Glen Drumtochty/Strathfinella circular

The walk today takes us southwestwards from Aberdeen and Stonehaven to just north of the Howe of the Mearns, near Auchenblae.

Our walk commences at the picnic site parking area near Drumtochty Castle (NGR 696 798). From this start point, walk eastwards along the unclassified Glen Drumtochty road for about 500m. At about NGR 702 798, enter Garrold Wood and follow the forest track passing below electric power lines until a split in the path at NGR 705 794. Continue straight ahead (SE’wards) for about 250m to gain another split in the path at NGR 707 793. Take the left hand path and continue S’wards through Drumelzie Wood for about 1.6km to another split in the path at NGR 710 779, (ignoring paths going off to both left and right, on route). At this point, continue W’wards and then N’wards. Our route soon swings in a big loop and at NGR 703 781 heads south and then SW’wards, passing a split, in which the right hand path is taken, to eventually to reach another split in the path at NGR 695 774. Head straight on (W’wards) and after about 450m the path bends N’wards to sweep S’wards again at around NGR 687 781 to reach a junction of paths at around NGR 680 771. Continue W’wards through Hill Wood and after about 400m our route soon sweeps N’wards along the edge of Strathfinella Hill forest to a turning point at around NGR 685 783. We now head NE’wards passing spot height 414m to eventually reach NGR 701 789. The map does not show a continuation of the route, but there is a path which takes us E’wards to join up with a forest track at NGR 707 789. At this joining point, follow the path N’wards, (ignoring a path on our left at around NGR 707 789), back to our inwards track at NGR 707 793. Continue on the inwards path, (ignoring a track on your left at NGR 705 794), back to the entrance of Garrold Wood and the unclassified Glen Drumtochty road. Turn left on gaining this road and head W’wards to our bus parked at the picnic site near Drumtochty Castle.