Lumphanan Paths Group

Tales from Stot Hill: what is hidden in the forest?

November 2022

In our latest People and Places article, Ann Raeburn peels back the cloak of forestry to reveal a fascinating insight into to the secrets of Stot Hill, and life around Lumphanan in the early to mid 20th century, through the experiences of George Smith. His story here.

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Nestrans case study for the Comply project - available on line!

October  2022

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Thanks to Nestrans, Lumphanan Paths Group was awarded funds to drain and clear the Comply and repair the bridge. Nestrans have written up a case study on the successful re-opening of the Comply here :   https://www.nestrans.org.uk/funding/case-studies/

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The Comply is a Heritage Path which runs between Roadside, south of the old school, westwards to Milton of Auchenhove, seen here on a 1912 map: https://scotways.com/heritage-path/#zoom=14&lat=57.1173&lon=-2.7225

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Fit hae we here - anither seat?

August 2022:  ​Here are relatives of the late Betty and Allan Moir on the Comply. If you don’t know the lovely story of Betty and Allan, read about it here on our People and Places page.

The family commissioned this beautiful bench, made by Jack Nesbit-Blacksmith to stand guard over the old track. A little ceremony was enjoyed by residents local to the Comply. Chair of Lumphanan Paths Group, Linda Gray, thanked contractors who had helped to repair drainage, hang gates, mend a bridge and fell trees to clear the track.

The Comply is a Heritage Path which runs between Roadside, south of the old school, westwards to Milton of Auchenhove, seen here on a 1912 map: https://scotways.com/heritage-path/#zoom=14&lat=57.1173&lon=-2.7225

Go hae a seat – the view is good for the soul!

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The inscription on the bench

Daughter and son, Barbara and Allan

The ceremony

Where to meet

Meet at Lumphanan Square at 9.00am as we will be doubling up in transport to the start point at Mortlich Cottage.

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About the walk

This is quite a steady climb but there will be parking for a few 4x4 cars at Mortlich Cottage, just beyond Tillybreen which will cut out the long walk up the track. There is also parking on the wide verge of the public road for those game to walk the track up.

Saturday 3rd December 2022:  The Mortlich March!

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Join us for a walk towards Aboyne from Mortlich Cottage. Bring a flask and mince pies as we shall be meeting up with Aboyne Paths and Tracks Group at a halfway point for a social get together. The path is a little overgrown with bracken so bring a stick to help flatten it.

Please email lumphananpaths@gmail.com by Wednesday 30/11 if you plan to join us.

Can you help?

​We are always looking for new members to help with the group's projects and volunteers to help maintain our paths. If you want to contribute, please go to the get involved page for more information.

The latest issue of our leaflet is ready to view and download - click on the image or visit the Lumphanan Walks page. The leaflet maps and describes some of the most well-used local walks. There's lots of information on the local history, landscapes and wildlife you can enjoy on our walks. Hard copiesare available at local shops and venues. 

We are grateful for the support of landowners, local photographers and from our funders - ScotWays and Paths for All.

Thanks to a Marr Area Partnership grant from their IGS Fund, visual artist Vhairi Walker has created teeshirts and sweatshirts with our logo in her studio just outside of Banchory. Each logo is digitally cut using vegan friendly heat transfer vinyl then 'hand weeded' (individually close trimmed) and heat pressed. We are delighted with these and already plan to expand our range.  

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Sweatshirts: £25   Sizes: S, M, L   (Navy)

Teeshirts: £15   Sizes: S, M, L, XL   (Light Blue)

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Available by emailing lumphananpaths@gmail.com .

All profits from sales will go towards our latest project.