The Hill of Fare is an area of rough moorland rising above forest plantations a few kilometres north of Banchory. The hill is criss-crossed by landrover tracks and this circuit through the Raemoir Estate on its southern slopes makes for an enjoyable walk with extensive views.
Forest and moorland tracks.
None to walk start.
Small layby at NO687992 on A980.
Please note: all parking for this popular local walk is now blocked off. We were originally asked by the owners to tell people to park at the Raemoir House Hotel, but this was rescinded when it became a private venue. We moved to this commonly-used alternative but that too is now blocked. It is not currently possible to park for this walk as described.
The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.
There is limited parking for a small number of cars at a small layby at NO687992 on A980 where a track leaves the road and heads into the forest. Please remember that farm and emergency vehicles need to use the track and avoid causing any obstruction to them turning. Begin by heading along the track, after 300metres a track goes off sharply to the left, don't take this but instead take a path half left into the woods. This route is at the request of the landowner.
Once through the path turn right onto the forest track, keeping left at the next junction and passing through a metal gate. The track passes a wooden hut and then curves to the right, uphill. Bear left at the next fork, then go straight ahead, keeping on the main track at the next couple of junctions. The track now leads through more open ground with scattered Scots pines as it cuts across the southern flank of The Skairs, giving extensive views.
Eventually the track climbs up onto the empty open moorland of Craigrath. Continue down to a col and then on up to a locked wooden hut. Here the circular walk continues by taking a right turn, but keen hill-baggers will want to continue ahead along the track, eventually sweeping northwards, to reach the almost imperceptible highest point of the Hill of Fare, which is marked by a tricky-to-find boulder with a few stones placed on top amidst deep heather a little over 100m from the track. This section does reveal good views north and west but is perhaps best omitted by non-baggers.
Back at the wooden hut, take the track which heads northeast across the moors. Continue for almost 3km to the bealach before the track rises once more towards Greymore; here turn right on a track - unseen on the approach - which descends steeply and soon enters forestry plantations.
Keep straight ahead at the junction in the forest. The track cuts through woodland on the eastern slopes of Brown Hill and Myriehill Wood, eventually curving westwards before turning south near the former Raemoir Quarry to descend towards a house. Pass through a gate here and continue down the track ahead to reach the cluster of buildings at The Green. Turn right here immediately beyond the last cottage onto a rough track. Turn left near Raemoir Stables then almost immediately right, then veer right up the hill path, a final climb to avoid Raemoir House at the request of the landowner, eventually reaching the metal gate of the outward route. From here retrace your steps back to the start.
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