Against the Flow

Anne Murray – March 2013 – June 2013

Day 1 Banff to Eden Highlight Watch out for I I was dropped off at Bridge Headed north towards Easy walking, it is not possible Road the sand banks to see to pass under the bridge where the river meets going against the flow in a S the sea direction 2 I made my way back onto Make your way through It’s not possible to walk right Bridge Road and crossed the the scrubby hedge to beside the riverside as very A98 (very busy road) towards the golf course in a marshy. Watch out for the Golf club southerly direction disgruntled golfers and balls. follow the old path (some markers are visible on the fence) 3 I walked as far as the Golf There is a clear pathway I got as far as the farm and Hut/Bothy, it got harder to walk up until the farm house, met the farmer, it’s not easy beside the river due to scrub some nice to head over Montcoffer and changed my mind deciding commemorative trees, wood hill, there was cattle on to head back over the same the possibility of the field and no clear path. I route north to the bridge and climbing up to the followed the ridge of the hill then through the distillery to standing stones and and kept the river in view so I establish whether it was glimpses of the folly on didn’t go too far off of finding possible to navigate the river on the island the track down the other the east side. side. DO NOT ADVISE this route towards Eden. 4 I eventually found the old track There is a good view Not easy to find the path down to the Alvah Bridge but it down to the pots north between the farm and the was not easy to pass, lots of of the Alvah Bridge bridge through the forest, wall, fence and gate climbing would not recommend this side of the river. 5 As I was on the East side at Alvah Bridge is lovely, if Frustratingly there is a good Alvah, and I couldn’t find a way you head off the path path that makes its way from across the river other than the down to the pots, it is Alvah Bridge right to Alvah Bridge, I continued on the possible to get a better on the West side of the river. East side of the River to Eden view of the bridge and I didn’t manage to see how to down to river level, nice get to the start of it. The for a picnic. start can be seen from the riverside at the River Alvah. I think there must be an entrance from the higher Duff House path that takes you towards the Bridge. Further investigation would have to be done. This is one of three points in the Banff to Turriff route that would need to be addressed in order for a walk to be possible from both towns beside the river. 6 I continued on the East side of There are some very However, there were quite a the river from Alvah Bridge, pretty parts of this few electrified fences, very towards Eden route, especially a narrow sections where it was lovely old bridge over a difficult to walk without going tributary into a field due to erosion and general scrub. Some parts that are fished are a joy to walk on, but on this side this is patchy, frustratingly the West side is much better. 7 Approaching the King Edward A benefit of going on The West side would have Burn I went through the field the East side was been easier to navigate, the towards the main road National coming across the Eden path looked so good…. 1 Cycle route Garden Centre where I got a lovely tea and cake. I felt awkward crossing ‘private’ land at this point, but the family were lovely and gave me some back ground on the route and area.

Day 2 Eden to Turriff Highlight Watch out for 1 I got dropped off at Eden Plants This is a lovely part of Head off the Road when you to make my way towards the route, starting at reach parallel to Wood of Turriff. the Plant centre and Shaws on the map and you’ll walking on the National see a moss covered stone 1 Cycle route towards wall and track which takes Turriff. you down to the side of the River. 2 Continue South along the lovely This is a lovely easy walk I met the scout leaders from fishing path, towards the SEPA most of the way along, Turriff here and they advised water Bridge you can see some of the yodelling under the water geology as well as bridge! I advised not erosion. continuing along the East side of the river! They later emailed me and said that I was right! 3 At the water bridge, move from Yodel, sing or shout Once you reach the Lower the West side to the East side of under the bridge it is Shaw Pool you’ll find the the River as recommended by definitely worth it! commemoration stone of the Scout leaders. Clementina (Tiny) Morison, who caught the record heaviest fresh water salmon in Britain !in 1924. A title she still holds 4 I continued to follow the river I spotted a huge The Haugh would be difficult around all its convolutions amount of Hooper to pass if there was a high towards Turriff swans on the Rack tide or after heavy snow melt Haugh after the bridge or rain. There were some bits I had difficulty getting across and was glad I had my Nordic poles with me! 5 Mountblairy Mountblairy is lovely; Watch out for anglers casting there is a lovely bridge their lines if you are walking as you reach its during the week or on boundary. if you have Saturdays. There is no fishing time head up to the allowed on Sundays in Mausoleum. The pots, . sign positing and fishing areas are well kept and Always take care choosing pretty when to walk, having seen the height the river can get to, (well over 6ftabove the path) I don’t think this is an all year around route, probably best autumn through to early spring. 6 Forglen Once you’ve passed the Forglen riverside path House and are back approaching from the North onto the Track this is a is not very inviting. The area very pleasant route to below the house is almost walk, from the Lord impossible to pass. I wish I Banff’s Rock to about a had Claudia’s Guerrilla Kilometre before Turriff walking kit with me as some it is clear of the fallen trees, fences and walking/fishing tracks. poor drainage was really difficult to navigate 7 Approach to Deveron Bridge It was soooo good to From about a Kilometre see the bridge as I knew North of the Bridge the path my lift was waiting and is good on the East side and they’d be wondering non-existent on the West where I was. I had been (the side I was walking on). It on the phone saying I’m showed me just what a almost there and I difference the Angling makes would come along to to the side of the river. On yet another bend and one had there is less trees, still have a while to go birds and animals around and as a result unnaturally quiet but on the other the anglers have a good route to walk, although it is not obvious to many that the general members of the public are welcome too. 8 Deveron Bridge I walked along the There are signs of Giant riverside as well as Hogweed and other weeds. crossing over into the It is likely to be impassable farmers’ field on this during the summer. Perhaps last section as it was that is what land owners really tricky to navigate. want?

There have been newspaper reports to say that Black faced sheep ar e being brought in to address the Giant Hogweed and weed problems along the riverside.

Day 3 Turriff to Highlight Watch out for 1 I got dropped off at the Deveron Being joined by Again this route from the Bridge again, this time walking someone on the walk bridge to the first of the with the Past Chair of the Turriff brought a different feel fishing trails would be and District Heritage Society. As to the experience; I took difficult to pass in the the river takes a West hand turn fewer photos and did summer as the weeds below at this point we were now more talking. We our feet would make it walking on the North of the negotiated routes and almost impossible to pass. river heading in a Westerly went off piste to direction. explore other places. Some interesting stories came out about Elephants being buried on road sides, parish boundary stones and witches. 2 We climbed up to Kirkton Pretty churchyard with When we were walking Church remains. On the map it some really old stones further along the river at is on the North side of the river and carvings, the piper Burnend we were stopped by roughly north of the Muiresk Sergeant George farmers as it was lambing Haugh Frederick Findlater VC time. My companion for the (16 February 1872 – 4 day had her dog with her so March 1942) was a they were especially cautious Scottish soldier in the and on another day they British Army, who was probably wouldn’t have said awarded the Victoria anything. Cross, Britain's highest award for gallantry, for his role in the Tirah Campaign. On 20 October 1897, Findlater, then a junior piper in the Gordon Highlanders, was shot in the feet during an advance against opposing defences at the Battle of the Dargai Heights; unable to walk, and exposed to enemy fire, he continued playing, to encourage the battalion's advance. The event was widely covered in the press, making Findlater a public hero. is buried here 3 Carnousie Fishings We stopped here and Some parts of the track on had our lunch in the the South side looked Fishing Bothy, two passable, but not lovely seats awaited. continuously along the riverside. It’s hard to say which side would be better. 4 Berry Hill area the river is now A beautiful area but not This area ispatchy field, scrub flowing north and we are on the much of a path, there and paths so not that easy to West side before it turns are lovely scenic views walk on although it looks a lot Westerly and we’re on the of the river and better than the Wood of North side again undulating countryside. Craigbrae side which is a sheer vertical drop and covered in trees. 5 Berry Hill to Netherdale House, We make our way along Due to time restrictions we where we were met between the route joining the had to find our way back onto Damfolds and Home Farm of fishing paths and met a main road. There is little to Netherdale on the main road. some anglers at no signal in this area. We Netherdale. They come phoned from the riverside up from Yorkshire once and made our way up the hill a year on the same to Netherdale House, where week and stay in , there was no signal. My this season has been rucksack also fell into the quite late apparently. Deveron at this point where I got a bit wet rescuing it, luckly the river was clear, with flat stones and shallowish (knee height) where I went in. All was fine and rescued everything 6 Netherdale to Inverkeithny – I As the route on the This is not an easy stretch, did this stretch on another day North side was difficult probably better to follow the with Bruce and the Dog so I to get to and there was Roads from Deveron Bridge could start in Inverkeithny on no obvious way of near Turriff to the south of the next full walk day. getting back to the River, you would turn off Inverkeithny I walked the National 1 after travelling from Inverkeithny as far through Turriff and then turn along the south side as onto the B9024. The route possible towards would then follow a Netherdale. We got combination of farm tracks stuck at a stream south and the B9024 road to of Netherdale House on Inverkeithny. The road the South side of the climbs up quite high, but the river and followed the views at the top of the Logg boundary up to the top Wood road are beautiful. of the hill until we met the Road again. We heard a lovely Skylark at the top of the hill, which was a lovely bonus after getting to the top. 7 Logg Wood to Inverkeithny Walking down the It is so sad to see the B9024 towards abandoned houses, although Inverkeithny you could there was worse to come see what a pretty area later on in the walk. this was and how beautiful it had been. There are some amazing houses, a shop, farm cottages, a school and a library which have since been abandoned but it was all a lovely community at some point. 8 I was picked up at Inverkeithny I met my lift at the Watch out for the tractor Church church and we had a drivers coming quickly good look around the around blind corners, he was church yard. Another a bit wild! I guess not that closed church only open many people or cars take this by appointment and for road. special services.

Day 4 Inverkeithny to Mayen Highlight Watch out for 1 Starting in Inverkeithny village Lovely clay soil sample I tried to get down to the parking beside the church. collected here at the river beside the church but Making your way towards the river side, easy to walk ended up walking down East Kemlin Pot. along for a while until I side of the field after the reached the woods Bridge over the Keithny Burn. shown on the map to There is a good gate for the south of St John’s climbing over and the field is Well. where you should quite flat towards the river. head up the hill around the back and then back DO NOT ATTEMPT TO walk down towards the river, along the river side after you meet the wood. It was no fun at all and I was wondering if I’d get out alive! 2 Kemlin to Wardwell A relatively easy route, Some erosion where some of not on a path most of the fencing has come away. the way but at the side of the river beside the fields 3 Wardwell to Auchingoul Some lovely fishing The path on the East side of tracks and picnic the river peters out after this benches along this point and it would be difficult route and a nice view to to pass. You would be Wallace’s camp on the coming into Kinnairdy Castle East side.. grounds. 4 Auchingoul to Bridge of There is a lovely route Unfortunately it is not Marnoch towards the Bridge of possible to walk in front of Marnoch. One of my the Marnoch lodge and under favourite bothys is at the bridge West towards Marnoch Lodge. Craighead. I had to walk up Aparently it was through the lodge grounds shipped up from the (which when you approach South Coast possibly from the A97 says no entry, Brighton or so the private! I walked up over the gossip goes. Bridge of Marnoch and then attempted to get down onto the riverside at various points between the bridge and Marnoch. 5 Bridge of Marnoch to Old This is a lovely area Follow the road over the Manse of Marnoch Bridge and follow the B9117 road to Marnoch. I tried to get down to the riverside at various points – beside the bridge on both sides, along the path by the electricity station, at Braehead and the Kirkyard (got down to the riverside but couldn’t cross the stream.) I finally got back down after the Old Manse of Marnoch. 6 Old Bridge of Marnoch to Such a pretty area with No real issues here, just so Tower Hill the most beautiful pretty. There is an amazing House at House of Bridge at around Spur Brae Glennie, looks Arts and and there is obvious Riparian Crafts Style, beautiful planting beside the river with walks and clear access trails for people to walk around this area. As across as well. I saw my first you navigate around Frogs/toads here so far on Tower Hill you realise this walk, it was really you are on a peninsula exciting. and there are no car sounds nor many people. 7 Tower Hill to Mains of Mayen When I reached Tower I should have stayed on the Hill I was aware of my path marked but decided to time and that I was follow the field boundaries, going to be picked up this still took me to the track within the next half between Tower Hill and hour. So I headed up Mains of Mayen, but was a the path towards Mains harder route, I would follow of Mayen and back onto the winding path to the track the B9117. instead the next time. 8 Mains of Mayen My aim was to get to Some of the tracks are not Rothiemay this day, but fishing paths and have not time didn’t allow, I did been maintained, making however start the next some bits a bit tricky to pass day from this point at where there has been erosion Mains of Mayen and or weeds not cut, but continued back along to generally this is a lovely area Rothiemay and onto which could be walked all the Huntly on the next way from Inverkeithny to walking day. Huntly is so desired.

Day 5 Mayen to Huntly Highlight Watch out for 1 Dropped off at Mains of Mayen This is a lovely walk There are some interesting to mainly on paths or flat architectural features on the ground, we were walk up toward the Milltown walking in June and of Rothiemay. A bridge that even with wild doesn’t have a road (possibly flowers/weeds it was Queen Mary’s Bridge), a wall passable. I walked this that keeps nothing in, a part of the route with building without a purpose. Diane Smith. Aparently there was also a castle, but it is no longer there. 2 Milltown of Rothiemay This is a very pretty The ‘path’ takes you under village with a pub (not the Bridge and you have to always open) and a cross the Laid for the Mill and shop (where you can come up beside the pub – get a coffee and hot since doing the walk the laid chocolate and basic has been improved to prefent provisions) if you have further flooding in the village, time there is a stone I’m not sure how easy it will beside the B9117 that is be to cross now that this is in at the North end of the place. The route now takes village. ou through the village as it was not possible to follow the route of the river where the laid has been so we walked through the village and then onto the B9118, towards Huntly . 3 Rothiemay to Bridge of Isla Follow the B9118 until You can see lovely fishing you reach the junction paths on the East side of the with the B9022. The River Isla, but we were route takes you along unable to get to them from the side of the River the Rothiemay direction. Isla, it is not possible to walk along the river side nor cross the river Isla and Deveron to get onto the route South to Huntly. Stay on the road until you’ve crossed the Bridge of Isla. 4 Bridge of Isla to the Deveron We followed the road Again the paths look good on Viaduct until we could start to the Eastside on the Avochie see the river again and Estate, but the ones after the Avochie House in the forest towards the Railway distance. It was not bridge were very pleasant, easy to get down to the probably where sheep were riverside, we walked off grazed. There was what the road into the forest looked like an old pedestrian where the road turns bridge across the river to the south and made our North of the Viaduct, way along through the although we decided it was trees. not safe enough to cross, although I subsequently heard Stuart McAdam went over it but almost regretted doing it! 5 Deveron Viaduct to the conflux There is pretty much a There is no path after the of Bogie and Deveron Rivers good track all the way conflux and I’d recommend along from the Viaduct coming off the river at Huntly towards the Conflux. Lodge Farm and walk down the entrance to the Elgin Bridge from the Castle Hotel 6 Conflux to Elgin Bridge, Huntly Contrary to public belief The route from the Conflux to this is not the old road the Elgin Bridge is not a good to Elgin, but a bridge one, we struggled to get past dedicated to Lord Elgin. in points and had to go down There is folklore to onto the sand beside the suggest that the river river, if the river was high we has been diverted to would have struggled to cross that the then Lairds due to the rocks beside the House could see the river. What has been a path river at the bottom of has been allowed to grow its gardens. over, been filled with boulders and not really passable.

Day 6 Huntly to Aswanly Highlight Watch out for 1 I walked with Claudia Zeiske There is a well worn The path runs past the Huntly today starting from Elgin Bridge, path from Elgin Bridge Nordic Ski Centre where Huntly to Gibston Bridge around the Coopers British Nordic Cross Country Park and the Haughs Ski team members in towards the Bridge of Scotland train. When you get Gibston. to the Bridge you can either walk up the steps or under the bridge continue under the bridge. 2 Gibston Bridge to Dunbennan The route here is Some improvements of the Kirk quieter and not nearly riverside have been made as well trodden, which are part of a range of although it would be a flood defence constructions great place to come for due to the flooding in 2009 summer swimming, and earlier. Follow the path really shallow and slow around the new defences and moving then follow the path towards Dunbennan Kirk. 3 Dunbennan Kirk There is a style and path The route from the riverside towards Dunbennan to the path was over grown Kirk from the riverside, and full of nettles and cow follow it towards the parsley, but we tramped on. kirk and around to the back of it and into the Cemetery. There are some interesting stones and stonemason markers. 4 Dunbennan Kirk to There is a clear track We may have been able to Inschtammack bridge and route from walk along the North Side of Dunbennan Kirk the river from this point all towards Inschtammack the way around to Cairnford and a lovely footbridge Bridge, but we decided to across the river. Look stick to the South and East out for the fishing Side as it went around bothys and when we Dunbennan Wood. were there loads of butterflies and insects as all the wild flowers were in full bloom. 5 Inschtammack Bridge to There is a possibility to The path was un-passable at Cairnford Bridge walk on both sides of some points so we then the river at this point of walked in the fields, beware the route, but we of Cattle, especially with decided to stick to the young and young heifers, same side. We came they are particularly out at the Cairnford dangerous if you get between farm track crossing the the calf and the mum, or field beside the road spook them. A920. 6 Cairnford Bridge to Aswanly After investigating the The road was fine and quiet area beside the river and we met quite a few near the Bridge on the people we knew on the route East side we decided to in cars either coming or going stick to the road to the from Huntly. We finally Artloch Fishery and accepted a lift from Aswanly would look for a point back to Huntly as we were to get back to the river having trouble with phone further up the road. signals to find an alternative route home.

Day 7 Cairnford Bridge to Walla Kirk Highlight Watch out for 1 Cairnford Bridge to St Ann’s Once we got passed the I would recommend walking Well. marshy area of the along the road past the route that runs parallel turnoff for the Falconry I walked with Jake Williams to the A920 there were Centre and towards Milton of from Robs Nook at Cairnford some lovely pathways Cairnbarrow to start this part Bridge we started on the East of the walk, taking the steps side of the river but eventually down off the road across the decided to take the Northernly lade and then onwards. The side as the previous days walk route parallel to the A920 is had highlighted the lack of path very boggy and over grown beside the river. particularly in the Summer.

2 St Ann’s Well to Aswanly This is a lovely stretch There was a lot of Erosion at and we even spooked a St Ann’s well and it was Deer. Aswanly looks difficult to get over the fence lovely with its horse trial and past this area. I was glad jumps and the of the help of Jake and his possibility of a bridge as friend as otherwise I would a trailer is there for have had to backtrack and crossing the water and get over the fence some further on bridge posts other place. that could be reinstated. 3 Aswanly to Blairmore This area is really pretty, However, I wouldn’t lovely rolling hills to the recommend walking here sides of the river. One during the summer as the of my favourite bothies weeks particularly nettles and is here at Invermarkie Giant Hogweed were where there is a red particularly bad. My knees railway carriage decked will never be the same again out with candelabras. having gone through all the stinging things! 4 Blairmore to Glass War We came back onto the There isn’t really a path Memorial main road at the mill beside the river, the river has and walked along been altered to form a lade at towards Haugh of Glass Blairmore and there isn’t and onwards to really a route close to the Edinglassie. river to walk along beside Invermarkie Lodge. The road is quiet and easy to walk along, a nice break from stinging nettles. 5 Glass War Memorial to Park At the War Memorial Stay on the road here, the Haugh Bridge cross the bridge over route takes you down to the Markie Water and junction and take the easterly South towards side where you can see the Edinglassie Mains bridge over the river. Don’t cross the river but take the path down to the right and follow around to the riverside. 6 Park Haugh Bridge to Walla Kirk This is a pretty area Again mobile phone beside the river and reception was an issue and I takes you towards walked up the Hill of Walla Kirk, due to Dumeath to pick up a weak timings we came off of signal. I had been advised the riverside route and that the Beldorney estate were picked up at the were not too keen with Walla Kirk. people walking over their estate so the next days walking would be on the Easterly side of the river starting at Auchinhandoch.

Day 8 Auchinhandoch to Cabrach Highlight Watch out for 1 Auchinhandoch to Succoth This days walk was one Follow the farm tracks, of my favourite as the apparently the three or four I was dropped off at landscapes changed so farms on the East side of the Auchinhandoch, on the East much, also it was such a River use them frequently to side of the river and was aiming nice day very pleasantly get between their farms so to get to The Cabrach warm and the smell of they are quite clearly defined, Broom was delicious I was able to walk quite freely with only a couple of spots causing any difficulties. 2 Succoth to Tomnaven After Succoth as I came Just watch out for what is in over the hill I could see the field and when crossing that there was a clear fields walk don’t run, uneven field towards the River ground can be disastrous if which would be you’re going downhill at high passable. This allowed speed! I managed to stay me to get down to the upright this time. riverside again and see the old ford and mills 3 Tomnaven to Grouse Inn A lovely route for Beware at Waterside the area walking on a summer’s gets covered in nettles in the day. The path is clearly summer and it’s where I marked across the fields managed to fall into a big pile and has paths that are climbing over the fence. easy to find. A good Beautiful spot for a picnic at family walk. Crooked Pot before the Mill at Backhill Gouls You can either follow the road around to Watch for the path towards Lesmurdie House and the bridge that takes you to past the Acorn centre or the Grouse Inn bridge across carry on the track to the the River. I missed it and had Grouse Inn to double backThe Bridge and track brings you out at Nether Ardwell. Be careful navigating between the river and the A941 road, it is a tricky incline, but passable.

The road is quite fast used by timber trucks, cyclists, motor cycles, tractors and Sunday Drivers, all have their own way of trying to knock you down. 4 Grouse Inn to Bridge of King’s The Grouse Inn is a Keep an eye out for the water Ford good spot to finish or a testing station and the Bridge stopping point for a memorial stone. Just before bowl of soup or a high the bridge, the road splits, tea. The route between the high road follows the line the Inn and Kings Bridge of the river towards the is equally passable on conflux. The lower road the road or the field takes you around the main beside the road, I went route to the abandonded through the field so I Cabrach village. If you are could walk on the river heading to the conflux of the side rather than with Allt Deveron where it meets my back to traffic. the Milltown Burn stay on the high road.

As I was being picked up at the village and was doing the conflux route later that day I decided to follow the road round to the left and go over the King’s Ford Bridge. 5 Bridge of King’s Ford to The Follow the A941 round Watch out for the gates of abandoned Cabrach Village to the south East and the Bank Farm and Auchmair, walk along the road quite unsettling and then side. It is not really when you reach the sign for passable on the the Cabrach Church you’re at riverside being both what was the Market Stance marshy and covered in you can see the Post office, woodland. post box, telephone box, School, houses and the old I was picked up from Cabrach Kirk. All abandoned. the Cabrach village The Kirk has an annual there are a few parking service in August. spaces if you wanted to do a day walk from The largest hill you see in the here. distance is called The Buck and is 721m high.

Day 9 Cabrach Village to the Source Highlight Watch out for of River Deveron 1 Village Post Office to Cabrach The church is very Look out for the farm names Church pretty and a host of mentioned like Powneed, information can be Aldivalloch, Bodiebae which I parked at the village Post found in the graveyard are now all abandoned and Office and made my way about the families who line the route of the Allt towards the Cabrach Church once stayed in the area Deveron. The house across from the church is Deveron House. 2 Cabrach Church over the Bridge Cross the bridge and on Follow the West side of the over Allt Deveron to Powneed the south side scramble Allt past the mill and more bridge down the side of the abandoned houses. bridge to the West of the Allt into the field. The area is covered in a type of Machiar with bog cotton, The route here is quite signs of bog cutting and some passable and the Allt quarrying. The soil is very red can be followed along full of iron oxide and at one until the Powneed point is steep down towards bridge where you’ll join the Allt. a path. 3 Powneed to the Source of the It is possible to walk Look out for the abandoned Allt Deveron along the side of the farms of Bodiebae, Little river, but probably only Bodiebae and Bracklach advisable in dry weather as the ground was still The source of the Allt is quite boggy. marked with a cairn of white quartz stones. It was not possible to cross the Allt as the bridge had been removed. 4 Allt Deveron to source of Burn The Allt Deveron is Due to time restraints I was of Rochford created from the unable to complete this part conflux of the Burn of of the route, but aim to Rochford, Burn of return. Hillocks, Burn of Bank, Burn of Smalisaughs, I know of others that have Burn of Westlewie and taken the route up to the many other run offs Creag na Gamhna. There are from the Buck and various debates as to where Creag na Gamhna the source actually is. 5 Return to Cabrach Village I returned over the There is route past the end of Powneed bridge to the the driveway of Cabrach North of the river and House (the one that says followed the road and private) and also there is a tracks along to Cabrach route to the East back House. towards the A941 and around towards the village approaching from the East.

Midsummer’s Solstice Walk Highlights Watch out for 1 Bridge of Kings Ford to Kiln This is the high road You can follow the high road Hillocks which gives you a great track or follow the line of the view of the River hill down to the riverside, we Deveron toward its found a ridge of trees that we source and conflux followed past Torniechelt and between the Milltown then made our way down to Burn and the Allt the riverside towards the Deveron conflux. 2 Conflux of Allt Deveron and This was a lovely spot It was quite wet underfoot Milltown Burn as the sun was going and willies could have been down on the longest useful, but walking boots day, the rain stopped were find as it was still and the sun came relatively dry. through creating a rich warm colour and soft evening. 3 Milltown Burn to Milltown After we toasted the The route towards the river and I did the reply Milltown was very wet and to the river we followed we moved away from the the route to the West of Burnside to higher ground so the Milltown Burn as to stay dryer. The moon towards Milltown and was now high in the sky with back to the car we’d left the sun setting. At Milltown at the Cabrach Village we were greeted with yet more empty and abandoned houses which was quite a sad end to a beautiful walk and day.