Bochel Circuit

This waymarked 10 km (6.2 mi) loop starts at Tombae Quarry and usually takes 3–4 hours. It links grazed fields and river crossings with birch woods, plantation and open heather above the Braes of Glenlivet. The full mapped line measures about 10.3 km (6.4 mi), so treat the headline distance as rounded. The optional climb to the 491 m Bochel summit is a separate detour and is not included in this route.

From the quarry, follow the road to a pedestrian gate and descend through trees to the River Livet bridge. Cross the field toward Crombie Water, then follow the path and boardwalk to the footbridge junction. The circuit climbs through birch and reaches open heather on the Bochel’s north side. Above the Glack, stay above the fence to skirt the hill rather than taking the optional summit slope. The loop passes through Bochel Wood, crosses Crombie Water again and returns by the farm road, historic cottages and wooded riverside path to the junction; retrace the shared access to Tombae.

Expect estate tracks, paths and short road sections. The open heather path can be faint, wet and boggy, and several gates interrupt the walk. Allow the full 3–4 hours, especially in wet weather or low visibility, and follow the green waymarks where the tread becomes indistinct.

Look for a stone marked “W.G.” and “1710,” reputedly set in memory of William Gordon, once a tenant at Nether Auchnarrow. The route also passes the Kirkie, originally a place of worship for Protestant residents of the Braes, and Refreish, an old miller’s cottage. Bronze Age hut circles have been found on the open hillside.

Red squirrels may appear in the Bochel Wood treetops; Scotch Argus butterflies are associated with the moor in summer, and lapwings and oystercatchers are often seen in fields below. Sheep and cattle graze the route, so keep dogs on a lead or under close control and release them if cattle threaten.