Meikle Tap, near Banchory

Click to Install our FREE APP
Download our route guides and use offline with free GPS mapping

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.

Terrain

Forest track, moorland hill track and rougher descent path.

Public Transport

None to walk start.

Start

Verge parking opposite start of forest track on B977. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Users' reports

Read about the experiences of our users on this route.
There are 2 reports from this walk - click to read them.

Write your own walk report on Walkhighlands to share your experience. £150 of gear to be won from Highlander for the best reports each month.

Currently 2.67/53

User Rating
Log in to vote

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Description

Stage 1

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.

Stage 2

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.

Stage 3

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.

Stage 4

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.

Can you help support Walkhighlands?

Please consider setting up a direct debit donation to help support the continued maintenance and updates to Walkhighlands.

Meikle Tap, near Banchory

Click to Install our FREE APP
Download our route guides and use offline with free GPS mapping

Terrain

Public Transport

Start

Users' reports

Walk Statistics

Mapping and GPS

Does your firm want to sponsor this route?

Accommodation