Tag: Trig point

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, New Walk, Places to Walk

The Bin of Cullen

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When you think of going to Cullen for a walk you usually think of the stunning beach of The Three Kings. But just a couple miles out of Cullen is the lovely wee hill called the Bin of Cullen a little bit different from a beach walk but still very enjoyable!

There is a maze of paths and tracks all over the Bin, this route takes you to the summit of the Bin of Cullen with fantastic views of Cullen, Buckie and right along the coastline to Spey Bay. On a very clear day the hills of the Black Isle can be seen clearly in the distance. It is a very family friendly hill that is lovely all year round.

Distance: 3.5 miles Time: 1.5-2 hours Level: Easy with some elevation Terrain: Well-trodden forestry track. The path is suitable for an off-road buggy. Access: Arrive by car. To reach the start of the walk from Cullen follow the B9018 towards Deskford for around 2 miles then turn right up the road marked Hill of Maud. Just over a mile along the road on the right-hand side you will see a gated entrance marked Seafield Estate. What3words : ///madder.focal.clipboard

There is parking for several cars just at the entrance of the walk, please be mindful when parking not to block the gate.

Woodland track with trees at each side
Track at the start of the walk

Route: Once parked go round the gate and follow the main forestry track, it does go downhill initially.Ignore the track to the right. After a short distance you will come to a small bridge over the Glen Burn. Once over the bridge there is a junction, take the track to the left which leads you through the Scots pine plantation.

The track will gradually ascend. Keep a look out for the rope swing to your right, a great place to stop for kids but I am sure some adults will not be able resist a go too.

Bridge over burn with lots of greenery
Small bridge over burn

After the rope swing further up the track there is another junction. Take a left here. Keep on this track ignoring the one to the right a little bit further on. As you reach the summit there are several narrow rough tracks, avoid them as theyare used by mountain bikers descending the summit.

Wild pink flower
Wild flower

Keep your eyes peeled for breaks in the trees where you get great views of the surrounding countryside. Once out of the trees the track continues zigzagging till you reach the summit with a carpet of heather at each side. When the top is reached and you find the cairn and trig point it is time to enjoy the fabulous coastal views. There is enough room at the summit if you want to have a picnic or to just sit, enjoy the views and take some photos.

View of coast line with trees at each side
View of the coast

The return route is simply retracing your steps.You will get another chance to enjoy the walk in the woods. Keep a look out for pine marten, red squirrel and crossbills. I wasn’t lucky enough to see any furry friends,. There is also an abundance of wild flowers and fungi which I did manage to photograph. As the seasons change there is always something new to spot.

View of Cullen and the Moray firth
Cullen from the summit!

Highlands Walks, Places to Walk

Ullapool Hill Circuit

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I ventured a wee bit further afield for a change, to Ullapool which we visit on a regular basis. Ullapool is on the North Coast 500 route and is one of the larger towns in North West Scotland with a busy ferry port and harbour. There is a great selection of places to eat and stay. Overlooking Ullapool is a hill called Cnoc na Croiche also known as Ullapool Hill which is a short but steep climb with very rewarding views.

Distance: 2.25 miles Time: 1hr Level: Easy with some steep parts. Terrain: Mix of pavements, well walked paths and uneven paths. Access: Arrive by car, parking is available in the long stay car park beside Tesco IV26 2XB. There is a regular stagecoach bus from 42 Inverness

Route: I am starting my route from the harbour on Shore Street in the centre of Ullapool. Cross the road at the boat trip and bike hire cabins and head up Quay Street past the Fish and Chip shop, try and resist the smell that is guaranteed to make you hungry. Take the third road on the right called Market Street and follow it to the end, before turning left and heading up Mill Road.

Harbour with boats beached on the left with reflection of clouds on water
Ullapool harbour

On your right, just after you have passed Highland Stoneware and Broom Court, you will see a gate and a signpost for Ullapool Hill. Go through the gate and you will start the short steep climb, but there are plenty of benches to stop and catch your breath. You will pass a path to your right, ignore it, but not long after you will take a turn to the left and you will head further up the hill.

Narrow track with yellow gorse bushes at each side
Path on Ullapool hill

You will come to a bench with a path on the left and one behind, take the path behind the bench. The path becomes rougher so watch your step. You will see a pile of stones to the right but keep going along the path till you reach a slightly overgrown viewpoint stone, although the views are great here they are better further along the route.

1 black and 1 white and brown cocker spaniels next to cairn

Just past the pile of stones that is to your left, the path will become rougher again and you will need to watch your step to get you down to the bench, where in my opinion you get the best views of Ullapool and Lochbroom.

View of Ullapool, loch broom with mountains behind
View of Ullapool

If it isn’t windy this is also a great spot to stop for a snack and wee rest before you head back down the hill. If you time it right with the ferry times, you may see it coming in or leaving, or if you are really lucky, you may even see one of the cruise ships that visit Ullapool.

You will see a rough path to the right, take it and it very soon returns you to the bench before the viewpoint. Take a left here and head back down the path.

Take the path on the left just beside the viewpoint, this will take you to the best view.

Keep going back down the track, a little after the left turn in the path you will see an opening that takes you down to a wooden bridge. Once over the footbridge you carry on descending till houses come into view and you come to a gate. Once through the gate follow the road and you will quickly find yourself at the back of The Royal Hotel on Shore Street.

Ullapool harbour with large and small boats
Ullapool harbour

I would recommend crossing the road here to admire the boats in the harbour. It is a great chance to get some more lovely photos before returning to your starting point and time for a well-earned Fish and Chips.

Aberdeenshire Walks, Places to Walk

Clashmach Hill Huntly

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The Clashmach hill is a great short hill walk from the centre of the town of Huntly which has a beautiful glow of yellow in the Spring from the gorse that covers it. At the summit you will be treated to amazing views of Huntly and beyond. Although it is a relatively short walk it is a vigorous climb. There is a annual race up and down the hill in July and I believe the fastest time was under 24 mins in 2021.

Distance: 4.5 miles Time : 1.5 to 2 hrs Terrain: Mix of pavement, road and rougher path, sometimes slightly over ground in the summer but well-trodden. Level: Easy with some elevation and a little steep on some parts. Access: Arrive by car or public transport. There are good train and bus links between Aberdeen and Inverness. Car parking is available at the Market Muir car park AB54 8JY.

Route: The walk starts at the Market Muir car park. As you leave the car park take a right heading towards the roundabout. When you get to the roundabout keep to the right and carefully cross the A96 and head for the opening for the minor road. Pass by The Mart & Market cafe on your right and AM Philips on your left.

Head straight up passing the bungalow on your left. The road narrows and becomes a path and after a short time takes a sharp left. Continue along the path where it will take another left turn and head up the hill. You will pass a wind turbine along the way.

Keep heading straight on and go through the gate. You will will come to a second gate once through it walk up the path that heads to the left.

Soon you will see the trig point and cairn. You can admire the 360 degree views of Huntly and the hills around including Ben Rinnes.

Don’t forget to take a selfie at the summit before retracing your steps and enjoying the views on the way back down.

On a calm day the summit is a great spot for a picnic or you could stop off at The Market Cafe for coffee and cake.