Kirkhill Forest and Tyrebagger Hill

This walk explores the forestry just off the A96 and west of the airport. Despite its location near to these transport hubs, the walk itself follows quiet tracks with a climb up to the open top of Tyrebagger Hill, crowned with a small viewing tower.

Terrain

Waymarked paths and tracks; short sections can be muddy

Public Transport

Users' reports

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Start

Westhill Forest car park, off A96. Map and directions.

grade
Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.75km/4 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 154m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NJ853116

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Buy Explorer 406 - Aberdeen
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Kirkhill Forest is on the immediate north side ot the A96, a short distance west of Aberdeen airport; the car park is a short way along a track and is signed for mountain bike trails. The walk begins by heading through the gate at the far end of the car park, and heads along a track. Keep on the track when it curves right at a junction - at this point is the first of the white waymarkers which mark much of this route.

Stage 2

Again keep ahead on the main track, and follow it when it turns right. There follows a long straight section; keep on the main left fork at the end of this. The track swings sharply left, and then right. At this point a yellow waymarked route continues straight ahead and is a short-cut back, but the white route follows the track to the right, and then left again at the next junction to reach another straight.

Stage 3

Some of the forest on the right has been felled. Look out for a marker which indicates a path (at last, after all the tracks) on the right. This climbs up to reach the open summit of Tyrebagger Hill. On the top is a surprise - a small cyclindrical stone viewing tower with a spiral stairway. It commands excellent views over the area.

Stage 4

Officially the white waymarked trail turns back at this point to return to the track, but this junction can also easily be reached by continuing on the rougher path ahead and then turning left to follow the track back round the hill to reach the same point. Continue retracing your steps, but after 200m take a path on the right (waymarker missing at time of writing). This path heads through the trees but soon gives an open view to the southwest. Keep straight on at a path junction, and keep ahead on the main path when another heads off right. Eventually the path leads up to a track; turn right here to rejoin the outward route back to the car park.

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.