Glen Tanar
Circular walk
Glen Tanar is set in Scotland's spectacular Cairngorms National Park. This dog walk encompasses the exploration of towering Caledonian pine forests and the winding River Tanar. Downloadable map available here.
Useful Information
How to get there: Heading west from Aboyne, take the B976 before taking the minor road up Glen Tanar.
Grid Reference: NO 480 965
Nearest Postcode: AB34 5EU
Parking: Across the road from the visitor centre (parking charge applies).
Facilities: Visitor centre, toilets.
The Walk
A circular walk taking in the pine forests, a view point, and several points along the river.
Map with thanks to Ordnance Survey.
Walk
1 The walk begins by crossing over the Bridge of Tanar. Once over the river, to the left you will see a building which acts as the information centre, providing information on the estate and the wildlife to be found here, as well as access to toilets. For the duration of the walk, you should follow the green way markers. From the bridge, turn right and follow the path upstream, on the same side of the river as the visitor centre.
2 As the track curves left taking you away from the river, follow it, and you will soon reach the Chapel of St Lesmo. The chapel was built by Glen Tanar’s original founder, Sir William Cunliffe Brooks in 1872. If you had on past the chapel to reach a t-junction, at which you should turn right. Follow the track straight across at an angled junction with a larger track heading into the woods.
3 The track then climbs a little to reach a viewpoint. Once you have taken in the view, head right downhill to reach another track which is by the river, where you should turn left.
4 Continue on the track until you reach a junction by an old stone bridge, make a right turn here to cross the bridge. If you then remain on the main track to reach a second stone bridge, which crosses the River Tanar. On the far side, you will reach a t-junction, where you need to turn right. Continue on the track which passes closely to the river.
5 You will reach a signed junction, and you can follow the waymarked trail to turn right, passing to the right of a forest lake which has a boat house on the far side. If you continue on the track you will reach another bridge, which you should cross and turn left on reaching the other side.
6 The path will cross a track heading in from the right. Pass through a field before the route leads you back close to the River Tanar. The path will then emerge onto a track, continue straight ahead to return to the visitor centre and start point of the walk.
