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 ascent of Castle Law - the site of an iron age fort and a superb viewpoint.
Good clear paths; steep and rougher on Castle Law.
Bus service to Abernethy.
Abernethy village centre.
Start in the centre of Abernethy. There is a small car park just to the north signed from the main street. At the centre of Abernethy 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 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.
Further information and exhibits about the history of the area can be found at the Abernethy Museum just down the narrow street past the tea room - it is open afternoons, Wednesday to Sunday in the summer months. 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.
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 broader 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.
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. Don't cross the bridge but turn left to continue upstream on the clear path. Eventually the path emerges onto a minor road at Craigden.
Turn right and follow the road, passing horse-grazing fields on either side. Ignore a tarred lane on the left signed for Castle Law, continuing a little further and when the road starts to head downhill. For the detour up Castle Law (which can be omitted to avoid a steep ascent) - turn left on a signed path. 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.
The path directly opposite returns to Abernethy Glen, but our route turns left to continue down the road until a sign indicates the Rough Glen path to Abernethy on the right. Follow the short tarmaced section and then the narrow path, passing a bench. The path passes through hedgerows before bearing right onto a track.
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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