Image shared for Potarch to Shooting Greens: Deeside Way return
Countryside Out & back

Potarch to Shooting Greens: Deeside Way return

Grampian

Distance
4.9 mi
Est. time
2h 45m
Difficulty
Medium
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PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

Start at Potarch Green car park on the south side of the River Dee, using the Deeside Way entrance at the southeast end of the parking area. Follow the signed path beside the Old Military Road, crossing it at the marked crossing before continuing uphill through fields and Slewdrum Forest. Keep to the Deeside Way at the woodland junctions until Shooting Greens car park, then return by the same path.

This is a steady climb on gravel paths with short wooden bridges, followed by a mostly downhill return. There are views across the Dee valley along the more open stretches. Potarch Green was once a market and fair site; Shooting Greens takes its name from soldiers who are reputed to have camped and practised here while building the military road. The walk turns at Shooting Greens and stays on the signed route throughout.

Allow about 2 hours 45 minutes for the distance, climb and short stops. Wear shoes with grip for wet gravel and wooden bridge decks. The road crossing needs care, and keep dogs close where the path runs beside gaps in the roadside wall. Cyclists also use this path. Bring water and food; refreshments near Potarch depend on opening times. Use the marked parking area without blocking the path or access. Follow any forestry or path closure signs and turn back if the route is closed. Route checked against the Deeside Way route guide and council map, with Birse Community Trust information for Slewdrum Forest.

Walk details

County
Grampian
Walk type
Out & back
Category
Countryside
Distance
4.9 mi (7.9 km)
Est. time
2h 45m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

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