Places to Walk – Page 2 – Tracy Goes Outside

Linn Falls Circuit Aberlour

8th Apr 202424th Oct 2025 tracygoesoutside

Distance: 2 miles Time: 1hr Level: Easy Terrain: Sections of pavements and road, along with a section of forest path and track. Some steps and rough ground. Access: Arrive by car or public transport. Stagecoach No 36 bus runs between Elgin and Aberlour at regular intervals throughout the day. Car parking available at Alice Littler Memorial Park AB38

This short but beautiful circular route is based around Aberlour in the heart of Speyside. The walk takes you out of the town and into the woods. Following the woodland path, you will come to the stunning Linn Falls (Linn of Ruthrie waterfalls). On your return to the town, you will pass by the Aberlour Distillery before finding the hidden packhorse bridge.

Starting from the carpark. To the right of the play park, you will see the bridge with the path over it. Walk over the bridge and past the back of the old train station, heading towards the church. It is worth taking a look round the front of the station. There has not been a train here since the line east to Dufftown closed in 1971 but the station still looks amazing over fifty years on.

Back at the Church, go towards the square, cross over the main road and pass the Co-op on your left-hand side and head up Queen’s Road. Once past the Fleming Hospital on your right, you will see a sign for Glenallachie and Fairy Knowe. Follow the narrow path up on to the road turning right. Just past the street of houses, take the narrow road to the back of sheds. It is signposted to the falls.

At the end of the tarred, narrow road, you will come to a gate, pass through the gate and on to a woodland path. Stay on the main path, ignoring any paths that branch off. The main path will curve to the right, and you will descend steps with a handrail and soon see the beautiful double-cascading waterfall.

The area beside the waterfall is a popular wild dooking spot in the summer months and there is a great wee area where you can relax and have a picnic. There was snow covering when we visited so dooking and picnics was not an option.

Once you have explored the falls, follow the Burn of Aberlour round to the right and after a short walk you will pass Aberlour Distillery on your left which was founded in 1879 by James Fleming. Fleming left a lasting legacy in Aberlour building the Fleming Hall and then the Fleming Hospital. When you reach the main road, you can take a closer look at the distillery if you take the footbridge on your left.

Here you will cross over the main road, be careful of traffic as this road can be busy. Once safely across, look over the bridge and nestled in the undergrowth there is a small, old packhorse bridge that was built around 1624.

Take the path to the right-hand side of the packhorse bridge which will lead you back to the car park. Just before you finish your walk take a look down at the Victoria Bridge which is a suspension footbridge that was built in 1902 to replace a ferry that was previously in service. The bridge was also funded by James Fleming and initially cost a penny toll to cross hence it is often known as the Penny Bridge.

From here you go back to the carpark and the end of your walk.

Moray Walks, Places to Walk

Exploring Elgin

6th Mar 20243rd Dec 2025 tracygoesoutside

Distance: 3 miles. Time: 1½ – 2hrs. Level: Easy with some elevation, Terrain: Pavement, woodland and grass track. Access: Arrive by car, parking available beside the Elgin Town Hall IV30 1UL (parking £1 for the day). The stagecoach bus station is close to the start of the walk with great bus links throughout the area.

This is a great walk which is easy to access during the winter months with plenty of notable historical places along the way.

Start the walk from the High Street Fountain on the Plainstones (IV30 1BW). Facing the war memorial head along the High Street.

Passing by the St Giles Church that dominates the High Street with its Greek style pillars. The church was designed by Archibald Simpson and built between 1825 and 1828.

Just behind St Giles Church you will find the Mercat Cross or Muckle Cross. These are found in many towns and cities and are a Scottish name for a market cross where historically the right to hold a regular market or fair has been granted by a monarch, bishop or barron.

Keep heading along the High Street until you get to the Muckle Cross pub, here take a left crossing over the road, go towards the Shop-mobility building and take the opening to the left. From here walk through the car park towards the two blocks of flats, here you will find a footbridge over the main road.

Once over the footbridge take a right passing by Grant Lodge and the Elgin Bowling Club heading towards the Cathedral that you will see in front of you.

Elgin Cathedral, is also known as the Lantern of the North, dating back to the 13th century. This beautiful building was almost completely destroyed in 1390 by the Wolf of Badenoch, today the Cathedral is open for tours, or you can admire from afar. To the left of the Cathedral, you will find the opening to the Biblical Gardens which is also well worth a visit.

Carry straight on and cross the bridge over the river Lossie, from the bridge take a left and pass by the chip shop heading into Kingsmill Court. You will see a large warehouse on the left, turn left beforethe warehouse in front of you will see a fenced path that runs along the side of the river.

Head along this path until you come to another bridge back over the river. Keep an eye out for wildlife on the river, I saw ducks and heron along the way. Once over the bridge, turn right and follow the path around Cooper Park passing by the Cooper Park pond, there are usually plenty of swans and ducks paddling in the pond.

When you get to the junction of the A941 take the underpass and carry straight on until you pass by the sports centre. Once the path reaches the road, cross over another footbridge to your right. Once over the bridge take a left and just follow the path alongside the river.

You will get some glimpses of the impressive Mansion House Hotel along the way. You will pass by a closed off footbridge, carry on until you come to the new one. Head over the new bridge and turn left following the path, it will turn right until you eventually come out at a road.

Head along Hill Street once you pass the building with the map you will find the path up Lady Hill. Take the zigzag path until you reach the monument at the top that was built to honour the 5th Duke of Gordon. Next to the monument you will find the remains of Elgin Castle, and in front of you a fantastic view across Elgin.

From here take the steps to your left, back down to the street, turn left and head back to the start of the walk. Just before you head along the High Street you will find a bronze statue of Alexander Stewart also known as the Wolf of Badenoch who set the Cathedral alight.

Once back on the High Street it is time for a well-deserved coffee and cake!

Moray Walks, Places to Walk

Braehead, Cottage Woods and the Auld Brig, Keith

21st Oct 202315th Mar 2024 tracygoesoutside

Distance: 4 miles Time: 2 hrs Level: Easy Terrain: Pavement, rough road, woodland and grass track. Access: Arrive by car, parking is available in Reidhaven Square, Keith, AB55 5AB where the walk begins. There are regular buses running between Aberdeen and Inverness that drop off and pick up in the Square.

This beautitul walk starts not far from my home in Keith and soon takes you into the countryside, heading along quiet roads, a walk in the woods and passing some fascinating historical places along the way.

Starting in Reidhaven Square and head up Chapel Street towards St Thomas Church the Roman Catholic Church was designed by Walter Lovi, a catholic priest and architect, and William Robertson a well-regarded architect based in Elgin. It was completed in 1832. The large copper dome was added in 1916 by Charles Menart. Pass by the left hand side of the church and head straight on.

At the junction follow the blue waymarked sign and head left then take the next right, then go straight on until you come to the green waymarked signs. Here you take a left along the grass track. The path can get muddy if it has been wet. As you follow the path, if you look to the left you will get great views of the countryside, the River Isla and the track for the Keith and Dufftown railway.

When you reach the road turn right and take the road on your right passing by the house and yard before heading down the brae until you arrive at River Isla. To your right hidden in the undergrowth you will find the ruins of the former Flax Mill. Before the Distillery act of 1824 was introduced, illicit distilling and smuggling was verv popular and between 1790 and 1803.700 people in the area were fined for offences relating to distilling and smuggling. In 1790 John Taylor, the owner of the now ruined flax mill was charged with retusing to produce keys to his mill. He possibly didn’t want to get caught in the act!

Head over the footbridge and continue straight on. Follow the road until you arrive at the junction. Cross over the road and go straight on following the signs for Cottage Woods. Please be careful in case there are any venices on the road, although it is quite a quiet stretch of road between the got course. There are several openings to your right along the way but ignore these until you come to the opening with some steps.

Go up the steps and onto the woodland path. Follow the path straight on enjoying the beautiful peaceful Cottage Woods. The path will turn to the right and go uphill slightly until you come to the waymarker and the opening at Regent Court. Take the path that runs along between the houses and the golf course. Go over the small footbridge to your right and follow the narrow path through the trees until you reach Mar Court.

Take a left here and at the Fife Street junction take a left and go towards Regent Square. At the square take a right down Regent Street passing by the shops until you reach the Auld Brig. The Auld Brig was built in 1609 by Thomas Murray and his wite Janet Lindsay. It was said to have been erected in memory of their son who drowned while crossing the ford. The Brig has had several repairs over the years, and the steps were added in the 1900’s.

As you walk down the steps, look to your right, you will see a large stone that covers a small opening, this is known as Campbell’s hole. This is where the Hanovarian Campbells took retuge from the Prince Charles Jacobites after a battle in 1746. During the extension of the nearby kirkvard, there was a communal grave found that had been named locally as Campbell’s Hillock.

The Union Bridge you see to your right was built in 1770. Under the bridge there was a stone or “Scaur” where alleged witches were thrown into the deep pool of Gaun’s pot. If the “witch” survived they would then be later burned.

Once over the bridge take a left and then a right passing between the graveyard and the shop. Then take a left and head along the road that runs over the railway track. Take a right here and walk along to the end of Old Toon until you get to the grass track.

Head up the grass track until you return to the junction you started at from. Go left here following the road back to the St Thomas Church then Reidhaven Square and the end of the walk.

Aberdeenshire Walks, Places to Walk

The Fetternear & Shaking Brig Circuit, Kemnay

14th Oct 20239th Dec 2025 tracygoesoutside

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.

Highlands Walks, Places to Walk

Caledonian Canal, Muirtown Point and River Ness Circuit

4th Jul 20233rd Dec 2025 tracygoesoutside

Distance: 7.5 miles Time: 3hrs Level: Easy longer walk Terrain: Pavements and walking paths Access: City parking is available at Rose Street IV1 1NQ. There are regular stagecoach buses and trains into the city centre from several areas. If you would prefer to find free parking you can adjust the walk a little and start your walk after the Ness Islands as there is plenty of parking around the skate park area IV3 55P.

This is a fantastic route that starts in the city and takes you along some of the beautiful waterways of Inverness. Along the way you will find some beautiful views and plenty of wildlife.

Start your walk at the bottom of Bridge Street carefully cross the road and turn left to follow along the river side. You will start to see the blue waymarker for the Great Glen Way. You will pass by several hotels and will soon come to the magnificent Faith, Hope and Charity statue that was originally on top of a building on the high street before being sold. It was returned to Inverness in 2011.

Carry along the river side path passing the footbridge and the war memorial. You will arrive at the Ness Islands. These are a collection of natural islands on the river that are accessed by bridges. Weave your way round the paths exploring the area before getting to the access suspension bridge at the end.

Take a left at the bridge and walk along the path till you come to the Whin Park gate. Turn right here passing the edge of the rugby pitch. Keep going you will soon see the underpass where you can get across the road safely, once through take the next underpass to your right. You have arrived at the canal. Cross over the bridge and take the path that runs alongside the caravan park.

You will follow this path all the way to the Muirtown Basin. There is a small section that passes the back of the marina where you will need to be careful as there may be vehicles on the move. Once you pass the canal locks the path will turn to the left and keep going till you come to the gates at the train track. Carefully go through the gates.

Here you can walk right up to Clachnaharry sea lock where you will get a cracking view of the Beauly Firth and Ben Wyvis. This is where the canal ends. Cross over the lock walkway and turn right heading back down the canal, then cross back over the railway line. Shortly after you will take a turn to the left to head for the pier.

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. There were plenty of wading birds when I passed and there are nice viewing areas if you want to hang around and observe them. Once you arrive at the car park and pier, turn right here and follow the road until you come to the gates of Carmarc Point. Head through the gates and up to the point, this is a great place to get some photos of the bridge. The Kessock bridge was opened in 1982 and is sometimes known as the gateway to the highlands. There is plenty of seating here, so a great area to stop for a snack before heading back into the city.

Come back out Carmarc point the way you came in and take a left, walking alongside the harbour you will come to a fork but keep left and you will pass under the railway line and then under the main road until you come to the suspension bridge.

Here you will get a great view of the city and of course Inverness castle. Head over the bridge and you will return to where you started.

Moray Walks, Places to Walk

Burghead and Clarkly Hill Circuit

26th Jun 20233rd Dec 2025 tracygoesoutside

Distance: 4 ¾ miles Time: 2hrs Level: Easy with some elevation Terrain: Mix of pavements, coastal trail, woodland trail, and country road. Access: Arrive by car, parking available at the opening of the caravan park. Follow the signs for the caravan park and use the car park on the left-hand side using postcode IV30 5RP. There is a No32 Stagecoach bus from Elgin that drops off not far from the start.

This beautiful walk on the Moray coastal trail takes you along past the harbour and on to the old railway line path with a stunning coastal view and a chance you may see dolphins passing by. There are an abundance of historical sites along the way with great information boards!

Route: Leaving the car park follow the path that takes you along to the harbour. The harbour itself was built by Thomas Telford in the early 1800’s with impressive three storey warehouses. Three of the warehouses still remain and have now been converted into flats.

Once you pass by the warehouses take the stairs up to some great views of Burghead bay. Turn right along to the visitors’ centre in the old white round building, here you can find out about Pictish Burghead dating back to 400AD.

Once you have explored the centre, head towards the old anchor and you will see the Clavie mound. This is where on the 11th of January every year Burghead celebrate their New Year with a unique fire festival called the burning of the Clavie. The significance of the 11th January dates back to the 1750’s

From the Clavie mound, head towards the waterside and turn right along the tarred road, where you will find the Harvest Reaper boat that was originally built in Fraserburgh in 1931 and was finally berthed here in 2015. There are always plenty of seabirds to look out for as you walk along the water’s edge.

Further on you will pass by the Maltings and on to the coastal path. You will come to St Aethan’s Well and onto the disused quarry.

There are several way markers for the Clarkly Hill short walk, ignore these. You will pass under an old railway bridge before coming to the Cummingston Crag. The sandstone crag is a popular sea cliff for mountain climbers, and you may see some climbing the Prophet Walls (as it is known) as you are walking past!

Once under the second old railway bridge you find an opening on the left-hand side; this path will double back before going over the top of the bridge. Head straight on here until you arrive in Cummingston.

At the junction you will see the sign post a little to the left for Clarkly Hill. Cross over the main road and up the country road ahead. Looking over to the left and you will get some great views of Hopeman in the distance.

You will soon come to your next way marker taking you onto a track on your right. This will take you past a pig farm before coming to your hext sign post. Here you will go through the gate and straight ahead into a wooded area.

The viewpoint is unfortunately overgrown now, turn right at the fence and follow the path through the wood till you come to the gate at the other side.

From the wood you will carry on down the road back towards Burghead taking in the views ahead. Once past the masts go through the gate and back to the main road. Cross over and turn left here until you come to the junction to turn right, back in to Burghead.

Follow the main road back until you come to the community gardens. From here turning left to arrive back at the carpark.

Aberdeenshire Walks, Places to Walk

Delgatie Castle and Woods

7th Apr 20233rd Dec 2025 tracygoesoutside

Distance: 2 ¾ miles Time – 1 ½ hrs Time: 1.5-2 hours Level: Easy with a little elevation Terrain: Well walked forestry paths can be a little wet under foot in places. Access: Arrive by car. To reach the start of the walk from Turriff take the A947 towards Banff.

Approx 1 mile along the road there is a sign post for Delgatie Castle to the left take this road for approx 1 ½ miles.The Castle is well sign-posted and can be seen from the road on the right. You will turn into the entrance to where the Castle is sign posted and there is ample parking and a forestry information board. Delgatie Castle and Woods is a stunning walk that takes in not only a walk in the woods, you also go past Delgatie trout fishing pond where you can see ducks and swans, then round the grounds of the stunning Castle that dates back to 1030. What is visible today is from around 1570 with later wings added in 1743.

Route: From the car park you will see some steps at the left, head up the steps following the red way markers. Just after the steps there is a path to the right that is worth a detour where you will find the hidden ice house which would have been used to store perishable foods in bygone years. Back on the main path there is another detour to the right, a great opportunity to get your camera out as there is a great view of the Castle. On the main path again continue straight uphill and into the woods. The path will take a right then a left, keep following the main route with the marker posts.

The path will curve to the right again and you will come to a junction, you take a left here following the blue marker post. Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels, along with plenty of other wildlife, while you are walking throughout the woods. I was lucky to see a large bird, possibly a buzzard as I left in the car. The path carries on through the woods until it will take a right and it will carry on close to the edge of the woods. To your left there will be great views of Bennachie, there is a small detour path where you can take great photos of not only Bennachie but if you look to your right, Ben Rinnes is also visible. The path eventually reaches a car park to the left, continue downhill until you reach a track, you take a left here on to the road. You will pass by the Fishing pond and keep a look out for ducks and swans on the water. Shortly after you pass the pond you will return to the carpark.

At the carpark you have now an opportunity to walk round the Castle grounds, please be aware no dogs are allowed around this area. If you choose to go round the grounds take a left in the carpark past the Cottage and Dovecot. Head up the stairs, the road takes a loop right round the Castle grounds before you will come over the cattle grid then return back to the carpark.

You can extend your visit and take a tour round the Castle and treat yourself to tea and cakes in the Castle’s very own tea room the Laird’s Kitchen. Open 10am – 4pm daily.

https://delgatiecastle.com/

Highlands Walks, Places to Walk

Anagach woods and the Old Spey Bridge Circuit.

26th Mar 20233rd Dec 2025 tracygoesoutside

This is a beautiful walk in the woods of Anagach in the Speyside town of Grantown on Spey combined with a walk along the banks of river Spey! There is plenty of wildlife along the way with fantastic paths! Some of the Speyside Way is included in the route.

Distance: 4 1/2 miles Time: 2hrs Terrain: Mix of woodland trails/paths and tarred road. Level: Easy Access: Arrive by car parking at the parking area at PH26 3JL. The only bus I can find is from Aviemore.

Route: At the car park take the road on the right hand side. Follow the track going through the gate and keep going straight ahead till you are almost at the Spey. You will come to a carpark take a left here. A little bit further along there is opening to take you on to the tarred road.

Once on the tarred take a left continue till you you see a opening on the right hand-side to take you down to the water side. From here continue left going over the stile till you get to the Old Spey Bridge.

The 3 span bridge was built in 1754 after the rebellion of 1745 by General Wade’s successor, Major William Caulfield, as part of the military road that ran from Coupar Angus to Fort George. It was damaged in the great flood 1829. It was descheduled in 1992.

You will pass under the smallest arch of the bridge and shortly after go through the gate here there may be livestock (sheep when I was there) so please keep dogs on leads. Keep going along the road till you come to the next gate.

Carry on till you come to the wooden cabin on the left. Here you will see a narrow path slightly to the left. Take this path it is a little rough and some tree roots so watch your footing.

You will come back on the road again soon and a junction. Take your right here and then at the fork take a left. Head straight on till you come to the junction with the sighs for the Speyside way.

From here turn left and follow the Speyside way back to Grantown. Once back in Grantown once you pass the curling link keep going till you return to the carpark where you began.

Moray Walks, Places to Walk

Through the Green door, Fochabers

22nd Mar 20233rd Dec 2025 tracygoesoutside

This is a lovely short walk round the Lake at Gordon Castle. The green door leads you to the castle grounds where you will find the lake with paddling ducks! Great walk for all the family and short enough for little legs!

Distance: 1 1/2 miles Time: 45 minsTerrain: Mix of grass path and tarred road Access: Arrive by car parking available in Fochabers Square, Moray IV32 7DF. There is also regular no 35 and no 10 Stagecoach buses that drop off and pick up the in square.

Route: From the square head for Duke Street that is to the right of A J Jamieson Butchers and you will see Gordon Chapel straight ahead.

At the chapel you will see the dark green door on the left. Go through the door then take the path to to the left. Keep going till you come to the castle opening. Take a right here over the bridge.

Once over the bridge follow the road ahead till you come to a fork take the road on the right. Then take the next right that is sign posted for the Lakeside cottages.

You will soon come to the lake. Here you can follow the path all the way round watching the paddling ducks and enjoy!

Once you have walked round you could head along to the Gordon Castle gardens, cafe and shop which is just a little further on the right hand side. To return to the square just retrace your steps back to the bridge and then to the green door.