Millstone Hill. The Day After Bennachie.

[neilfowlie]

Well it was the day after my trip up Bennachie. We had arrange to go walking with my mate Milner and his wife that day but their plans had changed so we had decided to meet them the day after and go up Millstone Hill instead as it was going to be later on in the day before they would be able to get out there. The morning did not look good when I first looked out of the window. Rain, rain and well more rain. It was still a few hours till we were due to meet up so with my glass half full I was confident it would turn out to be a good day or for it to at least stop raining. With our bag packed again (plus the sandwiches we said we would make for everyone) we were off. We were running a bit late (no shock there) by the time we got to the Donview car park where we were to meet up and set off from. The weather wasn't the best but it had stopped raining and looked like it might brighten up a bit so the five of us decided to set off up the path (I say the five of us as Milner took along his dog Colby just in case we got lost ).

our_route.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

The path itself didn't take long to start climbing. At one point it's like a continuous staircase made up of huge stones for each step.

A Staircase To Nowhere Maybe!!!!

Just as the trees start to thin out we had came across a nicely laid out stone that served as a "look out" platform with some nice views of Pitfichie Forest to the south of us. Colby even had a minute to stand and admire the views. So with a quick breather and topped up with water we headed off again with Colby leading the way of course.

Pitfichie Forest and Hill

A "Look out" stone

Thursty work this hill walking

Looking South West towards Alford.

It didn't seem to take us too long before we could see the summit and Mither Tap sitting proud behind. Well, we could see most of Mither tap in front of us as the cloud every so often would shroud its summit. By the time we had reached the top of Millstone Hill the wind was quite blustery and cold so it wasn't long in deciding it was time to head off and to leave the sandwiches till we got back to the car park.

Mither Tap

Now, as you start your descend down Millstone heading north it's not far till you come to a fork in the road. Carry on heading north and Bennachie awaits or stay to the right which takes you down Millstone Hill on the circular route.

A fork in the path

Decisions, decisions

It was suggested that we should carry on up to Mither Tap but the girls really didn't look up to it and to be fair time wasn't on our side. Plus it was a "school night" so back to the car park it was. The path back down was a lot easier on the legs as it is a more gentle decline, zig-zagging its way down the hill.

Almost back

Millstone Hill

Once back at the car park the sandwiches were dished out and me and Milner got speaking. We decided we should try and combined both Millstone Hill and Bennachie in to one walk. So, later that week I mapped out a route starting at Donview Car park which took us to Mither Tap, Oxen Craig, Watch Craig and along the Gordon Way back towards the Donview Car park via Millstone Hill. It was such a good walk when we did it a few weeks later and would recommend it. I didn't have the camera that day though which I regret but I have attached the route we took in case you are interested.
It took about 5 hours and is about 9.5miles long

our_route.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

[Scotjamie]

well done neil
a nice walk and enjoyable report

[walk aboot]

Yup, another great report.

Walking one day, walking the next, walking both walks combined in to one after that, you're a bit of a walk-a-holic, neilfowlie.

Good stuff though , I can see from the photos why anyone would like walking around there, keep them reports coming .

Loved the photo of the dog having a drink straight from the bottle .

[neilfowlie]

Yeah, just a bit of a walk-a-holic thing going on now but as long as I am enjoying it all is good
Away on holiday for two weeks. As it's Disney World we're off too I'm sure there will be plenty of walking to do there as well.

As for Bennachie and Millstone Hill they are one of my favourite places but since I started walking, every walk I have done has something special and unique about it that you just love and makes you feel proud to be from Scotland or appreciate coming here to walk these hills don't you think.