Benaquhallie, Aberdeenshire

[Tom Craggs]

Climbed this one on 28 January 2009. A Marilyn was selected for today’s outing. A fine sunny, crisp morning and off to the great outdoors. On the south side of the B9119 there is a small disused quarry with an unlocked access gate. We used this area to park however do remember to shut the gate after you.

To gain access to the track cross over the road and down the wee farm road. Immediately after the gate go left up through the gorse and follow the fence or go a little further and fork left at the tractor access and then diagonally to the fence line. The ground was nicely frosted but the track, being an infrequently used Landrover access, is predominantly grass and heather, quite pleasant for walking and easy to follow up to the top. The last part of the climb is quite steep and immediately arrives at the trig point which surprised us, having expected it to be in closer proximity to the cairn.
Satisfied with our efforts we louped the stane dyke and settled down out of the wind to have lunch. All was serene and silent except for the gentle sound resulting from the masticating jaws and slurping of liquids.
After lunch, back over the wall for photos and a walk over to the cairn which transpired to be very substantial rather than just the vertical section seen earlier from a distance.
The weather remained kind all day with beautiful views of Aberdeenshire all round.

[Paul Webster]

A Marilyn was selected for today’s outing

My suspicion was growing that you were a Marilyn bagger!! These all look great wee hills to head to and not so far from Aberdeen. The cairn on this one looks pretty weird

[Tom Craggs]

We just like the hills no matter what size they are. Being pensioners (albeit very well equipped for winter hills with crampons, snowshoes, etc, etc.) we "play safe" during the winter months and keep fit doing lesser hills. Come spring then it's back to the Munros. First three trips already planned and caravan is ready to go!!

[RicKamila]

Major bump here.

Is the turning for the disused quarry easy to find. I've driven down the B9119 numerous times and haven't found the turn off. We are wanting to do this at some stage.

When coming from Aberdeen, is it just as you come around the left hand turn as it climbs uphill?

[foggieclimber]

There is limited parking at junction between Upper Dagie and Upper Broomhill, which shortens the walk a little - report. For this route, turn off from B9119 at NJ6066806190.

[RicKamila]

There is limited parking at junction between Upper Dagie and Upper Broomhill, which shortens the walk a little - report. For this route, turn off from B9119 at NJ6066806190.

Cheers!!

So just looking on Google Maps, I take it you drive to the very end of the track and then park up, without blocking the track/gate?

[ChrisW]

Hell of a cairn for such a little un looks a nice wee walk - one I might get at myself as its so close to me

[foggieclimber]

There is limited parking at junction between Upper Dagie and Upper Broomhill, which shortens the walk a little - report. For this route, turn off from B9119 at NJ6066806190.

Cheers!!

So just looking on Google Maps, I take it you drive to the very end of the track and then park up, without blocking the track/gate?

Yes

[RicKamila]

Hoping to head there in the next fortnight now

[borarah]

Major bump here.

Is the turning for the disused quarry easy to find. I've driven down the B9119 numerous times and haven't found the turn off. We are wanting to do this at some stage.

When coming from Aberdeen, is it just as you come around the left hand turn as it climbs uphill?

There is now a large padlock on the gate to the quarry so that is no longer an option. There is a scrape off the B9119 1/2 mile before you reach the quarry which will take one car. Otherwise it will need to be the Upper Dagie/Upper Broomhill space.