HISTORICAL

The landscape of Lumphanan breathes history. It is named after St Finan, a seventh century celtic saint. It straddled the ancient route between Fife and the Pictlands to the North. A footpath from Kincardine O'Neil follows this route. King Macbeth was killed nearby by rivals from the South. In the 12th century, a castle was built to control the flow of traffic, its remains can be seen in the Peel Ring". The modern route crosses what was formerly a loch, with flocks of geese still returning each year. To add to the tragedy of the assassination of Macbeth, about 12 local women were put to death as witches in 1597. The church of St Finan grew up around the castle.
sweet rocket Sweet rocket grows where the banks of Lumphanan Loch once stood.


OldMilitaryRoad An old military road, now no more than a pathway, heads north out of the village.


TrackFromKincardineO'Neil The original North South Road kept to high ground before the Loch was drained.


The hills that surround Lumphanan are laced with ancient tracks. To the South of Lumphanan, the route crossed over the Cairn o'Mount. To the North the route split. The more westerly branch headed for Invernochty (http://www.castlesfortsbattles.co
.uk/grampian/doune_invernochty
.html#getting_there) where the mound of another ancient castle still exists. The more easterly branch forded the River Don at present day Alford and crossed the hills to reach the major Pictish stronghold on the Tap o'Noth.
CastlesFortsBattles.co.uk

The Peel Ring, Lumphanan, with its surrounding moat, on which a castle once stood.

The remains of the next stopover at Invernochty. Originally this would have been a twenty mile march away from Lumphanan.
Tap o'Noth A Pictish fort stands on The Tap O'Noth which dominates the skyline.


Before the railway was completed, Queen Victoria travelled to Balmoral by road. At the crest of the hill, the view opens up to the beautiful valley below. She used to stop the coach to enjoy the view.









Victoria's Coach Stop A view fit for a Queen; only another 25 Miles To Balmoral
Another of Victoria's Coach Stop Approaching the valley, the view opens out.
Rear View Mirror A peek in the rear view mirror

Travelling North from Lumphanan, the road climbs to about 800 feet. Behind there are spectacular views over Deeside. The top of the hill marks the watershed between the rivers Dee and Don. Travelling North towards Alford, the road passes Craigievar Castle, famed for its pink 'harling' and its original condition. Continuing North, the road reaches the bridge of Alford. Here it crosses the river Don. Shortly, there is a left turn where it starts its ascent over the Suie. The camera fails to do justice to the wonderful views as we cross the top of the col. There are viewpoints as the road begins its descent. Follow the signposts to Rhynie where there is amassive Pictish fort on the hill top, and also important Pictish sculpture.
Craigievar Craigievar Castle is looked after by the National Trust for Scotland. It was built at the end of the sixteenth century as a "tower house". It stands in beautiful grounds.

Over the Suie There are viewpoints as the road begins its descent.




Tap O'Noth The Tap O'Noth is surmounted by a massive hill fort. There are good footpaths up to the top, and the views are certainly worth it. I heard a cuckoo singing in the valley below.

The road to Glenkindie is beautiful. It comes out at the A97 which will take you into the heart of the Grampians. The route to Glenkindie must follow that of soldiers and traders travelling between the strongholds of Lumphanan and Invernochty.










Corse O'Neil Castle Like Craigievar, this was also built by a Forbes, the tower house at Corse did not enjoy the same views as Craigievar, and remains only as a romantic ruin.
Military Road This road runs dead straight for several miles. It may follow the route of the old military road from Fettercairn to Huntly.

LookingTowardsGlenkindie.gif Some of the finest views are where we cross the watershed, with Donside to the North and Deeside to the South.