18th October 2026 : Day Meet – Mona Gowan (Goat Moor)

OS Landranger Map: Sheet 37 Strathdon & Alford
Start Point: NJ 334103 Car parking opposite track to Culfork NB there is only parking for approx. 4/5 cars so car sharing is encouraged.
Distance from Stonehaven to Start Point: 52 miles
Drive time from Stonehaven to Start Point: 1 hour 30 mins
Walk Distance: 15.5km
Estimated Duration: 4-5 hours
Ascent: 591m

Mona Gowan is a little known hill on a long open moorland ridge west of the better known Corbett, Morven. At 749m it is classified as a Fiona. The objective is to summit Mona Gowan with the option of return along the outward track, or, if the day is going well return via the spectacular Slacks of Glencarvie a glacial notch which may offer interesting scenery.

From the start point follow the minor road east for approx. 600m past the first track to the right and on to the corner of the minor road where a track through the wood winds its way up towards Gallows hill. Stay on this track passing Meikle Charsk Hill to the east continuing to the summit of Mona Gowan at 749m. From here there is the option of returning via the access route or continuing ESE to the Slacks of Glencarvie where there is an opportunity for some easy scrambling.

From The Slacks head east to Mullachdubh at 681m, from here head north to pick up the track and path towards Birkford. From Birkford follow the track passing The Mains of Glencarvie to join the minor road west back to the Start Point.

The Slacks of Glencarvie are probably the result of glacial outflow, however an old folk tale tells that the witch Cailleach Bheathrach bit away part of the hill in an attempt to get the Don to flow into the Dee! In The Slacks are Wilson’s Castle a rocky outcrop which local folklore associates with an outlaw who used it as his lair and Smugglers Cave, used in the old whisky smugglers route from Donside to Deeside.

Route Profile

For more information please contact Paul Yarnold.