Route Summary
This is a very pleasant walk in an area renown for its scenic beauty. The limited overall ascent to a vantage point by the local school is gradual, with rewarding views over the Feughside valley.
Duration: 2.5 hrs.
Route Overview
Duration: 2.5 hours.
Transport/Parking: The walk start-point is in the free car-park for Finzean Hall, across the B976 South Deeside Road from the Hall, at the east end of Finzean village.
Length: 8.79 km / 5.46 mi. Height Gain/Loss: 86 meter.
Max Height: 182 meter. Min Height: 103 meter.
Surface: Moderate. A mix of surfaced paths, rough and tarred roads. The circuit is suitable for off-road mobility scooters.
Difficulty: Easy.
Child Friendly: Yes, if children are used to walks of this distance.
Dog Friendly: Yes, but best keep dogs on lead on or near public roads and close to farm animals.
Refreshments: The Finzean Estate Farm Shop and Cafe (on route). Options in Potarch, Banchory and Aboyne.
Description
This is a very enjoyable and accessible walk in the valley of the Water of Feugh in the dispersed community of Finzean, with sweeping views over open farmland and of the surrounding hills. The walk starts and finishes in attractive community woodland surrounding the little village of Finzean (pronounced “Fingin”) before exploring the neighbouring countryside comprising a mix of mature forest and farmland. At the return point on the circuit, the route passes the attractive Finzean House. The original mansion house was built in 1686, but much of it was burnt down in 1954 and has been almost completely replaced, with the south façade rebuilt to its pre-fire design. The C-listed walled garden was built in the late 19th century. Finzean House was the family home of Joseph Farquharson, the Victorian landscape painter who was known as the “Painting Laird”, and the garden was the backdrop for several of his paintings. The garden has lovely views over the historic holly hedge towards Clachnaben. Finzean, on the banks of the fast-flowing River Feugh, is set in a wide valley comprised of a patchwork of fields and small woodlands, with scattered houses, farms and hamlets. A ridge of low hills, with their highest point at Tom’s Cairn (310 m), delineate the valley to the north, separating it from the River Dee. To the south and west, Finzean is sheltered by higher hills. Especially prominent in the views towards this aspect are the distinctive granite tor of Clachnaben (589 m) and the towering bulk of Peter Hill (617 m). The Birse Community Trust (BCT) is a local charity that promotes the common good of the inhabitants of Birse Parish and wider public benefits. For more information see: https://www.birsecommunitytrust.org.uk/ . Thanks to Darren Moody for recommending this walking route, from the Visit Banchory website: https://www.visitbanchory.com/things-to-do/banchory-the-place-to-be-outdoors-and-active/walking/
Links:
Photos from walk
Download Route Guide (PDF with illustrated Waypoints)
Download GPX file (GPS Exchange Format)
Access Walk on OutdoorActive
Access Walk on OSMaps
Access Walk on Alltrails
Access Walk on Wikiloc
The Mack Walks 
Lovely autumnal walk – thank you. Tea room at Finzean serves coffee and cake till 4.30pm which is later than most.
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