Morven calling

[superstar_tradesman]

Morven has been calling me for many years, as one of the most prominent hills in one of my favourite parts of Scotland. So a Sunday scheduled for a hill walk and a weather forecast that didn’t encourage travel further west meant it was finally time…

We decided on a route from the south for added length and interest, so parked at the cemetery lay-by on the A93 at Tullich. Cars fairly shoot past on this stretch of road, so we carefully crossed and followed a track up to a new house, and then onto a path handily signposted "Morven".

Morven signpost. No debate about where to go here!

The path through bracken and birch

This path, occasionally a track, follows a lovely route gently up through birch and pine forest, past a wee lochan, and then into a very straight glen directly towards Morven. It's fast going, and we were soon over the watershed to where the views are dominated by the south slopes of Morven.

Morven from the moor

The path descends slightly, then reascends to a wide track heading E-W. We went W for a couple of hundred metres, then decided to strike north, across grassy slopes dotted with little juniper bushes. These slopes steepen, but the going is good, and soon we found ourselves on the summit plateau with its colony of hares, and it wasn't long before we reached the giant cairn at the top.

Hartley hare

The views are as marvellous as the hill's location would indicate, with farmland and forest to the east, and mountains and moor in all other directions. It would be a great place to dwell, but on this occasion, the strong cold wind meant hanging around wasn't going to be pleasant.

Summit view east to Aberdeenshire farmland

South to a shower and Mount Keen beyond

The glen back down to Tullich, with Mount Keen in the distance

So we bolted off downhill, retracing our steps all the way back to the car, and made it just in time to The Bothy in Ballater for refuelling. Another grand Deeside day out, done!

[AHillTooFar]

It is not a bad area to go for a walk. Interesting route you took, I went from the west near Glen Fenzie, taking in Mona gowan as well. Descended the same direction as you except veered westward to join the path that lies at the bottom.

I always like photos showing rain somewhere in the distance, I am never sure to feel glad it is not me, or sorry for unfortunate people who are in its way.

[superstar_tradesman]

I always like photos showing rain somewhere in the distance, I am never sure to feel glad it is not me, or sorry for unfortunate people who are in its way.

Ha, yes, I feel similar—usually I'm thinking "phew, I'm glad we missed that shower!" We dodged a few on this hill, that's for sure!

[kevsbald]

Did ye nae sign the book?

[superstar_tradesman]

Did ye nae sign the book?

I didn't realise there was a book! Probably just as well, I was so cold I could hardly remember my name

Is a summit book an Aiberdeenshire thing? I'm sure we saw one at the top of Pressendye a couple of years back…