Hill of Dunnideer, near Insch

Summary

The Hill of Dunnideer is a prominent local landmark, crowned by an ancient hillfort, the ruins of a medieval castle - and last but not least - superb views out of proportion to the effort involved. This circular walk continues from the summit, passing some standing stones to return through a belt of woodland planted for wildlife.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Very steep grassy ascent up hill. Return walk cuts through fenced pasture land and woodland; can be wet underfoot in places.

Public Transport

Bus or train to Insch; start is 1.5km from the centre.

Start

Dunnideer parking layby. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.25km / 3.25 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 118m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NJ616282

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Walk Description

User reports (5)

Stage 1

To reach the parking layby, take Western Road in Insch; the parking area is on the left about a kilometre from the edge. There is an information board giving some details about the iron age hillfort on the summit, of which there have been at least two constructed at different times. The hill looks very near from here but requires a bit more effort than that first glance might suggest; begin through the kissing-gate and turn right to ascend alongside the fence. Already the views back over Insch are good.

Stage 2

At the top of the field go through the signed gate and continue up the now open hill. The remains of the forts are hard to make out but are crossed in at least two bands on the final part of the steep ascent until the flat summit is reached. Much more obvious are the remains of the castle, a simple rectangular tower. It is thought that this was one of the earliest castles in Scotland, dating back to 1260.

Stage 3

It is the views that are perhaps the biggest reward for the short ascent. The similar Hill of Christ's kirk is to the south, with the summits of Bennachie easily recognised to the left. The Tap o'Noth - site of a much larger hillfort - is prominent in the west. Continue the walk by following the path along the ridge to the west and head downhill.

Stage 4

Keep left (waymarker) on a path through the area of gorse; the path then runs between two fences to a gate at the corner of the area of woodland ahead. Once through the gate turn right to climb alongside the fence and continue ahead, looking out for the large standing stones on the left beneath the trees. Continue along by the fence until a junction about half way down the slope, bear left here through the trees. At mature trees near the edge of the wood bear right to head down to a kissing gate leading onto a minor road.

Stage 5

Cross the road and go through the gate opposite and down the path keeping the fence on your right (signed Woodland Walk to Insch). At the bottom of the field turn right and keep following this path keeping the fence on your right. The area has been planted with native trees to provide a reserve for wildlife, and is rich with wild flowers in summer. There are good views back to Dunnideer Hill to the right.

Stage 6

Eventually, as the path heads between two fences, passing a pair of field gates and later going through two kissing gates. After a third kissing gate continue ahead and ignore the path to the right into the trees, instead cross a small burn and then take the next path on the right to follow a straight path with a fence on your left and trees on your right. This soon reaches a track; turn left along this, to a minor road. Turn right along the road uphill to return to the start.

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