Date/Time
Date(s) - 01/04/201212:00 am
Walk Details
Pub Stop?: No O/S Map Sheet No.: 37 and 38 Grid Ref. Start: Grid Ref. Finish Walk (Miles): 12 Walk Hours: 6 Bus Time to Walk: Bus Time from Walk: Departure time from walk:Walk Notes
The walk today follows two sections of the West Gordon Way from Suie Hill through Whitehaugh Forest and then on to Bennachie where it contours the ridge on the south side of the range before descending to the Visitor Centre car park. The route is waymarked at intervals by wooden posts bearing a hexagonal ‘GW’ insignia. If any member(s) should require a shorter walk, please advise your committee member in charge of the bus so that early discussions can take place with the driver
The walk commences at the highest point of the secondary road (“Old Military Road“) from Bridge of Alford to Clatt where there is a car park (NGR.547.232). Take the track on the east side of the road heading towards Suie Cairn and then proceed over the tops of Suie Hill (415m), Black Hillock, and then Knock Saul (412m). The track then leaves the trees near the 315m.spot height on the map and contours the southeast side of Satter Hill, before descending to the B.992 Whitehouse/Auchleven road below Brindy Hill (244m). Look for a marker post a little south of this point on the east side of the road and take the track past Towmill which climbs up round the north shoulder of Corrie Hill and then over the north side of Black Hill heading towards Hermit Seat. The track contours the south side of this latter top and round the south shoulder of Watch Craig to the col between it and Oxen Craig (NGR 657.223). The waymarked route continues round the south shoulder of Oxen Craig to cross the Garbat Burn, near Bruntwood Tap, before descending through the trees towards a forest road at the location known as the “Heather Brig” (NGR.679.212). Do Not Cross The Burn to the forest road, but pick up a waymarked path on your left, before the burn, which heads eastwards through the trees for about a mile on the north side of the Clachie Burn before joining up with the path coming down from the Mither Tap. The combined track then descends from here to the Visitor Centre car park where the bus will be waiting. (NGR.698.217).