Thursday, 25 April 2024
Many don’t realise that Scotland is home to a native apple species, the wild apple (Malus sylvestris). Due to hybridisation, and historically being seen as unimportant the nat...
Donview
Where we are
Latest forest information
Harvesting operations have now started. Please follow all on site signage and stay out of exclusion zones for you own safety.
About
The best views of Bennachie on a quieter walk to the summit
If you want to really get to know Bennachie, this is the place. The trails here are quieter than those from Bennachie Centre and Rowantree, giving you a taste of the wild and plenty of choices for long treks in the hills. But you don’t have to want a big day out to enjoy this place: there’s a pretty drive along the river Don to get here, with places where you can stop for a picnic and a paddle. If you’re lucky, you might even see ospreys fishing in the water.
Walking trails
Walking
Millstone Hill Trail (diverted)
Up through beautiful woods to heather hills and superb views from the top of Millstone Hill.
A very steep, rough and rocky trail, with large steps and roots. Generally narrow, and has a narrow timber walkway. Can be wet and muddy.
3 ½ miles / 5.6 km
Allow 2½ hours
More information
There are superb 360-degree views from the top of Millstone Hill, taking in the main bulk of Bennachie to the north and the River Don to the south.
Walking
Mither Tap Heather Brig
This grand, adventurous route crosses Millstone Hill and onto the landmark of the Mither Tap. Stunning views.
A very steep, rough and rocky trail, with large steps and roots. Generally narrow, and has a narrow timber walkway. Can be muddy.
6 miles / 9.6 km
Allow 4 hours
More information
As you cross the valley at Heather Brig, between the two peaks, there’s a great view stretching out to the west along Lord’s Throat. Our suggested time is for a return trip from Donview, but with two cars you could come down from Mither Tap to Bennachie Centre.
Activities
Big days out
The hill routes from Donview are superb. It’s a popular base for expeditions with two cars, walking over Millstone Hill and the Mither Tap between Donview and Bennachie Centre.
Remember that the weather can change quickly in the hills, even in summer. Our advice about hillwalking will help you prepare.
Facilities and access
There are places to eat in Monymusk and Inverurie. The nearest public toilets are at Bennachie Centre and in Inverurie.
Car parking information
There is no charge to park in this car park. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates.
Getting here
From Monymusk, head north on a minor road towards Pitfichie. After about 1 mile (1.6 km), turn right at a cross roads and follow signs for ‘Chapel of Garioch’ and Lord’s Throat’. After about ¾ mile (1.2 km) take a left turn signposted ‘Donview Forest Walks’. The car park about 1 ½ miles (2.4 km) along this road, at grid reference NJ 672 189.
Using SatNav?
Nearest postcode: AB51 7JE
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?
Phone
0300 067 6380 (option 2)
Nearby forests
The best place to start for Bennachie first-timers
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Donview': 1.96 miles
The best place to start for Bennachie first-timers
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Donview': 1.96 miles
A favourite start point for those climbing Oxen Craig
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Donview': 3.49 miles
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