The Bin of Cullen is a dome-shaped 320m hill rising above the forestry with a bare summit, dominating the landward views from coastline from Cullen to Buckie.
Forest and moorland tracks.
None.
Start of forest track at NJ491632.
To reach the start from Cullen by car, follow the A98 eastwards out of the town and take the first right onto the B9018. After around 3km turn right (signed Hill of Maud). Two kilometres further on the road bends slightly left to leave the forest and a track heads off to the right into the trees (with a sign for 'Seafield Estates - Do not Block the Entrance'). Park here beside the entrance to this track, without obstructing access. Begin the walk up the main track, ignoring a branch to the right. The track bends left and then back to the right to cross a small bridge. Immediately after this turn left at the junction. The track now climbs uphill through the mature plantations of Scots pine.
As the track levels off (onto the bealach between Bin of Cullen and the lower Little Bin - though this is not apparent from within the trees!) turn left to begin climbing once more. The track heads west beneath the steep slopes for some distance before swinging sharply right. Ignore a rough short-cut route on the right - used by descending mountain-bikers - and instead keep on the track which eases the gradient with a series of zig-zags.
There are grand views over the countryside; the dome-shaped hill to the southeast is 430m Knock Hill. The path continues round the southeast side of the summit before swinging left for the final ascent, now with views over Cullen - its viaducts prominent - and the coast beyond.
Continue on the main path which eventually curves round onto the summit of the Bin of Cullen. There is a trig point here as well as a view indicator that helps make sense of the magnificently open views. A vast tract of the Moray Firth coastline is in view, with an aerial view of Buckie and Spey Bay beyond well seen.
Once you've drank in those views, descend back to the start by simply retracing your steps.
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