The caches in the Friar’s Glen collection are based on a short (1.5km) circular route around the area to the West of Drumtochty. The route is in an area that was granted by Fraser of Frendraught to the Carmelite Friars of Aberdeen in 1402, hence the place-names of Priest’s Wells, Abbot’s Face and Friar’s Glen. All the caches are close to the track. There is no knowledge of an actual friary being in the area; it is more likely the land was used as a source of revenue by the White Friars, but it is a nice idea for a theme.
Each of the first three caches in the series can be completed individually but inside each of the boxes you will find part co-ordinates and hints for the fourth bonus cache- keep a note of those details and use them to locate the bonus.
The walk itself should only take around 30minutes, but that doesn’t take into account search time. The caches have been well hidden and the hints vague as this area is quiet and searching should be muggle free. GPS signal will be affected by tree cover. This is an ideal area for children to enjoy searching.
Parking is available for 2 or 3 cars in a wide gateway, this is a commercial logging area so please keep access free for logging trucks and emergency vehicles. The route can be extended by using a 1km track, running parallel to the public road, which originates in the Forestry Commission carpark and picnic area (N 56° 54.529 W 2° 29.936) used as a starting point for some wonderful Clan McGillivary caches. Cross the bridge at the EAST end of the car park and quickly turn left off the tarmac along the North bank of the stream. Do not be tempted to stick with the tarmac road The little footbridge at the WEST end of the car park has been dismantled. Keep straight ahead at a junction with steps and a bench, and you will eventually join the circuit close to the primary carpark. On the return route you can climb the steps near the bench for an alternative route back to the carpark.
The anticlockwise route starts off through the gate (see map in image gallery) and straight ahead uphill and is often quite muddy at the beginning, but soon flattens out and the vast majority of the route is level before dropping back down to the road 20m west of the parking area. This is definitely wellington boots and long trousers country. Any flip flops or monastic sandals will be eaten by the mud monster. The circuit covers a mixture of mature conifer woodlands, recently cleared and replanted areas and pleasant deciduous woodland.
The path can be a little overgrown with gorse and broom in one section, hence the long trousers, but the route does continue and open up again into a more defined track. Due to the fragile nature of the track and the short route, please do not use mountain bikes.
If attempting to collect all four caches in one trip it is recommended to collect them in order travelling anticlockwise. Each cache contains a logbook, pencil, pencil sharpener (not a swap), a small FTF gift and some swaps.
Many thanks to the Forestry Commission for permission to place the caches.
Small (0.75l) lock and lock.