Morven, from near Logie Coldstone

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On the eastern fringe of the Cairngorms, Morven dominates the Aberdeenshire farmland of Cromar lying to its east. It provides a popular ascent for Aberdonians, with extensive views.

Terrain

Steep hill path, some short boggy sections.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

End of public part of minor road towards Groddie, near Logie Coldstone. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 8.5km / 5.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 3.5 - 5 hours
Ascent: 655m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NJ410043

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Morven

Maps, App and GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

To reach the start, take the minor road which branches west off the A97 1km south of Logie Coldstone - it is signed for Groddie. There is space for a number of to park at the end of the public section of this road, where it forks into two tracks. Begin the walk by taking the left fork, but immediately turning left through a gate. Head up through the field towards Balhennie, passing through another gate to reach this abandoned farmhouse. Pass just left of the farmhouse and head up to pass through the right hand of two adjacent gates.

Stage 2

Continue up the field with a fence on your left to reach another gate, giving access to the open hillside. From here there are two possible paths to Morven, a steep direct route and a longer, more gradual old path that heads diagonally up the slope to the left. Our route takes the direct route for ascent and returns on the longer route. Once through the gate bear right to follow a grassy path; it is faint at first but soon becomes very clear as it climbs directly west up the steep slopes, passing some large boulders and scattered young trees. It is a hard pull, but great views open up behind over the farmland of Cromar.

Stage 3

The climb eases onto a flat, boggy shoulder at around 600m before a further steep pull leads up just left of the cairned rocky outcrop at Little Cairn. From here the ascent is more gradual, eventually pulling up more steeply just left of a second outcrop of rocks, Mid Cairn. At this point the summit comes into view for the first time across a slight dip.

Stage 4

Continue along the path to reach the windshelter and massive summit cairn, believed to be of some antiquity; the trig point is in a second windshelter on the north side. As might be expected, the views, especially over Aberdeenshire, are very extensive. Bennachie and its Mither Tap are easy to pick out, whilst the tor on Clachnaben can be seen on a clear day. The summit rising high above the moors to the south is Mount Keen, whilst Lochnagar reveals its fine northeastern corrie.

Stage 5

The quickest way back is to retrace your steps all the way, but there is a variant which eases the steepness of the second half of the descent. Return past Mid and Little Cairn but on the slope leading down to the flat 600m shoulder take a path which forks slightly to the right. This aims for a bare patch in the heather on the shoulder (crossing a briefly boggy section); from here vehicle tracks in the heather lead away south. These soon become a bigger track at a turning area, leading down towards the bealach north of Roar Hill. Here bear left on a faint grassy path to soon pick up a much clearer trod. This descends northeast across the slope; mostly it gives good going underfoot but the final it peters about above Balhennie to leave a short stretch of bog. Return past Balhennie to the start.

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