Ballater, the Seven Bridges and Knock Castle

Ian Cordiner

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Starting from the middle of Ballater, the walk crosses what appears to be a railway bridge. This part of the railway was never in fact built. The walk progresses through oak-woods close to the banks of the River Dee. It then crosses the River Gairn before following the banks of the Dee for a short distance. The River Dee is crossed by an attractive white suspension footbridge which was originally built in 1892 and then the walk continues through a wood of pine trees.

After a detour to visit the ruins of 16th Century Knock Castle, which is set up on an excellent viewpoint, the walk returns to Ballater along narrow, quiet, tarred roads, with fine views of the river on the way.

Scotland - Northeast Scotland - Aberdeenshire - Deeside and Glen Tanar

Features

Ancient Monument, Castle, Church, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Pub, Public Transport, River, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland
7/6/2023 - Robert Kitt

Despite previous comments this walk is now fully open again. The directions are a bit thin in places but a quick reference to the map, and frequent sign posts, make this a pleasant and relatively easy walk. There is a short section on quiet roads from 17 back into Ballater so care should be taken if you have children with you as the roads are straight, and some vehicles were travelling at speed. Despite this i would still class this as a family walk.

1/15/2016 - Linda Masson

This path has now been closed until further notice after the damage done by Storm Frank at the end of last year. A snippet in the paper said the Polhollick Bridge will have to be replaced. Very sad after it's recent renovation. Such a popular walk too.

10/4/2015 - Beate Allerton

Hi, just to let you know that Polhollick Bridge is open again. I was there today 4th October 2015. Kind regards, Beate Allerton

1/6/2012 - Chris Lodge

Perfect Sunday afternoon walk. As an alternative we now walk the route in reverse, so as to get the short road section out of the way first. Then, just after waypoint 7 pick up the obvious footpath along the river bank which takes you all the way around the golf course. When you reach the caravan park, just walk up onto Golf Course Road which takes you back to the car park.