Climb to the top of this steep hill, and the remains of an ancient fort, to see fine views over the surrounding countryside and the ruined castle on top of Dunnideer. The walk continues with an optional (overgrown with gorse in places) extension to the lower, Hill of Flinder to make a circuit returning through forest.
Summary
Grassy tracks, optional hill path overgrown with gorse in places.
Terrain
Parking area south side of B9002 west of Insch or verge parking if closed
[Map
of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
None to start, nearest bus and train at Insch, 1.5 km from start
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. The small car park is on the south side of the B9002, 1.5 km west of Insch railway station - this is not a public car park and if closed there is usually space for a couple of cars between the gate and the road - take care not to block the entrance. Two grassy tracks lead away from the parking area. Take the flatter one on the left along the edge of the forestry plantation, the one to the right that heads into the trees is the return route. There is some way marking here but it is not reliable. After 150 metres take the wide track to the right and head uphill. At a crossroads in a break in the trees (where Dunnideer hill can be seen to the right) continue straight ahead uphill.
2. At a junction ignore the waymarked narrow path through the trees to the right and continue on the main track which bears left along a wide gap in the trees. At the next junction head right to continue uphill and then go straight ahead at the next junction with the top of the hill almost visible. When the summit comes into view head left to reach the trig point at the top.
3. The hill is named after the site of an old church just to the south of the hill. The trig point sits in the middle of a prehistoric fort, although not much of the circular ditches and mounds which surround the summit can be seen from the ground. From the top there is an excellent view of the Hill of Dunnideer and Insch beyond.
4. Directly west the Hill of Flinder can clearly be seen with a grassy track leading to it. The approach is overgrown with gorse, thick legwear recommended, so an easier route would e just to return up the outward route from here. Otherwise, head past the fence and follow a narrow path west through thick gorse. At the bottom of the hill follow the grassy track past a wooden lookout tower. Follow the track to the right as it goes around the corner of the forestry and soon head to the right on a faint path to the summit. Looking west the Tap o'Noth can be seen with its distinctive pointed top and lower ridge.
5. To return, retrace your steps past the wooden tower and then keep right to follow the track rather than heading back up through the gorse. Keep following the main track which bears left keeping the plantation on the right hand side. After heading downhill a short way it swings round and starts to climb. Part way up another track leaves to the right, stay straight ahead here to follow the upper track which soon runs alongside a fence on the left and forestry on the right.
6. When the fence is left behind keep straight ahead, aiming for a wide gap in the trees, after this turn left at a junction and then right at the next one to follow a section of the outward route. At the signed junction passed earlier turn left along the narrow path in the trees. This soon emerges with a good view of Dunnideer ahead. Head to the right at the waymarked junction and keep on this path, ignoring the track to the right and eventually it emerges at the car park.
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