Scolty Hill, near Banchory

A fantastic short walk with steep climb to the summit of Scolty Hill where you can climb the spiral staircase to the top of the tower for an even better view of the surrounding countryside.

Terrain

A short but steep waymarked route on good paths.

Public Transport

Buses to Banchory

Users' reports

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Start

Scolty Woodland carpark, southwest of Banchory. Map and directions.

Currently 4.11/5

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 3.25km/2 miles
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Ascent: 189m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NO686947

Maps / GPS

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

To reach the Scolty Woodlands car park from Banchory take B974 south and once over the Dee turn right and follow the signs to the car park. From the car park follow the waymarked track heading west and keep straight on when paths leave on either side. This route follows white waymarker posts.

Stage 2

The track climbs gently to reach a wooden gate. Go through this and bear left. Soon take a turning on the right to head more steeply uphill on a well made path. The climb is fairly steep but rewarded by great views down to Banchory and over Deeside. Soon Scolty Tower comes into view. Built as a monument to General William Burnett who fought with Wellington in the Napoleonic Wars.

Stage 3

The tower has been restored a number of times and now contains a sturdy spiral staircase. At the top, a wire cage provides extra safety and as Scolty Hill is 299m high the view from the tower is fabulous. Looking east down the Dee, Aberdeen and the sea can sometimes be made out, and to the west the distinctive shapes of Morven and Mount Keen. To the south the large tor on top of Clachnaben is clearly visible whilst to the north the Hill of Fare and Bennachie can be made out.

Stage 4

From the tower head slightly west to take the white waymarked path which forks right from the main ridge route to head downhill, with good views over Banchory below. The paths have recently been restored after suffering erosion damage due to the great popularity of Scolty hill.

Stage 5

The path winds down through mixed woodland and heather. Blaeberries often carpet the ground in addition to the heather in the summer months. When the path comes out on a larger route turn right. This soon returns to the junction with the wooden gate. Go straight ahead through this and follow the straight track to return to the car park. If you want to lengthen your walk the red waymarkers head in loops on either side from here; both options eventually return to the car park.

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