West Avonside Walk
An enjoyable riverside and woodland amble, through sheltered countryside, passing close to the Knock Earth House - once used as a secret whisky still!
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
|---|
| 6.75 kms | 180 minutes | 0 metres | Explorer 419: Grantown-on-Spey & Hills of Cromdale |
Description
From the car park at Balcorach follow the track northwards to a gate and stile. The waymarked path continues straight on - but to visit the Knock Earth House turn left (westwards) here, and walk away from the river, along the track (not waymarked) towards the Knock farmhouse.
Follow the track past the house and straight on to where it crosses the Knock burn. At the small stone bridge, head uphill towards a small cottage, adjacent to the site of the earth house. This stone lined, underground cavity, discovered in 1962, is thought to be an old illicit whisky still, possibly adapted from a late Bronze age food store or soutteraine. The pit is thought to have been used as a corn drying kiln which disguised the still. The entrance to the still lies at the bottom of the pit. Please do not try to clamber into the chamber, or to remove the stones at the top. The site is protected as an ancient monument and could easily be badly damaged. Return to the waymarked walk via the same route. Avoiding this diversion, head northwards from the stile near the car park, along the west bank of the Avon. The track passes through several fields, before entering a small copse of alder trees, where a small footbridge adjacent to a ford crosses a small burn. Continue northwards along the track as it passes through birch and rowan woodland overlooking the river Avon.
Not far from the burn, next to the track, stands a solitary gravestone, with no markings. The stone is deceptive, as no grave lies beneath it. In fact, it was left lying here by a local man who cut gravestones from the hillside above many years ago. This one was never used for its intended purpose but has been lifted and erected where it now stands, as a memorial to its maker. Near the cottage of Alltnaha, the track emerges from the trees before fording the Allt na Ha burn near the Lyne. Cross the burn, then at the Lyne turn eastwards and head downhill alongside the Allt na Ha to cross the Avon suspension bridge, at the Dell. Cross the bridge then take the path downstream along the east bank of the river, climbing the steps which lead up to the main road. A short section of road remains before reaching the picnic site at Alltglander. Return to Balcorach via the same route or alternatively take the public road back to the silver bridge - take care on the narrow sections of road.
Access Info
Start and Finish: Balcorach (GR 154 265) or Altnaglander (GR169 286) car parks, Strathavon.
Additional Info
Route: A riverside and woodland amble along level farm tracks, passing close to the Knock Earth House. The diversion to the Earth House adds a further 1.3 miles (2km) to the walk. Dogs allowed under strict control.