead taking the level track that keeps above the shores of the loch. Loch Park was created in the nineteenth century as part of the landscaping of the Drummuir Castle estate; the track is muddy underfoot at times but does give beautiful views across the water.

Stage 4

Almost at the far end of the loch turn sharp right on a wide grassy path that cuts back uphill. Ascend this path - it can be wet underfoot at times. Keep ahead when another track joins from the left and continue until a minor road is reached. Go straight ahead down this road; it leads back to the outdoor centre at Loch Park. Retrace your steps back to the Westerton turning mentioned earlier, heading back between the outdoor centre buildings and along the track to reach it. Now turn left uphill towards Westerton.

Stage 5

Pass one house, and when the farmhouse itself is reached turn sharp right on a track that slopes down to the burn. Cross this on stepping stones and follow the track which sweeps round to the right and then left, eventually passing an estate cottage. There are glimpses of the extremely grand Drummuir Castle - a stately home now used by drinks giant Diageo for corporate events - off to the right.

Stage 6

Continue ahead until a minor road is reached at a bend; turn right here and follow this downhill. Ignore the Isla Way which turns off to the left (for Keith) near the bottom, and pass a gatehouse for Drummuir Castle. The turning for the church and car park is the next on the right.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Dufftown & Aberlour Hotels

Dufftown & Aberlour B&B

Dufftown & Aberlour cottages

Moray hostels

Glamping and Camping

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