Donview

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. There are stunning views and plenty of choices for long treks in the hills.

Walking trails

Donview route card (PDF)

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 2 ½ 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. Walk over Millstone Hill and the Mither Tap between Donview and Bennachie Visitor Centre.

Remember that the weather can change quickly in the hills, even in summer.

Facilities and access

Mountain access

Walking

Picnic area

Parking (charge)

Stay the Night

There are places to eat in Monymusk and Inverurie. The nearest public toilets are at Bennachie Visitor Centre and in Inverurie.

Car parking information

The charges to park at Donview are:

• £2 for up to 1 hour
• £2.50 for up to 3 hours
• £3 for all day
• £12 for minibus or coach all day 

Blue Badge holders park free. Please display your Blue Badge clearly.

Payment can be made using coin, card or RingGo.

Annual parking passes are available for this site, visit our parking page for more information.

More about parking

Stay the Night 

Our Stay the Night scheme now runs right through the year. This means self-contained motorhomes and campervans will be able to park overnight for one night in some of our car parks. 

There is a £10 charge to Stay the Night at this car park. Payment can be made through RingGo with details of how to do this at each car park.

To help plan your stay, please see the details below:

• Height barrier – No
• Motorhome capacity of car park – 2
• Suitable for large vehicles/caravans – No
• Parking notes –  Short steep slope off of public road into car park. Difficult in icy conditions.

Please visit our Stay the Night page for full details, participating locations, best practice, and terms and conditions of use.

Stay the Night

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 directions