The Buck of Cabrach

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Summary

This prominent cone-shaped peak has a road high on its flanks, making for a short ascent, though the intial stretch is across very boggy ground. Good all round views and pictish-style carvings near the summit.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Rough moorland path, very wet and indistinct initially, clearer and drier higher up.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

B9002 south of Elrick. Open in Google Maps.

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.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.6km / 2.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 2 hours
Ascent: 285m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NJ420254

Summits Climbed

Fiona: The Buck

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (17)

Stage 1

There is a small area of parking at the side of the B9002 between Lumsden and Cabrack, just 0.8km south of the turn off with the A941, just beyond the farm at Elrick. Just south of this parking area is a fixed gate on the right side of the road as you look south. Climb this and follow a faint track over the heather.

Stage 2

When the track - almost choked with vegetation - forks keep left and then very soon bear left onto a narrow and faint sheep path through the heather, aiming for the fence that can be clearly seen heading for the summit of the Buck. Once the fence is reached the clearest path is on the far (east) side, although this whole area is very boggy until higher ground is reached.

Stage 3

Follow the fence uphill, the going gets steadily better underfoot. On a clear day there are good views to Ben Rinnes, the Tap O'Noth, and the coast beyond.

Stage 4

The summit has a rocky outcrop with a trig point on the top. From here there are extensive views over Strathdon, and into the Cairngorms.

Stage 5

On the way up to the summit, after climbing over the first rocks, there is a large slab with its face aimed at the trig point. On this are three interlocking carved fish in Pictish style. There is also often a small visitor book hidden in one of the walls nearby.

Stage 6

From the top descend via the same route to reach the road and the start.

Route Profile

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