loch Ullachie to Ballater via Coyles of Muick – N.B. Clocks Change to GMT i.e. They Go Back 1 Hour

Bus leaves Aberdeen at 8.00 am.

Walk 1: Coyles of Muick

The main walk commences on the South Deeside Road at (NGR 341 951). We go through a gate and walk through the forest for about a mile, passing Loch Ullachie, before ascending a good path on the west side of the trees passing Creag Liath (458m) and Carn a’ Bhealaidh (456m) all the way to the summit of Coyles of Muick. Retrace your steps and descend (no path ) to pick up a good path in Alltcailleach Forest at (NGR 330 918). Walk S’wards to about NGR 337 907, turn left and head NE ‘wards at first then Northwards for about 1km (ignoring the path off to the left). The track track bends to the right near a firebreak and bends again near Mill of Sterin to head Northwards to a T junction. Turn right here and head Eastwards to a metalled road & go left and follow it Northeastwards passing Sterinberg to eventually join the South Deeside Road (B976) near Ardmenach.(NGR 354 948). Head E’wards to Bridge of Muick then Northwards on the off road track on the East side of the main road to our bus at Ballater (NGR 369 957).

Walking distance approx. 18 km ( 11 miles).

Walk 2 : Seven Bridges ( & Knock Castle) From Ballater

Cross the bridge over the River Dee heading to the South Deeside Road. Cross the road & enter the trees & follow the track Southwards to eventually merge onto the road again near the Bridge of Muick. Follow the road Westwards for about 0.75 km from the bridge of Muick & turn off right just before Dalliefour Farm (If you wish to visit Knock Castle carry on up the re road & take the turning off to the right to get to it). Follow the track along the West side of the woods passing Dallyfour Cottage (yes, it’s a different spelling) until you reach Pollhollick Bridge. Cross over & head eastwards on a path following the river until it turns Northwards where the River Gairn comes in. Follow the Gairn upstream to the bridge, cross the bridge & head Eastwards, following the Deeside Way all the way into Balleter. There is a good description of this walk on the Walk Highlands website which does the walk anti clockwise & takes in Knock Castle.

Walking distance approx. 10.5 km (6.5 miles)

Bus leaves for Aberdeen at 3.00 pm.

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 of the outing today should be notified, if possible, before the police are contacted. Relevant telephone number for Grampian Police is 999.

Committee member in charge today is Gilbert McCurdy ; Mobile Number: 07807 240817

Cancellations/Waiting List: It is important to contact Gilbert (Mobile Number 07807 240817) if you cannot attend & have to cancel your booking. The bus is often fully booked which means any cancelled seats can be re-allocated to those persons on a waiting list. Anyone unsuccessful in booking a seat should contact Gilbert who will put them on a waiting list