Ballater - Dinnet - Ballater

This route follows the Deeside Way which runs along the disused railway line from Aberdeen to Ballater and is 45 miles in total. The section from Ballater to Dinnet is pretty level – starting at the old railway station in Ballater, through a small residential area out towards open fields and rolling hills, then into thick Caledonian Pine forest. Great views of Lochnagar and a stop at the suspension bridge at Cambus O'May is a must - this is where this photo was taken. The route continues past Dinnet but I stopped here for some refreshments at the Loch Kinnord Hotel before returning back along the same route. There are seats outside if weather is fine and you may catch a glimpse of the red squirrels coming to the feeders across the road. Back in Ballater there are plenty coffee shops for that all important post run cake!