We are the Inverurie Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Jacqueline T.
A Leisurely / Moderate walk, given winter conditions, with lovely views of the surrounding hills.
The walk starts at the Post Office in the SW corner of the Monymusk Square, first through the new housing heading west to Clyan’s Dam, a very scenic spot by the water. We’ll take advantage of a good sitting area here and have an early coffee, (with mince pies provided). Then cross the Dam and walk through Clyan’s Wood. Go over the road, along to a sliding gate, along a path, then turn off to head upstream by the River Don. We continue up-river until a grassy ramp leads up to the public road and across a bridge over the River Don. After 300m on the road, (single file) we turn south through Delab farm and follow grassy farm tracks for a mile downstream to the next river bridge, which we cross over. We continue downstream following the Don, along the Right river bank, to a wooded glade, also a Grant family burial area. We return along a higher tree-lined track above the riverside fields / flood plain, to reach the Monymusk Home Farm. We’ll divert to view Monymusk House, (originally a tower house built on the grounds of Monymusk Priory in the mid C16). The (early) picnic lunch spot is in the old Monymusk walled garden, with permission from the Estate. After lunch, we turn south, cross the fast B993, go through a small wood. The farm track leads south and rises up over the course of the old railway line to Alford. Our route then turns west and north, crossing the line of the old railway again, near the old Monymusk Station. Our way continues north, crossing back over the B993 and into Monymusk Square. An extra 20 minutes’ walk takes us back down to the River Don, upriver again and then inland to the Monymusk football ground. See below for possible availability of refreshments.
Shorter route – If the weather is inclement, we can cut back to Monymusk before or after lunch, it’s a flexible route,
Nature of the terrain – tracks and paths, some near the River Don. Given the time of year, there will very likely be winter conditions, probably of occasional wet ground, mud and puddles, or possibly slippery frozen ground.
The walk will be co-led by Evelyn Batchen.
Refreshments after the walk may be available at the Grant Arms on Monymusk Square, if all the tables are not fully booked for their formal Sunday lunches. This is a café / restaurant, not a pub. There is usually a good selection of tea, coffee and cakes. Please let Jay know if you are likely to join us for tea and cakes, space permitting.
Booking is essential. Please contact the walk co-leader Jay using the contact details provided to book, or if you have any questions, by the Thursday evening prior to the walk. Please phone or text. If you leave a message please remember to leave your name and contact telephone number. Confirmation of your booking is required for attendance. It is essential for the walk leaders to know who is coming on the walk and to be able to contact people should there be any changes. Please remember to contact the walk co-leader Jay if you are no longer able to attend. All bookings to Jay please to avoid any confusion.
Additional details of equipment - As it is a winter walk, walking boots are very strongly advised, preferably with short or long gaiters. Waterproof jacket and overtrousers are essential requirements for winter walks. Bring a hat, gloves, spare fleece / jumper. (Padded jackets are popular, but you also need a waterproof jacket, either on, or in your rucksack). Walking poles are optional, but advised if the ground is muddy or icy. (If ground conditions are snowy and frozen bring your micro-spikes or “grippers”, to minimize falls). Bring a pack lunch and a flask for a hot / cold drink.
Parking – There is on-street parking on two sides of the Monymusk village Square and on roads leading to and from the Square. (Bear in mind that the public bus turns around using the Square and needs space!). It would be best if we avoided parking our cars in the off-road car park by the hall and playground, as this area may also be used by people coming to the church or community centre later on. But we will meet in this car park.
Toilets – There are no public toilets in Monymusk.
We will meet and start in the centre of Monymusk village in the small off-road car park located between the recreation playground and the village community hall. This space is to the east of the village Square and north of the village church. OS Landranger Map number 38 - Aberdeen.
We will meet and start in the centre of Monymusk village in the small off-road car park located between the recreation playground and the village community hall. This space is to the east of the village Square and north of the village church. OS Landranger Map number 38 - Aberdeen.
