A straightforward moorland circuit that traverses the summit of Corryhabbie Hill, giving with extensive views over Glenlivet, Ben Rinnes and towards the Cairngorms.
Mostly on tracks - some muddy, some grassy, some faint; some trackless moorland sections. Burn to ford near the end of the walk.
None to start. .
Road junction near Ellivreid Farm.
It is often possible to park at Ellivreid Farm, if not, there is space at the back of a passing space just a little further along the road. From the farm go through the gate opposite and follow the faint grassy track straight across the field heading just to the left of the pines opposite. Go through the gate and past the trees. From here follow the track which bends left and through a gateway to head around the hill. When the track forks keep right and soon the track peters out. Keep following the highest ground, heading up the flank of the hill.
Climb the fence (head for the larger post straight ahead where stones have been placed to make it easier) and keep gently climbing on the heather. Soon the steep hillside can be seen ahead. Bear slightly left and head directly up the slope.
There are a number of paths in the heather which also has very boggy ground amongst it. Once almost at the top a stony track is reached. Turn left along this to climb to the summit of Corryhabbie Hill.
The final stretch to the summit is very pleasant, on easy ground, with good views in all directions. To the north east is Ben Rinnes, on a clear day the sea can be seen beyond to the north west, and looking south west the Ladder Hills, Glenlivet and in the distance the Cairngorms. The summit is marked by a trig point capped with a curious metal hat and surrounded by a large stone shelter.
From the top continue to follow the track along the ridge which makes the going very easy. The track curves left before a cairn on the ridge and starts a steeper descent back into Glen Rinnes.
The track descends a couple of zig-zags to reach a t junction. Turn left here and follow the track downhill, eventually curving left to cross the Burn of Altavallie.
When a gate in a deer fence is reached, turn right to pass through it into a grassy field, aiming for the house with the small wind turbine. Half way down turn left along the field boundary, with a line of sparse trees and a now grassed-over stone dyke. Soon a track is reached, leading to a ford over a small burn and passing a modern house. Continue along the track to a t junction,. Turn left here, soon passing the ruins and pine trees at the Folds of Corrhabbie. Ignore the track to the left and immediately after the trees turn right down a grassy track that leads down to the Corryhabbie Burn. This can usually be crossed on stepping stones, but may be trickier in high spate.
Follow the grassy track which winds uphill beyond, until passing through a gap at the top corner of the grazing field. Bear right once through this, contouring the slope until you join the outward track from earlier is reached. From here retrace your steps back to the farm and your start point.
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