Hill of Fare Summit Cairn

When heading west from Aberdeen, the first high ground you come across is a rough yet beautiful moorland, the loftiest point of which is named Hill of Fare. A number of Land Rover tracks explore the upland, making hikes to Hill of Fare gloriously accessible, whilst the scattering of Scots pine, colourful heather and lovely views make it an invigorating, short outing.

There are a number of walking routes to the Hill of Fare. At many points along the roads that encircle the moorland are paths that penetrate the upper reaches. The summit is often linked with neighbouring Meikle Tap as part of a splendid day out. The town of Banchory on the River Dee has a few hotels and makes for a picturesque base. Aberdeen is only a twenty-odd minute drive away from Echt, a popular starting point. 

The highest point of a sumptuous moorland north of picturesque Banchory

If you love an approach through woodland and the evocative scents of bracken and heather, you’ll feel right at home. During the warmer months the moorland is alive with thousands of fluttering butterflies, making late summer a wonderful time to ramble here, full of earthy colour and life. The tracks can be boggy, especially after rainfall, so waterproof boots are recommended.

The true summit is indistinct, such are the gentle gradients, and it lies some 300 feet (100 m) away from the main track. Nestled amongst the heather moorland, it is marked by a boulder decorated by a few added stones.

You can congratulate yourself for finding the summit by drinking in the views towards the beginnings of the Cairngorms National Park. To the south west, the distant dome of Mount Battock, Scotland’s most easterly mountain, can be seen, as well as tor topped Clachnaben.