Not to be confused with the better known Mither Tap of Bennachie, the Meikle Tap is the easternmost summit of the Hill of Fare massif. It provides for a straightforward circuit with excellent views towards Aberdeen.
Forest track, moorland hill track and rougher descent path.
None to walk start.
Verge parking opposite start of forest track on B977.
There's parking for several cars on the verge of the B977 road opposite the start of the forest track at NJ743036 - do not park on the same side of the road as the track. Begin the walk by taking the track, soon reaching a junction. Turn right here and follow the track that contours the slopes. This part of the forest was devasted by the winter storms of 2022-3. Keep left at fork, continuing for around 1km until a junction beneath the pylon lines at NJ734040. Turn left here, following a track which ascends through the trees above the Landerberry Burn. Note the old dam and sluice gates off to the left at one point.
At a large track junction turn left. The route continues just inside the edge of the trees, climbing up to reach a cross-tracks. Go straight ahead here, but follow the main track that forks left a short distance beyond. The route now continues across heather moorland.
The track curves round to eventually head towards the mast on the summit of Meikle Tap, passing a solitary standing stone along the way. At the mast turn left onto a path to the summit windshelter cairn.
There's a more direct, though somewhat muddier descent. Follow the path that leads northeast down the moorland. It eventually returns to the forestry area and passes beneath the powerlines, eventually tracing the line of a ride down to reach the track junction near the start of the walk. Continue straight ahead to return to the start.
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