Walk 3081 - printer friendly version

Bennachie and Mither Tap Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 6.0 miles / 9.8 km

Ascent - 1600 feet / 485 metres

Grade - moderate

Start - OS grid reference NJ661245
Lat 57.309808 + Long -2.5643595
Postcode AB52 6RH (approx. location only)

This fine walk to the west of Inverurie offers some fine views and excellent walking. The start of the route is the Back o' Bennachie car park and picnic area (grid ref. NJ661245) where charges apply. The start is reached down a minor road running south from the B9002 just west of Bogend. The route should be saved for fine weather as good visibility provides much wider views across the surrounding countryside and hills.

After parking follow the path south following the signs for the Mither Tap Quarry Trail. The path climbs beside Gillree Burn through forest to reach open hillside. Continue uphill to Little Oxen Craig, the first of four summits visited during the walk before continuing south to Oxen Craig (grid ref. NJ663226), which also the highest point on the walk.

From here descend east and continue across moorland before turning southeast to the rocky summit of Mither Tap with its hilltop fort dating back over 2000 years. To start the return route, continue through the gateway to the fort and head north for just under half a mile to a junction (grid ref. NJ681230). Here bear left and continue in a westerly direction, to reach in a further half a mile the final summit of the walk, Craigshannoch.

Leave this minor top in a south-westerly direction towards Oxen Craig. The path contours around Gill Well, turning northwest to re-join the outward route on the approach to Little Oxen Craig. From here retrace your steps down to the start following signs for Back o' Bennachie.

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