Red Trail
This route climbs quite high and is quite slippery. Please wear boots and suitable waterproof clothing.
This car park the route follows an old forest track for over 1km, through an interesting mixture of open space, and mature woodland.
On one side you will see the fence has had wooden strips attached to it. This is to make it more visible to capercaille, who tend to fly into forest fences unless they are marked in some way.
On your right you will pass an area which used to be an old logging camp. Canadian lumberjacks were used in the second world war, to fell the trees needed for the war effort.
At the end of this track, the waymarking will guide you up a very steep track - hard work, but at the top on a clear day there is a really fine view out over upper Deeside, with Ballater in the foreground and the hill ranges in the distance.
From the view point, retrace your steps back to the main path, and follow the route as it winds down along narrow paths, between the trees and past huge boulders, until you reach the lower track again and can return to your car...or begin the route again?
You can download a map of the trail from the 'what's of interest' panel on the right of this page.
How to get there:
Red Trail can be started from Pannanich Car Park in Pannanich Forest which is part of Upper Deeside Forests. Ballater is the nearest town or village.
From Ballater, drive south across the bridge over the River Dee. Turn left (east), and follow the B976 for 1km. This small car park is on the right, with space for 3 or 4 cars. Please do not block the forest barrier entrance.
OS Grid Reference: NO 380962
