Tag: history

Aberdeenshire Walks, Places to Walk

Kirk of Skulls & Coastal Circular, Gardenstown

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Distance: 5 miles. Time: 2-3 hrs. Level: Easy, with some elevation. Terrain: A mixture of road, grass track, and well-maintained paths. Access: As you travel along the B9031 from Macduff, you’ll see a signpost for St John’s Church (AB45 3ES) on the left. Shortly after, you’ll find an old quarry on the right, which is the best place to park. The What3words location for the quarry is: ///townhouse.inhabited.note

Please note, there is no direct public transport to the start of this walk. However, you could take the No. 273 bus to Gardenstown and walk to the church from there, although the path may be overgrown in places.

This is a beautiful circular coastal walk with stunning views and a fascinating slice of local history. At its heart lies the atmospheric ruin of St John’s Church, better known as the Kirk of Skulls, perched dramatically above Gamrie Bay.

Start at the old quarry parking area and carefully cross the road to join the small road signposted for St John’s Church. Follow this road as it winds along past the church’s own small carpark. Although you can park here, the rough condition of the access road makes the quarry a better option.

Continue along the track beyond the carpark until you reach the ruined church and graveyard This is St John’s Church, a historic 11th-century site dedicated to St John the Evangelist. Most of the ruins visible today date from the early 1500s, with later additions in the 17th century.

The nickname “Kirk of Skulls” comes from a dramatic local legend linked to a battle in 1004 AD, the Battle of the Bloody Pits. According to tradition, a Viking fleet sought shelter along the Banff coast during a fierce storm. Short on supplies, around 600 Vikings landed near present-day Gardenstown, hoping to raid the area. Unbeknown to them, the Thane of Buchan had anticipated an attack and assembled a strong local force.

A brutal battle followed, ending in the Vikings’ defeat. The heads of three Viking leaders were said to have been displayed within the church until the 19th century, a gruesome detail that inspired the church’s eerie nickname.

After exploring the ruins, continue a short way beyond to a bench with a panoramic view of Gardenstown, locally known as Gamrie. Retrace your steps slightly to the map board, then head up the well-maintained footpath. There is a steady climb here as you make your way inland.

At a junction, take the left-hand path. After passing a farm, continue on the right-hand path, which leads past a row of wind turbines.

Once you reach the coastline, pause to soak in the spectacular views across the Moray Firth. Turn right here to follow the coast back toward Gardenstown, with views of Crovie appearing along this stretch.

Eventually, the path swings back inland. Before you reach the previous junction, take the left turn which leads you back down toward the church. From there, simply follow the road back to the quarry, where your walk ends.

This circular route offers a rich mix of history, coastal beauty, and peaceful rural scenery. It’s an ideal walk for a sunny morning or afternoon, just be sure to bring sturdy footwear and a camera for those views.

Aberdeenshire Walks, Places to Walk

Banff and Whitehills Circular

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Distance: 5 ½ – 6 miles Time: 2 – 3 hrs Level: Easy with some elevation Terrain: Mix of pavement, track, road, and beach Access: Car parking is available at the Quayside car park (AB45 1HQ). Regular buses run between Elgin and Aberdeen, with the nearest bus stop located at Chalmers Hospital, just a short distance from the start of the walk.

This is a wonderful coastal walk from the Aberdeenshire town of Banff to the neighbouring village of Whitehills. Before setting off, check the tidal times so you can enjoy walking along the beach.

From the Quayside car park, head towards the beach, taking the coastal path along Scotstown. Watch for cormorants drying their feathers on the rocks, and you may even be lucky enough to spot dolphins passing by.

Soon, you’ll come to steps leading down to the beach if you’ve timed the tide right. Banff Links is a fantastic beach to walk along, and on a sunny day, it’s lovely to take a wee paddle as you stroll. When you reach the end of the caravan park, take the ramp on your left to return to the path.

Follow the path and go over the footbridge until you reach a fork. Take a right here, and shortly you’ll arrive at Blackpots Playpark and Harbour.

The small, disused harbour was built in the late 18th century. The playpark was a favourite spot for my kids when they were younger, and I have fond memories of enjoying fish and chips with my mum while the kids played. fter the playpark, you’ll come upon the Fisherman’s & Seafarers’ Memorial and Whitehills Marina.

Continue along the road, passing Downies Fish, and keep an eye out for the “Light the North” lighthouse.

Stay on Seafield Street until you reach the post box and telephone box then take a left along Loch Street. Continue on Loch Street until you leave Whitehills. Soon, you’ll come to the coastal path on the left, take this path back towards Banff.

Along the coastal path, you’ll find the Red Well. The name comes from a spring that emerges from the ground, leaving red deposits, possibly due to iron content. The nearby beehive-shaped structure is thought to have been built by the Romans.

After the Red Well, continue on the path until you reach a fork just before the footbridge. Take the fork to the right and follow the track to a junction. Take a left here, follow the road over the bridge, and continue until the road splits.

Take the road on your right, which will lead to the Banff Links car park. Turn right and walk through the car park. At the other end, you’ll find a path with a gate. Go past the gate and continue along the path. After the third blue pavilion, you’ll come to another fork; take the track to the left, passing a small stone building (possibly an old icehouse).

Stay on this path as it winds through Scotstown. You’ll pass behind a row of houses; at the end of these, you’ll see some sheds. Take a left here to return to the Quayside car park.

Next to the car park, you’ll find the recently upgraded Banff Harbour, which is worth a visit before finishing your walk. You’ll enjoy lovely views of Macduff from the harbour.

Moray Walks, Places to Walk

Cairn Cattoch, Archiestown

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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.

Moray Walks, Places to Walk

Linn Falls Circuit Aberlour

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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

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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.

Muckle Cross

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.

Mansion House hotel

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.

Duke of Gordon Monument

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.

Elgin from Lady Hill

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.

Wolf of Badenoch

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

Highlands Walks, Places to Walk

Caledonian Canal, Muirtown Point and River Ness Circuit

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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.

Aberdeenshire Walks, Places to Walk

Delgatie Castle and Woods

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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.

Delgatie Castle from the Woods

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.

Delgatie woods

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.

Delgatie trout fishery

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.

Delgatie Castle

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/

Moray Walks, Places to Walk

Through the Green door, Fochabers

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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!

The Green Door

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.

Gordon Chapel

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.

Gordon Castle entrance

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.

The Lake

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.