Local Day Meet to Abernethy and Pitmedden Forest
The walk starts in Abernethy and heads south from the village for a circuit through Pitmedden Forest. Members will meet at 09.00 at the memorial in the square near the Round Tower at the top of School Wynd, map reference NO190164.
There is an interesting article on the area, written by Alan Rowan, available via the ‘SIGN UP’ button to the right of this page.
Parking in the vicinity can be congested and alternative options include the area off the main A913 road accessed from the junction by The Corn Kist / Douglas House (NO188165), the Inn Close Car Park in the village, a small, free car park operated by the council, signed from the west and accessed from the junction at NO189163, or the School Staff Car Park, which is private but for which we have permission from the Head Teacher, and is located at NO191165.
The walk is a well-signed forest circuit suitable for all ages on good tracks, paths, farm lanes, and with some pavement walking. Dogs are welcome on the forest trails but the route also passes through sheep fields where signs advising access restrictions for dogs have been posted in the past. Such a restriction would apply if lambs or calves are in the field, otherwise dogs should be kept on a short lead where animals are present.
The proposed route covers a distance of 12.6km / 8miles, with ascent of 390m / 1280ft and is expected to take 3.5-4.5 hours. Following the walk, an option for some refreshment is the Jamesfield Garden Centre, to the east of Abernethy (NO 201173), which has a café / restaurant open until 17.00.
Members are asked to indicate their intention to participate to the Local Day Meet Coordinator, Dave Gibson, by emailing localmeets@grampianclub.org.uk (or via the sign up button) including their mobile number, by Tuesday 29th November latest. Dave will circulate further information and members’ contact details within the group on Wednesday 30th November to enable transport sharing opportunities to be coordinated. Members email addresses and contact numbers will be shared within the group unless the member indicates to the Coordinator that they do not want their personal information shared.
If the Local Day Meet Coordinator is not present on the day, the group should nominate a coordinator who will be responsible for ensuring that all members are accounted for, and for reporting back to the Local Day Meet Coordinator to confirm that members have returned safely.
Route details –
From Abernethy Tower, cross main street and turn right up Kirk Wynd (signed: Path to Glen Road). Continue on Witches Road (signed) path south to old quarry.
Take woodland path on left and follow as it climbs alongside fenced fields and through couple of gates to another signed junction. Go straight ahead, following path for Abernethy Glen, as it curves to right along field edge to Turflundie.
Go through wooden gate and head left past buildings as signed, then straight ahead on woodland track. At signed junction, go left (Pitmedden Forest paths) and follow loop round to next junction where you turn left again.
Keep heading north-east along county boundary until reaching vehicle barrier and meeting of tracks. Take middle one heading straight uphill.
Take next left to loop round Pitcairlie Hill and arrive back at vehicle barrier.
Pass through and take track on right through dark tree corridor (signed for Abernethy). When track curves right at edge of trees, leave it and take woodland path on left until reaching gate.
Turn left on grass path through field with wall and fence to your left to reach another gate.
Continue on rough track as it works its way downhill through fields to Gattaway farm. Go to right around farm buildings, walk down lane to A913, then turn left to head back to start
