Deeside Railway Line
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
| 10 kms | 02:00 (hrs:mins) | 10 metres | OS Map Explorer 426 |
Description
Before beginning the walk, it's well worth taking some time to enjoy the Old Royal Station at Ballater. The station is packed with local tourist information and houses a Royalty and Railways exhibition, which re-creates the grandeur and ceremony of a bygone age.
To begin your journey, walk past the Station Restaurant and visitor centre and turn left between the station buildings, and then right to access the platform and thus the path. Follow the walkway, which soon becomes a delightful fenced path, with the wooded hill of Craigendarroch (crag of oaks) rising to your left. Cross the A93 road with care and continue along the peaceful path. In about 800m, the ruined 15th century church and kirkyard of Kirkton of Tullich is just on the left. St Nathalan founded the first chapel here in the 7th century
The path continues, between birch trees. On a low hill to the right, there is a tall granite obelisk in memory of William Farquharson of Monaltrie, who died in 1828 aged 75. The Farquharsons are still major landowners on Deeside. Shortly after this landmark, you will see the River Dee on the right. There is an ideal picnic spot here, which overlooks the water.
The river stays in view for the walk to Cambus O'May around a noticeable curve (cambus means a bend), with a good view of the elegant white suspension bridge across the river. As you come around the bend you will see the picturesque Cutaway Cottage, with its white picket fence and manicured garden. There is a fine view here of the wide sweep of river with heathery hills beyond. Just past the cottage, stop to experience the grandeur of the Cambus O?May Suspension Bridge as it stretches across the River Dee.
You will soon pass by the old Cambus O'May Station. From here you can either: retrace your steps back to Ballater; catch a bus by the Cambus O'May Hotel (on the A93) back to Ballater; or continue on your journey towards Dinnet and catch a bus back from there.
As there is no bus stop at Cambus O?May, you will need to hail the bus from the roadside. There is a small car park close by to the old station that would be a suitable place to hail the bus.
The path continues to Dinnet, becoming a broad, straight sandy track crossing the Muir of Dinnet, out of sight of both river and road. The track is fringed by birch and pine trees with at one point a glorious sweep of heather on the left.
The road is rejoined as Dinnet is reached. The developed footpath currently ends here. You can either return to Ballater by the same route, enjoying different views towards the hills of upper Deeside, or perhaps relax at the Loch Kinord Hotel in Dinnet for a while before catching the bus back to Ballater.
Access Info
Start: The Old Royal Station at Ballater.
Parking: Station Square
Additional Info
If you wish to walk one way there is a regular bus service (Mon-Sat) back to Ballater from Cambus O?May and Dinnet. An infrequent bus service also operates on a Sunday.
