Seven Bridges & Knock Castle Ballater

This walk description has been updated following a recent reconnaissance of the walk.

A Leisurely/Moderate walk on waymarked paths, tracks and minor roads, visiting several bridges on the River Dee and the River Muick.  The walk run has some lovely riverside paths, peaceful woodland trails and great views of the surrounding Cairngorms Mountains.

The walk starts at the main car park in the town centre and follows the waymarked path to Ballater Bridge where you cross the river.  We then follow the South Deeside Road to the Bridge of Muick, where you cross the River Muick.  The next section heads north west along The Avenue which runs through Dalhefour Wood.  Here we have the option of taking a small detour and visiting Knock Castle, just to the west of the path.  The four-storey ruin, dates from approximately 1600 and has an interesting history.  After leaving Dalhefour Wood we cross the river on Polhollick Bridge, a white iron suspension bridge dating from the late 19th century.  We then turn east to follow a path diversion higher level path to the Bridge of Gairn.  There are a few steep inclines and steps to walk up on this diverted route.  At Bridge of Gairn we cross the River Gairn and turn south east to follow the trail along the Dee and the route of planned line of the abandoned railway line back into the town centre.