Walk 11: West Avonside Walk.

Distance: 4 miles (6.75 km) return.

Start: Balcorach (GR 154 265) or Altnaglander (GR169 286) car parks, Strathavon.

Route: An enjoyable 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 The description below starts at the Balcorach car park, but the walk can just as easily be started at the Alltnaglander end. Allow 2-3 hrs (for return journey)

Access information: information: Livestock may be present on some sections at any time of the year.

An enjoyable riverside and woodland amble, through sheltered and attractive countryside, passing close to the Knock Earth House, which at one time is thought to have been used as a secret whisky still.

From the car park at Balcorach follow the track northwards to a gate and stile. The waymarked path continues straight on following the river bank but if you wish to visit the Knock Earth House turn left (westwards) here, and walk away from the river, along the track (not waymarked) which heads towards the Knock farmhouse ahead. 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 which sits 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, which has possibly been adapted from a late Bronze age food store or soutteraine. The pit is thought to have been used as a corn drying kiln which was used to disguise the still. The entrance to the still lies at the bottom of the pit but 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 by interference. Return to the waymarked walk via the same route.

Avoiding this diversion or to continue the walk, 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 can be used to cross a small burn which winds its way through the trees. Continue northwards along the track as it passes through attractive birch and rowan woodland overlooking the river Avon. Not far from the burn next to the track through the woods, 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 reach the suspension bridge which spans the Avon 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 which marks the turn around point of the walk.

Glenlivet welcomes you to explore its tracks and byways.