Distance: 7 1/2 miles Time 3 – 4 hrs Level: Moderate with elevation. Terrain: Grass track and Landrover tracks. Car parking is available at The Steplar car park (AB54 4HY). Google Maps will take you to the correct location. There is no public transport to the car park. The area is part of the Dorenell Wind Farm. Only a few miles along the road you will find the Dorenell Visitors Centre at AB54 4EL. Here you will find a public toilet and lots of information about the trails in the area.
This is a fantastic walk in the beautiful and remote Cabrach, located between Dufftown and Rhynie. Cabrach is known for its rugged landscape and remoteness. It has to be one of my favourite places to escape for an adventure. With a mix of wildlife, history and amazing views it really is an epic place to visit.
At the start of the walk, there is an information board with the wildlife you may spot along the way as well as a map. From the car park, go through the gate and head up the grass track toward the solitary tree visible on the hill. Once you reach the tree, go through the gate and continue onto the Land Rover track. Don’t forget to look back!
The climb up Dead Wife’s Hillock is steep but worth it as you will get 360 degree views on a clear day. The hill’s eerie name is said to come from a story of a woman who perished there in the late 17th century during a famine. She died of starvation and was found with a child still alive, attached to her breast.
As I walked up the hill, I spotted a herd of deer on the left side. I didn’t see any more up close. It was a quiet day in the sky for birds, but golden eagles have been spotted in this area.
Once you reach the highest point of the hill, the descent will be a welcome relief. Soon, the Black Water River will come into view. Not far from the river, you will reach a way marker post—take the track to the right. This track follows the river. After a short distance, you will see Blackwater Lodge on the opposite side of the river.
As you approach the lodge, you will come to a fork in the track. Take the right track here—the left track leads to a ford, which cannot be crossed when the river is in spate. After a short distance you will reach a footbridge, cross it to reach Blackwater Lodge.
The lodge was a former seasonal hunting lodge, left unoccupied since the 1960s. Dating back to the late 18th century, it was used by the Duke of Richmond and Gordon. Please be respectful—only look through the windows and do not enter the property.
To the left of the lodge there is a small waterfall, a hidden gem that is worth taking a look. There are plenty areas to sit down and have a picnic and enjoy the peace.
Once you have finished exploring, retrace your steps back over the bridge and along the track that runs parallel with the river. At the way marker post, take a left to return over Dead Wife’s Hillock and back to The Steplar car park.
Tracy Goes Outside 