Category Archives: Stravaig walk

View from Creag nam Ban

Aboyne / Ballater – May 15

A moderate walk, mostly on good tracks and paths through Bell Wood to Belwade Farm and back along the Old Deeside Road. Distance 6¼  miles.  Ascent about 130 metres, never particularly steep. Time about 3½ hours   Shorter options available, approx. 4½ miles.  Some sections can be wet, so waterproof boots recommended. Route map: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/maps/map3_27ab.shtml

Refreshments: Lunch stop at Belwade Farm (café closed). Post-walk refreshments at an Aboyne café, eg The Black Faced Sheep.

Meeting: 10 am at Kingswells Park and Ride or 11 am at Station Square, Aboyne AB34 5HX

Contact Henry Webb: webb.henryj@gmail.com Please note I may be out of contact between the 11th until the morning of 15th, so please contact before the 11th if possible.

Cambus o’May to Tullich – April 17

A Stravaig (easy) walk. Contact: gill@shirreffs.net or 07778 739414

Date and Meeting TimeFriday 17 April 2026 at 10 am at Kingswells Park and Ride or 11 am at Cambus O’May car park
Meeting PlaceCambus o’May Forest Trails Car Park.  Approx. 3½ miles west of Dinnet, on the A93, on the right towards the end of the long straight through Cambus o’May, with a sign “Forest Trails” about 300 yards before the access and a bus shelter at the entrance and Opposite the Cheesery.  Grid ref NO406981.
The walk starts at the information board at the top of the car park, but if spaces are available, it is better to park at the lower unofficial car park, closer to the road, as it is free and saves a short walk uphill at the end.  The forestry car park fee is £3, payable using the RingGo App. No toilets available.
Walk DescriptionAn easy very pleasant walk, mostly on good tracks and paths through conifer and birch woods, passing two lochans, an ancient ruined church, and pictish stones. Returning along the Deeside Way with an optional brief detour up to the Needle Monument.
Walk GradeEasy.  Distance 4 – 4.5 miles.  Ascent about 250 feet, never particularly steep. Time about 2½ to 3 hours.
Pre-Walk ContactIf you are planning to join this Stravaig, please let Gill Shirreffs know in advance.  Unless we already have your mobile number, please let Gill have it beforehand so that we can get in touch if you are not there at the start time.
RefreshmentsCoffee break at the high point, about 1½ miles into the walk.  Lunch stop at the Tullich Churchyard.  Post-walk refreshments either at Cambus o’May Cheese Shop, which has toilets, or else at Loch Kinord Hotel, Dinnet.
Hackley Bay

Sands of Forvie

A straightforward walk of up to 12 kms (distance can be easily shortened) on good paths. From the Forvie Centre, across the undulating dunes to join coastal path to Hackley Bay and on to Forvie Church. Short steep ascent and descent on steps at Hackley Bay.

Refreshments after at Trellis cafe, Newburgh

Contact: Bill Reith 07710 318485 bill.reith@btinternet.com

Meeting place: Car Park at Forvie Centre, Forvie NNR, Collieston 

(GR 033289)Cashless parking charge of £4 using Ringo app

Ready to walk at 10.00am

Singletrack in the forest

Potarch and Craigmore Woods – 12th December 2025

A social Stravaig walk – Potarch and Craigmore Woods (contact Jay Turner)

An easy woodland walk which rises round the hill top and contours of Craigmore Wood, then round and back down to Potarch. Distance about 5km.

Lunch Potarch Inn lunch is booked for 1.30 at Potarch Inn. This will take the form of soup and Sandwiches (a variety of fillings available) , there are also home bakes available for those wanting a sweet treat too.