Potarch to Aboyne via Falls of Dess – Festive Meal Afterwards

Today we return to Deeside to walk along the Deeside Way from Potarch to Kincardine O’ Neil then uphill towards the Falls of Dess. We then pick up the old Deeside Railway line that linked Torphins to Aboyne before reaching our destination near the square in Aboyne.
Thereafter we will be having our Festive Meal at the Scott Skinner Restaurant in Banchory immediately following the walk. (See Menu below)
The walk starts at the Potarch bridge car park (NGR608974) and we follow the path of the Deeside Way for approx. 3.3kms to Kincardine O’Neil. At the far end of the village take the road to the right (Pitmurchie Road) and follow it North to a split in the road. Veer left, continuing to follow the Deeside Way signs, heading towards Home Farm and enter Dess Wood on a narrower path and eventually come to a big house with a walled area. The Way veers around this house continuing downhill towards a footbridge which crosses the Dess burn. Do not cross the bridge yet, but instead follow the path heading North to visit the Falls of Dess.
Return to the foot bridge and cross over heading uphill on a zigzag path to then cross the secondary road coming from Lumphanan. The route then passes Newton of Drumduan to reach the old Deeside Railway line which we join and follow all the way to Aboyne, passing the Loch of Aboyne and the Aboyne golf course on route,
The bus will be parked on the side road near the square in Aboyne (NGR524981)

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Walk distance = 8 miles (13 Kms)

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Download file: t306808032_winter-hike-from-potarch-to-aboyne-via-kincardine-oneil-on-december-16-.gpxp>An alternative would be a circular walk from Aboyne to Bell Wood where signposted short walks are available.
Walk distance approx. = 5 miles (8 Kms)

NB – Bus leaves Aboyne at 2.30pm for Banchory

Scott Skinner’s Restaurant, Banchory

Starters:-   Scotch Broth, Prawn Cocktail, Pate & oatcakes.

Hot Buffet:-  Beef Steak Pie,  Roast Chicken,  Macaroni Cheese,  Roast Potatoes, Chips & Vegetables.

Desserts:-  Sticky Toffee Pudding,  Cheesecake,  Chocolate Fudge Cake.

Two Courses £21.00, Three courses £28.00

Tea & Coffee can be ordered and paid separately.

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 O/s maps.
In the event of an emergency arising the person in charge of the walk today should be notified if possible before the emergency services are contacted on 999.
Committee Member in charge today is Frank Kelly – 07821631362

Cancellation /Waiting list: It is important to contact Gilbert (Mobile No. 07807240817) if you cannot attend and need to cancel your booking. The bus is often fully booked which means any cancelled seats can be reallocated to those persons on a waiting list. Anyone unsuccessful in booking a seat should contact Gilbert who will put them on a waiting list.