Brimmond Hill Summit

On the edge of Aberdeen, hiking up Brimmond Hill is a wonderful adventure for a sunny summer’s day or a crisp, winter lunchtime. Rising to just 873 feet (266 m), this Marilyn provides surprisingly impressive views, particularly towards the east as the land winds down to the North Sea. 

Thanks to the car park at the foot of Brimmond Hill, you can ascend directly and the going is easy on clear trails. Without any steep sections, this is a walk suitable for everyone from children to the grandparents. 

A fine hill to blow away the cobwebs

The northernmost car park offers the most gentle ascent whilst parking in Elrick Country Park provides another, less gradual northerly route. You’ll find another car park to the west, near Wynford Farm. This has steep sections but an excellent trail, easy underfoot for much of the way. 

All hiking trails up Brimmond Hill lead you quickly to its summit: a broad, gorse and grass covered plateau topped with radio masts. While unsightly, the masts don’t ruin the experience because the summit itself isn’t notable, it’s the views on offer that are the goal. 

Looking east, patchwork fields flow down to Aberdeen, which stands clearly on the shores of the great North Sea. Hiking Brimmond Hill undoubtedly offers the finest views over the city but still roam around and take in every vantage to fully enjoy the 360 degree panorama. 

To expand your hike, head to Elrick Country Park and onwards, to Clinterty Woods or beautiful Kirkhill Forest. Aberdeen is an obvious place to base yourself but the area is filled with towns and villages. There are numerous campsites along the River Dee to the south.