Bennachie

Harvesting work will continue Monday to Friday only into July around Donview and particularly affecting the paths from Donview over and around Scare Hill. It may affect some of the waymarked trails periodically. Signs will tell you what is affected. Open normally at weekends.

Bennachie is one of the best known and most popular places to visit in NE Scotland.

For the energetic, there is a fairly strenuous walk up to one of the summits of Bennachie.

The hill has nine distinctive tops. Oxen Craig is the highest top at 528m. Mither Tap is the most prominent top and most popular with its  two fort walls around the top (one pre history and one pictish).

For those wanting something less energetic, why not take a peaceful walk through the forest on one of the waymarked trails. There are trails to suit all ages and abilities as you meander through conifer and broadleaf woodland. Look out for red squirrels racing up the trees...

...and why not pop into the Visitor Centre while you are there. You can learn about the history of the area and the people who lived and worked there. It is a great place too for children of all ages as there are lots of things to learn about and play with.

• Download the Bennachie trail map (PDF 874k)
• Check before you go - for details of trail closures, diversions and changes to listed events see the updates page.
• All the signposts on the hill and in the forest have a plate on the back showing the grid reference of the point. If you are lost, this should help you find where you are.

Where to park for Bennachie

There are four car parks around Bennachie. See How To Get There for directions to each.

Bennachie Centre Car Park - Several footpaths start from this large car park including the route to Mither Tap, some forest walks and an all ability walk. It is next to the the Bennachie Centre. Buses can park here too. Grid Ref NJ698216.

The Bennachie centre's opening hours are: Summer  10.30 - 5.00pm; Winter  9.30am - 4.00 pm. Closed Mondays.

Back O'Bennachie Car Park - From this large car park, footpaths lead up to Oxen Craig and other summits on Bennachie. There are some shorter trails in the woodland. This car park can take buses too. There is a large picnic area, a wild camping area and BBQ site. Grid Ref. NJ660245.

Donview Car Park -  This small car park is  the starting point for walks around Millstone Hill which link up with the wider network of paths at Bennachie. There is an old visitor centre here, now used by five local artists as a studio. Their studio is usually open on Sundays from 11.00am - 3.00pm. Grid Ref. NJ673189.

Rowantree Car Park - This car park is at the northern side of Bennachie, with a clear trail leading to Mither Tap. There are toilets at the car park. NJ691243.