Auchtavan Township

Come and visit the abandoned 18th-19th Century "ferm toun" (farm town) with it's restored cruck farmed cottage. Be prepared for the 2.5 mile (4 km) uphill walk to the site. The settlement of Auchtavan (Gaelic for the field of two kids) is located at the head of Glen Fearder, sitting some 450 metres above sea level and looking across the River Dee to Lochnagar. It is a rare survival of a traditional Highland clachan or fermtoun. Small communities like these were home to countless generations in the centuries before the Industrial Revolution. Most of these settlements have disappeared and their houses now merely a scatter of stones but Auchtavan survived and has been restored. You will be able to visit the hingin lum cottage and the horsemill. The 20th century house on the site, once the Queen Mother's picnic cottage, will also be open for visitors.

*Auchtavan is situated approximately 6 miles north-east of Braemar. Vehicles can be parked in the lay-by opposite the turn-off signed Aberarder. It is then a 2.5 mile (4 km) up-hill walk to the settlement. The track passes through birch woods and open moorland and can be quite rough, walking shoes and outdoor clothing are recommended.

For further information please visit the Auchtavan website