Alton Brae Trail
Enjoy a wander along this wildlife-rich trail to the Flight Pond at Castle Fraser.
Walk details
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Difficulty
Moderate
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Time
50 minutes
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Distance
1½ miles (2.4km)
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Ascent
143ft (44m)
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Start
Castle Fraser car park
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Finish
Castle Fraser car park
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Step 1
(1/11)Look for the sign in the car park for the Alton Brae trail (red arrows) and set off north, heading parallel to the main drive on a grassy strip.
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Step 2
(2/11)Follow the red waymarker arrows as they go through a break in the wall (away from the road, which swings to the left) into the woods.
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Step 3
(3/11)Keep on the main track as you walk through the lovely woodland with native species.
As you head down the trail, our recent work to clean up storm damage has made way for lovely, clear views across to the iconic Aberdeenshire hill of Bennachie.
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Step 4
(4/11)Around 500m after leaving the main drive, descend some shallow steps and cross a forestry track.
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Step 5
(5/11)Follow the path round to the right to the Flight Pond, passing a bench and some information panels about the wildlife you might see here.
Look out for the rare northern damselfly flying between May and August. The Flight Pond is home to a healthy population of this rare priority species for the Trust.
Stop and have a rest on the bench, or take a closer look on the pond platform to see what aquatic life you can spot.
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Step 6
(6/11)Continue on the path round the pond, heading uphill into more woodland.
Watch out bee-low! A variety of solitary bees nest in the sandy Alton Brae path next to the Flight Pond. On a warm day, you might see hundreds of bees burrowing into the ground to lay their eggs.
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Step 7
(7/11)When you reach the same forestry track you crossed earlier, turn left and follow it for about 50m before joining the path which runs alongside it, on the right.
In autumn, keep your eyes peeled as the incredible world of fungi becomes more visible. A variety of fascinating, colourful mushrooms can often be spotted on decaying wood along this path.
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Step 8
(8/11)Emerge from the woodland to follow the path to the right, along a field edge.
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Step 9
(9/11)After 300m, go through a gate into a woodland garden area.
Take the left where the path forks.
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Step 10
(10/11)Pass alongside the children’s play area on your right.
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Step 11
(11/11)The path returns you to the car park.
You can head south down the main drive to reach the castle courtyard and enjoy a relaxing drink from our tearoom.
