Potarch to Banchory via Scolty Hill – Part of the Deeside Way

Date/Time

Date(s) - 09/11/2025
9:00 am - 5:30 pm

Walk Details

Pub Stop?: If Time Permits
O/S Map Sheet No.: 45
Grid Ref. Start: 606972
Grid Ref. Finish 698 954
Walk (Miles): 9.5
Walk Hours: 5
Bus Time to Walk:1.5 hrs
Bus Time from Walk: 1.5 hrs
Departure time from walk: 4:00 pm

Walk Notes

Today’s walk takes in part of the Deeside Way from Potarch to Banchory with the option of climbing Scolty.

Route 1:- The bus will drop us off near the Potarch Bridge. Take the road on your left signposted Strachan/ Cairn o’ Mount and follow the Deeside Way marker posts to soon reach a car park on the right. The track continues at the end of the parking area and runs parallel to the unclassified old military road. After approx. 2.5 miles you will reach the “Shooting Greens” car park. The track now enters Blackhall Forest follow the main track and Deeside Way marker posts ignoring tracks off to the left and right to reach the Scolty Hill car park. Continue on the track downhill, turn left at the tarred road taking a faint track through the trees on the left to avoid the road. The road soon swings right with a narrow pavement to reach a track on the left which descends onto the B974 road into Banchory. Cross the road bridge over the river Dee into Banchory to reach Bellfield Car Park, Dee Street where the bus will be parked. Walk Distance:- 8miles/13km  Ascent:-500ft/150m

Download file: Route-1-Potarch-to-Banchory.gpx

 

Route 2:- Those wishing to climb Scolty should follow the route notes as above to NGR676951, take the track on the right, continue to NGR681946 and take the path on the right to climb Scolty (299m) and ascend General Burnett’s Monument. Descend North Eastwards back to NGR681946 and continue downhill through a gate to return to the Deeside Way track and follow into Banchory as above. Walk Distance:- 10miles/16km  Ascent:-1200ft/365m

Download file: Route-2-Potarch-to-Banchory.gpx

 

 

Bus departs Banchory at 4.00 pm.

Committee member in charge – Fiona Wallace 07715239042

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 walk today should be notified, if possible, before the emergency services are contacted on 999.

 Cancellations/Waiting List: It is important to contact Gilbert (Mobile number 07807240817) 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.

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