Keiloch circ. (inc Jimmy Bremner’s bench site)

Our walks today commence in the Invercauld Estate of Upper Deeside. We will be dropped off at the Keiloch carpark and our bus will remain here all day. Our main objectives are either to climb (Culardoch (900m), or Carn Liath (862m), visit Ballochbuie Forest or visit Jimmy Bremner’s bench site. This walk is a circular one, so members who require a different walk – please indicate your intentions with your committee member in charge of the bus.

1. Culardoch. From the bus, head NW on a wide track towards Invercauld House. At a “Scottish Rights of Way” signpost for Tomintoul, follow this path N’wards past the west side of Meall Gorm. Continue N’wards on this track, past the Bealach Dearg turn off track, and ascend to about NGR 186 987, where you veer E’wards to gain the summit of Culardoch. From the summit, descend SE’wards to pick up a path heading SW’wards along Glen Fearder to re-join our incoming track (NGR 178 962). Turn S’wards and follow this track back to Keiloch. Distance approx. 13 miles.

2. Carn Liath. Follow route 1 to begin, but go NW’wards past Altdourie, then head into the forest. Take a right hand path at NGR 161 933 and follow it N along the E side of Glas Alt Beag for almost 3 miles. At approx. NGR 156 966, climb diagonally over short heather moorland to gain the shoulder of the hill before striking N’wards to the summit of Carn Liath. Descend ENE from the top, along its shoulder, to eventually gain a wide track at approx. NGR 180 981 and follow this track S towards Invercauld House and onwards to Keiloch. Walking distance approx. 12 miles.

3. Ballochbuie Forest. Walk back S’wards to the A93 North Deeside Road and cross the River Dee by the Invercauld Bridge. Turn left, once over the bridge, and head towards the forest. At the first crossroads, turn sharp right at NGR 187 906 and follow this forest track NW’wards. It veers southerly after about 500m. Continue on this track as it ascends and eventually descends to the Royalty’s “Hokki Hut” (NGR 190 888). Cross the bridge over the lochan’s outlet stream and head NE’wards to soon arrive at the Falls of Garbh Allt by leaving the main track and following a narrow path to the Victoria Bridge over the Falls. Having viewed the Falls, retrace your steps to the main track, descend the path and take a right turn at a junction (NGR 197 897). Cross a bridge over a stream and go straight ahead at a fork (NGR 200 902). Continue NE’wards ignoring two paths on your right side. At another fork in the track (NGR 211 911), turn sharp left and head SW’wards back along this wide track along the S shore of the River Dee to our start point at Invercauld Bridge. Cross the bridge and head back to our bus parked at Keiloch. Distance approx. 8 miles.

4. Site of Jimmy Bremner’s Commemorative Bench. Not many members will remember AHWC member Jimmy Bremner who died a number of years ago but left your Club money in his will. It was decided to use this money to install a bench in his memory. Invercauld Estate agreed on a site for the bench on the Craig Leek area (NGR 182 926) and those members on the coach have the opportunity to visit this site. Distance approx. 5miles.