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Donview

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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.

Strenuous trail grade icon grade icon
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.

Strenuous trail grade icon grade icon
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
Mountain access
Walking
Walking
Parking
Parking
Picnic area
Picnic area

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.

More about parking

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 

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Get in touch

Have a question or suggestion for improvement?

Phone
0300 067 6380 (option 2)
More contact information

Nearby forests

Drooping conifer branch

The best place to start for Bennachie first-timers

Facilities and activities
Ancient monument
Ancient monument
Mountain access
Mountain access
Walking
Walking
All ability trails
All ability trails
Picnic area
Picnic area
Toilets
Toilets
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Visitor centre
Visitor centre
Distance from 'Bennachie Visitor Centre': 2.33 miles
Drooping conifer branch

A favourite start point for those climbing Oxen Craig

Facilities and activities
Ancient monument
Ancient monument
Barbeque
Barbeque
Mountain access
Mountain access
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Picnic area
Picnic area
Toilets
Toilets
Walking
Walking
Stay the Night
Stay the Night
Distance from 'Back o’ Bennachie': 3.54 miles
Drooping conifer branch

Walking and mountain biking across granite hilltop trails

Facilities and activities
Mountain biking
Mountain biking
Ancient monument
Ancient monument
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Walking
Walking
Parking
Parking
Distance from 'Pitfichie': 3.69 miles