The Fetternear & Shaking Brig Circuit, Kemnay

Distance: 5 miles Time: 2 – 2½ hrs Level: Easy with some elevation Terrain: Pavement, tarred road, woodland track and grass track. Access: Arrive by car, parking available at the car park on Aquithie Road, AB51 5SS. There are several buses that have drop off and pick ups in Kemnav. check out more details online.

This beautiful walk starts off in the village of Kemnay before heading into the Aberdeenshire countryside with some hidden treasures along the way. Starting the walk from the village car park take a right along Aquithie Road, then take the next right down Bridge road. Head straight along Bridge Road till you get to the junction of riverside road take a right here and go over the bridge, you will soon find the gates to Fetternear on your right.

Go through the gates then pass by the gate house and follow the road with the River Don on your right hand side.

The river will turn to the right, shortly after the track will turn left. You will come to a marker post directing you over the bridge to the Shakin Brig but first carry on going straight on to find the Bishops Palace.

Bishop’s Palace is a large medieval ruin on Fetterhear Estate. The palace was originally built in the early 1200’s by Bishop Ramsay of Aberdeen for the Bishops’ of Aberdeen. It underwent several remodelling and enlargement over the centuries. In 1550 the palace became the seat of the Leslie family, a fire in 1919 made it no longer habitable and now stands fenced and only viewable from the front.

Leaving the palace, retrace your steps back to the marker post directing you to Shakin Brig, here you will enjoy the beautiful countryside, about ¾ miles along the track you will see an opening to the right and an old dry-stone wall.

Follow the track and vou will find the ruined remains of St Ninian’s chapel dating back to 1878 the present chapel was built on top of the ancient foundations of the original chapel that dates back to the 12th century. There is a small graveyard with some very old gravestones.

Back on the track again keep going straight on, you will soon get closer to the edge of the river and the Shakin Brig will come into view. Keep on the track till you come to the road where you will turn right and head towards the footbridge.

This is a nice spot to stop for a picnic. I had some swans passing by when I was there.

Once over the bridge take a right from here, you will walk along the road so be aware that there may be some traffic. There are some cracking views of the river along the way. At Mill Farm follow the road round to the left till you reach Dalmadilly Ponds. This is a great opportunity to do a bit of birdwatching, there is some seating, and I did spot a hide at the pond on the left hand side of the road.

Follow the road in between the ponds which will take vou back to the main road, then turn right back towards Kemnay. There is a pavement all the way into the village but be aware of the traffic here. Follow this road all the way back into Kemnay and just keep going till you return to the car park where you began.