Ben Aigan

Ben Aigan is largely covered with forestry plantations but the summit area rises clear to give some of the most extensive views over Moray, from the coastal plain to the distant Cairngorms. The ascent - using sections of some new mountain bike trails - is a straightforward hillwalk.

Terrain

Mostly forest tracks with short section up muddy ride and stony path to open, heathery summit.

Public Transport

None to start

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Start

Ben Aigan cycle trails car park, off A95. Map and directions.

grade grade
Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 8km/5 miles
Time: 2 - 3 hours
Ascent: 275m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NJ333490

Summits Climbed

Sub 2000: Ben Aigan

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Buy Explorer 424 - Buckie
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a well signed car park for the Ben Aigan cycle trails off the main A95 between Craigellachie and Keith. This is the start point for a number of mountain bike routes, with names like 'Fluffy Bunny' and 'The Hammer'. Begin by following the track which forms the start of all of these routes. It leads through a gate and has forestry on the left and, soon, a felled area on the right.

Stage 2

After a little over a kilometre the track swings right and continues gently climbing, with a view ahead towards the transmitter mast on Knock More. After a further 700m or so the track bends right near a wet passing space; leave it here and head steeply up the fire break which leaves on the left. The going is wet underfoot in places; at a cross-roads of fire-breaks continue straight ahead, now with a fence on the right of the path.

Stage 3

When the path emerges on a track once more, turn left. Ignore the mountain bike trail that goes off to the right and continue ascending; just before reaching the top of the forestry another mountain bike trail goes off left. Ignore this and continue ahead onto the open heathery ground, dotted with smaller trees. When the track forks go right; there are superb views back over into Aberdeenshire.

Stage 4

After another 500m another junction is reached; turn left here to begin the final pull up to the flat summit. The top of Ben Aigan is marked by an unusual trig point - rather than triangular or circular as is usual, this one is square. The views are easier to fathom, with a great sweep of the Moray coastline and Spey Bay in one direction, and the massive bulk of Ben Rinnes in the other; between them are some of the most extensive views of Moray.

Stage 5

It is worth detouring a few yards west for a view down to the town of Rothes. After absorbing the panoramas the quickest return from Ben Aigan is to head back to the same way.

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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.