Climb up to the prominent peak of the Tap o' Noth, site of the second highest hillfort in Scotland. The remains are impressive, and the views over rural Aberdeenshire are superb.
Summary
Sustained but steady ascent to exposed hilltop. The start of the route is very boggy but the going improves as the walk goes on.
Terrain
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Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. There is a signed car park for the Tap o' Noth up a tarred lane on the north side of the A941 about two kilometres west of Rhynie. Begin the walk by returning to the lane and continuing up it; as it reaches the gate it becomes badly waterlogged - the wettest part of the walk! Having negotiated this, continue directly ahead up the field beyond, passing through scattered woodland.
2. At the top corner of the field there is a gate and stile; cross this and then follow a path through the bushes to the left, running parallel to the fence. The route continues in this direction for two thirds of a kilometre, becoming clearer underfoot. There are good views across the countryside towards the tor on the summit of The Buck. As the route reaches a broken gate in a fence, turn right uphill towards the dome-like Tap o' Noth, keeping to the right of the plantations.
3. The grassy track climbs a little to the left of the Tap and then swings back right - becoming much better defined - and climbs right across its southern flank. The views are superb, with the plains of Aberdeenshire stretching ahead, Rhynie far below to the right and the Corbett of Morven prominent in the distance. At the last moment the track swings back left to complete the climb.
4. The summit area is flatter and the track enters it through a gap in the eastern end of the old fortifications. The fort here is somewhere between 1000 and 3000 years old and encloses an area of 100m by 30m. The walls - now a huge encircling ring of rubble - are vitrified - which means they were heated to such a temperature that the stones melted and fused together, though how and why this was done is a source of speculation. A ring of boulders further down the hillside is all that remains of an even earlier fortification.
5. The trig point is built on the western edge of the walls. Apart from its archaeological interest, the Tap is a superb viewpoint. Ben Rinnes is very prominent, with the footpath up its east ridge clearly visible on a fine day, whilst The Buck is further left. North and east are softer, more fertile landscapes with rich farmland - and the Moray Firth to the north. The usual way back is to retrace the route of ascent.
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