Distance: 5 ½ miles, Time: 2 – 2 ½ hours, Level: Easy, Terrain: Forestry track, narrow woodland paths and quiet village walking. Access: Arrive by car parking in the square parking area nearest the hotel AB38 70Q where the walk begins. There is also a M-Connect bus that runs from Elgin to Archiestown Monday to Friday.
This is a beautiful woodland walk with a gentle hill hike in rural Moray. The walk begins in the village of Archiestown which was founded in 1760 by Sir Archibald Grant of Monymusk. The well kept square has several information boards that are rather interesting reading on the history of this lovely wee village.
After you have explored the square, head up past the war memorial and go straight on. Soon you will leave the village and start heading towards the woods. You will pass one more house to the right hand side before you come to the forestry gate.
At the gate go straight on and you will begin the gentle climb up through the woods on the fantastic track which would also be suitable to cycle and even great for an off-road buggy. Make sure you look back as you are walking uphill as there are some amazing views of Ben Rinnes behind you.
You will pass by a few paths on your left but ignore these and carry straight on. There were plenty of birds in the trees as I was walking,
and I am sure there was plenty of wildlife that was most likely hiding from my dogs. I did have a look for frog’s spawn and other beasties in the ditches at the sides of the paths but unfortunately I didn’t spot any but maybe you will.
After about 1 ½ miles the path will start to curve to the left after another ½ mile there is a slightly rougher track to your right. Head up this track which will shortly take a turn to the right. Carry on until you come to the next junction.
Take the path that turns up to the left that is signposted to Cairn Cattoch, soon you will come to a stone with March carved into it. This stone marks the border between Knockando and Rothes Estates. This is where the Riding of The Marches comes from which was an old custom of a ceremonial procession usually by horseback to make sure the neighbouring estate has not encroached on the owner’s land.
(The next section of the walk is no longer suitable for a buggy or cycle)
At the March stone turn left and follow the very rough narrow track until you reach the summit of Cairn Cattoch where you will find a marker post and another March Stone.
There is a fantastic view of the countryside in front of you and the Cairn Uish wind farm to your left. After you have taken all your photos and had a snack you can retrace your steps until you come back to the Cairn Cattoch sign post.
Take a left here and start your gentle descent back down the hill, keep going until you come to a gate for the quarry.
Take another left here so you can skirt round the side of the quarry and pass by another gate at the opposite end of the quarry. Follow the track until the next junction.
Turn left at the junction and go straight down the track enjoying your final section of your walk in the woods until you return to the gate and shortly after you return back to the village.
Tracy Goes Outside 