Ben Aigan is largely covered with forestry plantations but the summit area rises clear to give some of the most extensive views over Moray, from the coastal plain to the distant Cairngorms. The ascent is a straightforward hillwalk.
Mostly forest tracks with short section up muddy ride. Final stony path to open, heathery summit.
None to start.
Ben Aigan cycle trails car park, off A95.
To reach the forestry car park, turn off the main A95 between Craigellachie and Keith by Bridge of Oldtown. The track climbs into the forest; bear left and the parking is soon reached on the left side. This was formerly a base for mountain bike routes, now closed. Begin by continuing along the track, passing through a gate.
After a little over a kilometre the track swings right and continues gently climbing, with a view ahead towards the transmitter mast on Knock More. Ignore a track off left, and after another 170m or so the track bends right near a wet passing space; leave it here and head steeply up the fire break which leaves on the left. The going can be wet underfoot in places; at a cross-roads of fire-breaks continue straight ahead, now with a fence on the right of the path.
When the path emerges on a track once more, turn left. The main track soon curves right - fork left at this point, onto a less used track. This soon leads up onto open heathery ground, dotted with smaller trees. When the track forks go right; there are superb views back over into Aberdeenshire.
After another 500m another junction is reached; turn left here to begin the final pull up to the flat summit. The top of Ben Aigan is marked by an unusual trig point - rather than triangular or circular as is usual, this one is square. The views are easier to fathom, with a great sweep of the Moray coastline and Spey Bay in one direction, and the massive bulk of Ben Rinnes in the other; between them are some of the most extensive views of Moray.
It is worth detouring a few yards west for a view down to the town of Rothes. After absorbing the panoramas the quickest return from Ben Aigan is to head back to the same way.
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