Past Walks in 2015
LOCH OF LEYS The Saturday 12 September, 2015 Walk kicked off from the Car Park of Tesco Superstore , Banchory and continued north on the unclassified Burn O Bennie to Catterloch road as far as the entrance to south side of
the now drained down Loch Of Leys, the site of an artificial island (fortalice) used since the 1500's by the Burnett of Leys family as a secure family base. The extensive grassy banks of the loch provide a great environment for
wildlife and birdwatchers. The walk was shortened by threat of rain storm and return was via the restaurant of the Woodend Barn Bistro with a viewing of the adjacent Woodend Barn music and arts centre.
KINCARDINE O NEIL - DESS FALLS On Saturday 10 October, 2015 the walk commenced at Kincardine O Neil Village Hall and extended west on the footpath of the Deeside Way to the Falls of Dess waterfalls. The viewpoint there provided a good photo opportunity before continuing north off the Deeside Way to the Dee Activity Centre restaurant for lunch. The return was by way of a more direct over-hill route through pleasant woodland.
HAZLEHEAD PARK TO COUNTESSSWELLS FOREST on Saturday 14 November, 2015. The route took path on a gentle incline between two golf courses then levelled out on the approach to Countesswells Forest. There followed a circular trail of easy walking with fine views of the surrounding countryside.
OLDMELDRUM TOWN HERITAGE WALK & DISTILLERY TOUR - On Saturday 12 December, 2015. The initial walk concentrated on up to a dozen points and places of historical interest. Mid-way the walk included a visit to and presentation and limited tour with product sampling at Glengarioch Distillery. Afterwards, the walk extended along the course of the original Aberdeen - Banff road known as King Street, in times past used by the Duke of Cumbeland and his troops during suppression of the Highland Rebellion. This led us to renewed paths with recently constructed viewpoints off the northern by-pass where the constructor, Mr Douglas Smith was present at work. He kindly went to some length to explain matters of historical detail. The walk was then curtailed due to cold weather and refreshments were had by all at Morris's Hotel, The Square.