Donview

About Walk Activities Facilities and access Directions Contact Nearby forests

Where we are

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

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, 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

Mountain access

Walking

Picnic area

Parking (charge)

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

Car parking information

The car park is open at any time, all through the year.

Payment options: RingGo

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

Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates. Nearby car parks with free parking can be found in our local forest list without the £ symbol.

Annual parking pass available:

Available in advance by downloading the relevant application form and emailing to the Regional Office. Please read our Annual Pass terms and conditions before applying.

Moray and Aberdeenshire Car Park Pass - £50 per car and £120 per mini-bus or coach

Valid at Roseisle, Culbin, Winding Walks, Back o'Bennachie, Bennachie Centre, Donview, Countesswells, Foggieton, Scolty, Cambus o’ May, Torrieston, Dunnottar Woods, Quarry Wood (Leggat)

Moray and Aberdeenshire Pass application form

FLS National Car Park Pass - £100 per car and £150 per mini bus or coach

Valid at all Forestry and Land Scotland car parks except Tentsmuir.

FLS National Pass application form

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

More parking info

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.