This enjoyable route climbs up through the Ben Newe forestry plantations before visiting the characterful rocky summit. It's a really outstanding 360 degree viewpoint over Strathdon and Glenbuchat, and to the Cairngorms.
Forest tracks, paths and heathery hilltop.
None to start.
Ben Newe forest walks car park.
To reach the car park, take the minor road that cuts across towards Glen Buchat from east of Bellabeg in Strathdon. After passing the house at Altdachie a signed, rough track branches off to the right; the parking is a short distance along this at a junction, but take care with the potholes. Begin along the forest track that continues in the direction of the original track - there's a blue waymarker. It passes above an old dammed pool, then begins to climb.
Near the edge of the forest a marker post indicates where the route turns sharp right, still following the main track and climbing. Keep straight ahead until another track junction after 500m, and then turn left (waymarker). After 250m another marker indicates a right hand turn up a grassier track. Ignore a track off right (blocked by fallen trees) and continue to a fork. This time bear right (marker).
After another 150m the forest tracks are left behind at last - turn left onto a path that climbs across heathery ground. There are a maze of variants - keep following the occasional posts and heading uphill until reaching the summit of Ben Newe. There is a large rock outcrop - incorporating a medieval well - and a trig point as well as a wooden seat. The views in all directions are superb.
Glen Buchat looks beautiful to the north, backed by the rolling hills and the outcrop on the summit of The Buck. Further right can be seen the ruins of Glenbuchat Castle and the winding River Don, and, in the distance, the summits of Bennachie.
The return is back the same way; there are numerous possible variants but none any better than the ascent route. If planning a linear walk, it's possible to descend to the east and join the Meall Beag route.
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