PRINT VERSION
www.walkforfun.co.uk
e : info@walkforfun.co.uk
Walk. Seven Brigs. Ballater. Royal Deeside. Scotland
**Directions To Get Here**
From Inverness
from Inverness bear south on the A9 signposted Aviemore. By Carrbridge turn left onto the A938 and head into Grantown on Spey
At Grantown turn right onto the A939 and follow this road through Tomintoul and Cock Bridge into Ballater
From Glasgow
From Glasgow head East on the M8 turning off at junction 13 onto the M80, signposted Stirling and Cumbernauld
Follow the M80 until it merges with North bound M9 just outside Stirling. M9 North turns into the A9 outside Perth
Once in Perth follow the signs for Blairgowrie and the A93. Follow the A93 up and past the Glenshee ski centre
dropping down to Braemar on the far side. Once in Braemar follow the A93 to Ballater
From Edinburgh
From Edinburgh head North on the A90 across the Forth Road Bridge the A90 turns into the M90 which should be followed to Perth
coming off at junction 11 onto the A93. Follow the signs for Blairgowrie. Follow the A93 up and past the Glenshee ski centre
dropping down to Braemar on the far side. Once in Braemar follow the A93 to Ballater
From Aberdeen
From Aberdeen follow the signs labelled "Deeside" and A93. Follow the A93 through Banchory and Aboyne
Once
through Aboyne follow the signs to Ballater
**Park in Station Square, Ballater**
**THE WALK**
This walk is 5 miles, allow 2 - 3 hours
mostly
level roads, clear paths and tracks
From Station Square walk along the main road, Bridge Street, to Royal Bridge spanning the River Dee
this bridge is the fourth bridge to be built on or near this spot, the first 2 were swept away by floods
in 1799 and 1839 respectively, the third lasted until 1885, when the present bridge was opened
by Queen Victoria
cross the bridge and turn right on the road wedged between the river and a steep wooded hill
just before a right hand bend at a spot known as Spinnin Jenny's after an ancient witch
is the second bridge of the walk, at Jenny's Bridge some steps lead from a low moss covered
parapet on the left hand side to a seat above
Continue past 2 facing cottages called Bridgefoot and Burnfoot and cross a third small bridge
over a stream to a junction, a comemmerative cairn marks one of Queen Victoria's
last public acts, when she took the salute at a march past of the Gordon Highlanders
in 1899 before the regiment left for the Boer War
Turn right over the Bridge of Muick built in 1878, in Glenmuick churchyard on the left
old tombstones includes one to John Mitchell, who was apparently aged 126yrs
when he died in 1722, on the right the rounded summit of Craigendarrock
towers above the village, and it's golf course, continue to a building and copse
on the right, just before Dallyfour Farm ( once the home of 126yr old John Mitchell )
then turn right onto a wide gravel track
follow this track through thick conifer woodland at Dalhefour Wood for just over 1 mile
after a sharp bend left at the river, turn right over the elegant Polhillick Bridge
the suspension bridge 190 ft long and only 4 ft wide, was built in 1892 to replace a ferry
the deep clear pool under the bridge is a popular fishing spot
follow the track right along the river, then left onto the A93 turn right on road being careful of traffic,
cross over where a sign points left to a disused quarry, steps climb to a path above the road clear of traffic
turn right on the path, dropping down to cross another road, then continue until you meet the A93 again
cross the road and turn left over the Bridge of Gairn, where the river gairn the river dee's longest tibutary
ends it 20 mile journey on the right are the ruins of the old parish church of Glengairn
at a farm road on the right marked Bridge of Gairn Farm, turn right and immediately left on a path
that drops down to the Auld Line, in the 19th century, this was the planned route of the Ballater
to Braemar railway, but the railway was never constructed and the path has now become a popular riverside trail
the walks seventh bridge spans a ravine at Posties Leap, follow the path along the river with views accross to a
wooden chalet that was built for the Queen Mother, when you reach a picnic area, follow the path to Auld Line Road
take the first road on the left known as Braemar Place, then turn right onto the A93 to return to the car park
**Disabled & Less Adgile Ramblers**
This walk is on mainly level roads, clear paths & tracks
most of the walk, if not all of the walk, should be suitable for most abilites
we hope you enjoy this circular walk