Glen Tanar - Haunted Stag
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The name of this walk refers to an event in the 19th Century. The laird of Glen Tanar at the time was a keen hunter, but one stag kept eluding him. It became referred to as 'haunted' as it kept disappearing before he could shoot it. In 1877 however, it was finally shot at a distance of 81 metres. In those days this was a remarkable feat and is marked by two large monuments in the middle of a moor.
After leaving the car park the walk starts off on level ground and after passing the quaint St Lesmo's Church, rises through a forestry plantation, soon emerging to more open landscape with good views to the north. Next another climb, passing through pine woodland which contains some fine ancient Scots pines, which are the remains of the old Caledonian Forest that once covered the whole area. This woodland is one of the few nesting areas for the elusive capercailzie.
On leaving this woodland the walk gives way to open heather woodland. It is from here that you can see the two huge stone balls, one where the laird fired the fatal shot and the other where the stag fell.
As you leave the moorland, the walk turns northwards and provides great panoramic views before starting to descend. Once at the bottom of the hill, the journey continues alongside the Water of Tanar. This woodland path then leads on along the tranquil banks of the water, passing the visitor centre to the start.
Scotland - Northeast Scotland - Aberdeenshire - Deeside and Glen Tanar
Features
Birds, Church, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Moor, River, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland