15th February 2026 : Day Meet & Dinner – Bennachie Circuit

Bennachie Circular Walk followed by Dinner at No 44 Hotel and Bar, Stonehaven.

OS Landranger: Map Sheets 37 Strathdon & Alford and 38 Aberdeen
Start Point: NJ 698216 Bennachie Visitor Centre
Distance from Stonehaven to Start Point: 33 miles
Drive time from Stonehaven to Start Point: 45 mins
Walk Distance: 14km
Estimated Duration: 4 hrs 30 mins
Ascent: 612m

The proposed route is 14km, however there will be ample opportunity to shorten the walk for those who want a shorter day as the area is generally well pathed.

The route will depart the car park to the NNW following the track for 2.5 km towards Maiden Castle. At the track junction take the west path for approx. 500m. Take the path that runs NW for 250m then continue straight ahead and stay on the path as it follows the contours roughly west as it routes towards Nursery Cottage. Stay on the track here as it runs north and joins the track junction at Horndoyne. From here follow the track to the junction at Hilford Croft, then take the track/path south to head up the hill towards Oxen Craig summit at 528m.

If the going is good there’s the option to head west to take in Watch Craig summit at 493m before rejoining the route at Oxen Craig. From Oxen Craig head east for 2km to summit Mither Tap at 518m, from Mither Tap take the path running SSW for approx 1.5km, at the path junction take the path running east back to the Visitor Centre.

Route Profile:

For more information please contact Paul Yarnold.
With regards to Dinner please contact Anne Sinclair.