Scolty Hill, near Banchory

Summary

A fantastic short walk with steep climb to the summit of Scolty Hill where you can climb the spiral staircase to the top of the tower for an even better view of the surrounding countryside. The walk can easily be extended by including the red-waymarked March Trail through the woods.

Please read the WARNING below before setting out on this route.

Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

A short but steep route on good paths.

Getting there

Start

Scolty Woodland carpark, southwest of Banchory.

Public Transport

Buses to Banchory.

Start Grid Ref

NO686947

Open in Google Maps

Walk Statistics

Distance: 3.25km / 2 miles
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Ascent: 189m (Profile)

Mapping and GPS

ROUTE MAP
View detailed map of walk

OS Paper map
Explorer 406 - Aberdeen

Get our App FREE
Full GPS mapping &
descriptions when offline

Export GPX

Export KMZ

Open on Big Map showing all our routes

Want to sponsor this route?

Walk Description

User reports (10)

WARNING

The ascent route described is closed for forestry work until 27 November. You can still ascend Scolty Hill via the descent route.

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

Stage 1

To reach the Scolty Woodlands car park (charge) from Banchory take B974 south and once over the Dee turn right and follow the signs to the car park. From the car park head up to the main track heading west, ignoring the red and yellow markers heading off to the left and right. Keep straight on when the Deeside Way track heads right, and ahead again when the main track turns left. The track climbs gently to reach a wooden gate. Go through this and bear left.

Stage 2

Soon take a marked path on the right to head more steeply uphill. The climb is fairly strenuous but short and rewarded with great views down to Banchory and over Deeside. Soon Scolty Tower comes into view.

Stage 3

The tower was built as a monument to General William Burnett who fought with Wellington in the Napoleonic Wars. It has been restored a number of times and now contains a sturdy spiral staircase. At the top, a wire cage provides extra safety and as Scolty Hill is 299m high the view from the tower is fabulous. Looking east down the Dee, Aberdeen and the sea can sometimes be made out, and to the west the distinctive shapes of Morven and Mount Keen.

Stage 4

To the south the large tor on top of Clachnaben is clearly visible whilst to the north the Hill of Fare and Bennachie can be made out. From the tower head slightly west, immediately forking right from the main ridge route to head downhill on a good path.

Stage 5

The path winds down through mixed woodland and heather. Blaeberries often carpet the ground in addition to the heather in the summer months. When the path comes out on a larger route turn right. This soon returns to the junction with the wooden gate. Go straight ahead through this and follow the straight track to return to the car park. If you want to lengthen your walk the red waymarkers head in loops on either side from here - you could take a left and follow the March Trail route back to the car park.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Stonehaven Hotels

Aberdeenshire B&B

Stonehaven cottages

Aberdeenshire hostels

Glamping and Camping

Report error

Let us know if you've found an error in our route, or if it needs updating.

Write walk report

Share your story and photos from this route.
£150 of Highlander Outdoor gear to win every month.

Can you help support walkhighlands?

This website and app are run by 'Walkhighlands for All' - a not-for-profit set up to serve walkers' needs.
We rely on the generosity of our users - can you help?