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Weather ConditionsThe forecast was really changeable this Saturday and difficult to gauge where our best option was, so we decided to stick a bit closer to home and amble around Bennachie. As we ascended upon Bennachie (Oxen Craig) itself, we could feel rain, and there were very, very dark clouds in the distance
but we pressed on, and became glad we did, as we were able to watch and hear an incredible thunderstorm that skirted right around us, whilst we enjoyed weather that was a bit too mild, but generally sunny!
Walk ExperienceWe started from the Back o' Bennachie car park and made our way quickly up through the forest. There's a really nice little place to stop and check out for a few minutes just off to the left of the path, so keep an eye out. It comprises a series of stepping stones delivering a message, ultimately leading to a bench.
The forest soon opens up to show some nice views down over the surrounding villages as you ascend towards Oxen Craig. There is an option to nip up "Little" Oxen Craig on the way, but it was here that the rain had started with us and thunderstorms were sitting in the distance, so we didn't bother and pressed on.
Oxen Craig was really enjoyable, with some nice features at the top, and offering nice views. We stood and watched/listened to the thunderstorm to the West for a bit and caught some bolts of lightning, then couldn't believe our luck as it seemed to switch up it's path and skirt right past our area and headed North. With a renewed sense of hope that we may stay dry yet, we pushed on down and up towards Mither Tap - the common one.
We didn't stay at the top for too long before heading back down the way we came. It seemed only right to nip up Craigshannoch on our way back down to the woods and car park. Glad we did, we met a lovely couple enjoying their lunch who stopped to chat for a bit before we headed off back to the car. Overall a leisurely and enjoyable walk.
