Paradise Wood-Craigton Wood Circular

About trip

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This is a very pleasant and scenic ramble along the banks of the River Don in the valley between Millstone Hill on the Bennache range, and Pitfichie Hill and Cairn William on the Mennaway range. The first section of the route explores the very special woodland environment that is Paradise Wood. Here, you are walking in an historic designed landscape, which also provides a valuable wildlife habitat. The size and variety of conifers growing in Paradise Wood is particularly notable. The Monymusk Estate was acquired by the Grant family in 1712 and Archibald Grant was made factor on his 20th birthday in 1716. Over the following 62 years Archibald, later 2nd Baronet, transformed the estate into one of the best examples of 18th century agricultural improvements. In the course of laying out a large formal landscape he planted over 48 million trees, including at Paradise Wood. See: http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/GDL00289. After Paradise Wood, and before Craigton Wood, there is an opportunity to enjoy the best views of the River Don and the surrounding hills and farmland. At the mid-point on the walk we catch a glimpse, across the River Don, of the “Place of Tilliefoure”, which started life as a small fortified house for the Earldom of Mar. It originates from the 16th century, although it enjoyed a major restoration and extension in 1884. Eventually, the lands passed to the Gordon family. See: http://gordoncastles.wikia.com/wiki/Place_of_Tilliefoure. At the beginning and end of the walk you will enjoy passing Paradise Cottage, where there is an interesting garden with an old  telephone box, extensive topiary, garden sculptures and an old railway carriage.

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