Abernethy Glen and Castle Law, Abernethy

Summary

Climb the ancient round tower in the heart of the pretty village of Abernethy before heading off on this short circular route around the local glen. The walk includes the optional steep ascent of Castle Law - the site of an iron age fort and a superb viewpoint.

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Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Good clear paths, fair amount of up and down. Steep and rougher on Castle Law (can be omitted).

Getting there

Start

Inn Close carpark, Abernethy village centre.

Public Transport

Bus service to Abernethy.

Start Grid Ref

NO189162

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.6km / 2.75 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 250m (Profile)

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Explorer 370 - Glenrothes

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

Start in the centre of Abernethy. The small Inn Close car park is just to the north signed from the main street in the centre of Abernethy. Walk back to the main street and turn right, passing the shop, to reach the small centre square where there is a cafe. Here stands the tower, one of only two remaining Irish celtic style round towers in Scotland, thought to have been built in the late 11th century. It is possible to get the key from the local museum (just down the road to the left of the tower) and climb the spiral staircase to reach the top and admire the view. Be warned that the bell at the top of the tower still chimes the hour which can seem very loud in such a confined space.

Stage 2

Further information and exhibits about the history of the area can be found at the Abernethy Museum which is open for limited hours in the summer. From the tower walk across the square, bearing left and then turning right up Kirk Wynd (signed as path to Glen Road). Follow the narrow road past the houses and old church.

Stage 3

Further on it becomes a rough track signed for Witches Road path to Craigden. Follow the track uphill, keeping left at a fork, signed Abernethy Glen. Soon a junction is reached - bear right here onto a narrower path signed for Abernethy Glen circular, ignoring routes left and right. As the path follows a fence on the right, there are good views to the fort at Castle Law which it is possible to climb later in the walk.

Stage 4

Continue along the path through the trees. Eventually the path heads down wooden steps towards a bridge at the bottom of the Dell of Abernethy. Cross the bridge and climb the steps on the far side signed Castlelaw and Rough Glen. At the top of the steps go through the kissing gate and follow the path alongside the fence. At the next junction turn left and head uphill signed Castlelaw and Rough Glen.

Stage 5

When it emerges at the road take the lane opposite and then immediately the path on the left for the detour up Castle Law (which can be omitted to avoid a steep ascent). The initially grassy path soon climbs to give good views over Abernethy. A signpost indicates where to turn left to continue the upper, steeper section. The path swings left and right - keep left on the main path when it forks. Eventually the scant remains of the old fort are reached, together with a large cairn with sensational views. From the top return by the same route back to the road.

Stage 6

Turn left to continue down the road until a sign indicates the Rough Glen path to Abernethy on the right. Follow the short surfaced section and then the narrow path, passing a bench. The path passes through hedgerows before bearing right onto a track.

Stage 7

The track heads gently downhill and reaches the road into Abernethy. Turn right here to follow the road round to the right and then left back to the centre of Abernethy.

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