Lumphanan Forest to Aboyne – Craiglich and Mortlich

 Bus departs Aberdeen at 9.00am.

O.S. Map 37 Strathdon and Alford.

The walk starts from the Lumphanan forest car park at NGR 560 062 and follows the forest track for approx. 200m and take the left hand track. Follow the track SW to NGR 555 056 and turn right, continue on this track heading NW then W to NGR 546 059 just below Corse Hill. Continue SW following the track for approx. 1 mile/1.6km to the summit of Craiglich (476m) at NGR 533 054. From the top return to NGR 537 056 and turn right, after 200m turn right again going SW to reach NGR 530 047 and turn left for approx. 300m and take the right hand track heading South. The track passes a small lochan on the right before turning SE. At NGR 535 034 turn off the track on the right (west) going through the trees heading SW to soon pick up another path at NGR 534 034. Follow this track SW for about 400m where the track turns SE at NGR 531 034. Continue SSE ignoring tracks going off to the left and after about 1 mile/1.6km reach the Summit of Mortlich (381m) NGR 536 017. From the top continue Southwestwards and then SE passing Bonnyside farm and continue on this track to reach the track of the old Deeside Railway line at NGR 549 000. Turn right and follow the track passing the Loch of Aboyne on the right, to reach the centre of Aboyne where the bus will be parked at NGR 528 986. Walking distance approx. 9.5 miles/15.3km.

Please note that the route download to your mobile device works on generic mapping systems, but you will see the full detail if you are accessing OS Maps at 1:50000 (eg through View Ranger) 

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Total distance: 14834 m
Max elevation: 471 m
Min elevation: 122 m

Download file: Lumphanan Forest with altitude.gpx

Those wishing to do a shorter alternative walk should remain on the bus to Aboyne. From the centre of Aboyne walk East back along the main road and turn left onto Golf Road at NGR 532 988. Continue through the golf car park and past the clubhouse following the West side of the loch, being careful of golfers on the course. At the NE corner of the loch a track enters the woods and continues N towards Bonnyside farm, turn right to follow the track to the old railway line and follow this back to Aboyne. Walking distance approx. 5 miles/8km.

Please note that the route download to your mobile device works on generic mapping systems, but you will see the full detail if you are accessing OS Maps at 1:50000 (eg through View Ranger)

Bus departs Aboyne for Aberdeen at 4pm.

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