Tigerton to Edzell – The Caterthuns

 14^th November 2021     Bus departs Aberdeen at 09.00am

O.S. Map  44  Ballater, Glen Clova & surrounding area

Route 1:- Tigerton to Edzell – The Caterthuns. This walk starts at Tigerton near the War Memorial at GR 539644. Please note there are barbed wire & electrified fences that will have to be crossed on this walk. At the War Memorial head eastwards up road to enter a field via a large metal gate (this is across the road from several dilapidated timber buildings) & head Northwards following the fence uphill. At the top of this field cross through a large metal gate on the right to enter another field & continue in a Northly direction keeping the fence on your left & then Climb North Eastwards to the summit of the White Caterthun (298m) passing a succession of ramparts, some with internal ditches, that ring the top of the hill. From the North East end of the fort, a path emerges & descends Eastwards through the remaining ramparts to a car park on the unclassified road which crosses between the two Caterthun tops. Cross this road & head upwards to the summit of the Brown Caterthun (297m). The top of this hill is also encircled by the remains of six defensive ramparts although less obvious as they were only constructed by stone & turf. From the top descend North Eastwards towards a small reservoir built to supply water to Lundie Castle. Cross the outflow from the reservoir & ascend to the summit of the Hill of Lundie (244m). Take the track to the West of the top which skirts a plantation of trees & descends North Eastwards to cross a farm track before following the Eastern edge of an older plantation of trees & then drops into the glen of the West Water to a footbridge at GR 577 688. Cross the bridge & follow the track Eastwards through a picnic site & car park to reach a metalled road which carries on past an old cemetery & Edzell Castle to eventually reach the village of Edzell. The bus will be parked in the car park near the public toilets at the village green at GR 598 692.

Walking distance approx.  7 miles/10 km & approx. 250 m/800 feet of ascent

Route 2:- Rocks of Solitude. This walk starts in the main street of Edzell. From village green head Southwards down main street to a gap in the buildings at The Old Post Office & the Petrol Pumps at GR 600 689 & head in an easterly direction towards the River North Esk. Remain on the west side of the river & follow the path in a northly direction. Take care as this path is high above the river & narrow in places. The River North Esk is on the Highland Boundary Fault in this location which makes for some spectacular scenery. The path comes out onto a bridge on the B966 so take care when crossing to the other side & walk to the right. Go through the blue door located in the wall & follow the path along the east side of the River North Esk. The path will eventually take you to the Rocks of Solitude at GR 589729. Return by the same route to the B 966. When you exit the blue door you have the option of following the road back to the bus in the village green in or by returning by your outgoing route on the high path above the river.

Walking distance approx. 7 miles/10km & approx. 80 m/260 feet of ascent.

Please note that the route download to your mobile device only works of you can open gpx files (eg Viewranger)

Alternative Shorter Route details

For anyone requiring a shorter alternative they could follow Route 2 along the high path above the river to the road bridge on the B 966 (the blue door) & then return by the same route or by turning left at the bridge & follow the road back to the village green.

Walking distance approx.  3 miles/4.5 km.

Bus departs 3.30pm for Aberdeen at 5.00pm

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.

It would be helpful if walkers printed out or downloaded the route notes to their own devices as this would save on the club printing copies for distribution on the bus.

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 Gilbert McCurdy. Mobile No. 07807 240817.