THE LOWDOWN

Distance: 13km/8miles

Ascent: 120m/395ft

Time: 3-4 hours

Grading: Delightful river circuit mostly on woodland paths and track of former rail line, brief section on footpath along side of road. Suitable for all ages, although may prove too far for small children. Route passes through farmland, dogs under close control.

Start/finish: Parking at Old Royal Station, Ballater (Grid ref: NO 369959), other parking available nearby.

Map: Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 Landranger Map 37 (Strathdon & Alford) or Map 44 (Ballater & Glen Clova); Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 Explorer sheet OL59.

Tourist Information: VisitScotland, Ballater iCentre, Station Square, Ballater, AB35 5QB (Tel 01339 755306).

Public transport: Buses to Ballater on Aberdeen-Braemar route.