Bennachie

Distance	Approximate Time	Height Gain	OS Map
6.44 kms	02:30 (hrs:mins)	375 metres	Explorers 420: Coreen Hills & Glenlivet and 421: Ellon & Inverurie

Description

Bennachie is the highest hill in eastern Aberdeenshire. Although the walk is not very long it is quite steep. It starts at a visitor centre and rises through woodland into open moorland until the top is reached, from which magnificent panoramic views of Aberdeenshire and beyond, can be viewed. The return route starts on the other side of the mountain-top and curves back to the visitor centre to form a circular tour.

This walk starts at the Bennachie visitor centre, where there is a car park and toilets. The paths set off through gently rising mixed woodland of silver birch and larch trees. Soon the gradient increases and the woodland gives way to open heather covered moorland. The route follows well maintained paths almost to the summit. To reach the very top involves more of a scramble over rocks but the view from the top offers some very stunning panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. To return, a different descent route is taken. It starts off on a similar well kept, steep path, which gets much narrower as it passes over the heather clad moorland. When the tree line is reached the paths get wider and form a more gentle return to the car park.

Access Info

By car from the A96 north of Inverurie. At Pitcaple follow the unclassified road to Chapel of Garioch and look out for signs for the Bennachie visitor centre. There is no bus service for this walk.