Braedownie to Auchallater – Jock’s Road

Braedownie to Auchallater – Jock’s Road

Date  2nd October  2022      Bus departs Aberdeen at 08.00am

O.S. Map  43, 44 Braemar to Blair Atholl.  Ballater & Glen Clova

The walk follows Jock’s Road and commences at the head of Glen Clova and continues up Glen Doll over the high ground before descending into Glen Callater passing Loch Callater and finishing at Auchallater. This is a through walk so those wishing to do a shorter walk should remain on the bus and travel to Auchallater our finishing point.

Route 1:- Jock’s Road. The walk starts at Braedownie at NGR 284 762 and crosses the bridge over the River South Esk. Follow the road past the Visitor Centre and keep to the north side of the White Water burn to eventually reach a split in the path at NGR 268 760. The path on the right is the start of Jock’s Road and should be followed, if possible, through the trees and climbs to Davies Bourach shelter at NGR 232 778. If however this track is closed at NGR 268 760 due to forestry work the alternative is to take the track on the left at this point and cross the bridge over the White Water burn. Continue on this path, ignoring a track on the left, which soon crosses the Fee Burn and climbs through the trees to a footbridge at NGR 248 768 to rejoin Jock’s Road.

The onward path now swings North Westwards, sometimes over quite wet and boggy ground to eventually gain Crow Craigies (920m) and continue to (NGR 217 806), between Tolmount and Knaps of Fafernie, before descending quite steeply, into the upper reaches of Glen Callater. Follow the valley floor path, on the east side of the Allt an Loch burn for about 2 miles, to reach the south end of Loch Callater. Continue on a good path North Westwards, along the east shore of the loch, to Lochcallater Lodge. From here, head North Westwards down the glen for about 3 miles to Auchallater, where our bus will be parked. (NGR 156 883).

Walking distance approx. 13 miles/21km, ascent 2200ft/670m.

Please note that the route downloaded to your mobile device only works if you can open gpx files.

Route 2:- Auchallater to Lochcallater Lodge. From the car park at Auchallater take the track up Glen Callater for 3 miles to reach the Lodge and the Bothy at Loch Callater. Return by the same track.

Walk distance 6 miles/10km, ascent 500ft/150m.

Please note that the route downloaded to your mobile device only works if you can open gpx files.

Bus departs 6.00pm for Aberdeen at 8.30pm 

The above notes are for guidance only and are intended as an aid to be used along with a map and compass and/or a GPS device with OS maps.

In the event of an emergency arising, the person in charge today should be notified, if possible, before the emergency services are contacted on 999.

Committee member in charge of today’s walk is Alan Wallace. Mobile No. 07597311049