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Re: Deeside Way camping

thanks for the quick reply. Sounds good. I'm trying to avoid really long days, where did you start from to reach Peterculter as it is 25 miles from Aboyne?

Re: Deeside Way camping

We camped the previous night on the green at Potarch - portaloo toilets (as toilet block had been vandalised) available and water in nearby burn. We were too late to eat at the excellent cafe. It was a long day in pouring rain to Peterculter but easy going underfoot.

Re: Deeside Way camping

I had camped a little short of Potarch as I hadn't realised there was a nice spot by the Potarch toilets; thankfully not then vandalised.

I don't remember much about the Peterculter / Inch of Culter campsite but my notes say I got lost between the Deeside Way and the campsite (as I was following a very rough sketch map) ...... and nearly knocked myself out by banging my head on the toilet door in the morning. The Challenge is full of memorable incidents!

Re: Deeside Way camping

Ali, thanks

Re: Deeside Way camping

There's a campsite at Inch of Culter, South of Peterculter, not far from the Deeside Way. I stayed there in 2011 and I think it's still there.

Re: Deeside Way camping

Thanks Judith, very helpful. I've noted from previous TGO reports, one year there were diversions while the ring road around Aberdeen was being built. I understand it is now finished. Colin

Re: Deeside Way camping

The campsite in Banchory no longer takes tents.
Something to consider is the area near Crathes Castle. The DW passes Milton of Crathes and passes over the Coy Burn using a very old packhorse bridge at NO 743962, where there is a water supply, and then an amateur football club ground before entering an area of old sand quarries, there would be plenty of opportunity to camp in there centred on NO 747962. If you are interested in this as a possibility I can nip over and do a recon visit for you. Milton of Crathes do a lot of events such as vintage car club meets where people camp for the weekend so I'm sure they could be approached for permission to camp in their area and there are lots of areas inside Crathes Castle grounds owned by the National Trust for Scotland. There is a fisherman's path actually alongside the River Dee going past Milton of Crathes.

All work on the new road is complete.

Re: Deeside Way camping

Brian, that is a very kind offer to look at Milton of Crathes. Now I'm aware of the campsite outside Peterculter, rather than stay in Aboyne, I will walk on to the place Ali suggested at Potarch. This means I can plan a day ending at Peterculter, rather than Banchory and a shorter last day to the coast and train to Montrose. It is good to know if my plans change on route that Crathes is an option. I presume you live in that area - lucky you! Colin

Re: Deeside Way camping

Potarch is certainly a good call. You can camp near the parking area on Market Stance, which has loos as mentioned by Ali, or down by the river Dee near the bridge.
The cafe/restaurant is well worth a visit, but will have restricted opening hours in May https://www.ballogie-estate.co.uk/potarch-cafe-restaurant

Yep, I live on the south side of the Fetteresso near Stonehaven, NO 791846. If you, or any other challengers, need help such as depositing supply caches or get into a bind and need a lift, local knowledge or someone to help them through the last few miles I'm more than willing to help out. Certainly I would be very disappointed if anyone walking along the road into Stoney along the south of the forest doesn't drop in for a cuppa, directions in the Fetteresso guide. https://www.keepandshare.com/doc9/22563/fetteresso-guide-pdf-1-6-meg?da=y
You can contact me directly through the e-mail link on this posting and I always give Ali & Sue my phone number.

Re: Deeside Way camping

Brian,

Thanks for all the extra info and offer of a cuppa.
Very helpful.
Colin

Re: Deeside Way camping

If anyone is looking for a pitch at Aboyne try NO526980, right by the river and opposite the pub/restaurant. We took water down with us as there is nothing potable near by that we could see.

Re: Deeside Way camping

The Loch of Aboyne campsite does allow tents. But it is only 20k from Ballater.

Re: Deeside Way camping

Finished on the Deeside way on both my TGO.s. First time I camped at a fishing hut just outside Kincardine O Neil ( didn't know about Potarch which was only a mile further) and second night on the football field at Drumoak. Second time camped at Potarch and Drumoak. Both times took 2 1/2 days to finish at Aberdeen.
last May the café at Potarch was closed

Re: Deeside Way camping

Thanks for sharing your experience and suggestions of alternative places to stop to rest my weary feet for the last stretch of the challenge. All the best Colin