NJ2535 : Enjoying the View
Moderate hillwalk; tors circuit more strenuous

Ben Rinnes

841m Elevation
513m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NJ2535 : Enjoying the View

Anne Burgess Photo source

Overview

Ben Rinnes is an 841 m Corbett in Moray’s Speyside country, with an open summit dotted with granite tors. The popular east-ridge walk uses a well-built but steep path. A longer circuit from Benrinnes Distillery crosses rougher moorland and needs more careful navigation.

Ben Rinnes

Ben Rinnes is a prominent Corbett in Moray’s Speyside country. DoBIH records 840.9 m, normally rounded to 841 m, and a prominence of 513 m. Its highest rock tor stands 10 m west-south-west of the trig point. Meikle Conval (571 m) and Little Conval (553 m) are neighbouring hills.

Walking routes

The usual east-ridge return starts at NJ284359 on the Glen Rinnes–Edinvillie road. Climb over Round Hill and Roy’s Hill, then follow the constructed path to the summit. Retrace that route to the start. Walkhighlands gives 7.5 km, 541 m ascent and 3–4 hours.

The longer tors circuit starts behind Benrinnes Distillery at NJ259396. It visits Scurran of Well, Lady’s Chair and the summit, then returns via Scurran of Morinish and Fauldgates Cairn to the outward track and distillery. Its published figures are 11.5 km, 631 m ascent and 5–6 hours. Faint paths, heather and peat make it more demanding. Descending the main eastern path would leave you at a different car park.

Summit and landscape

The granite tors belong to the multi-phase Ben Rinnes pluton described by the British Geological Survey. Clear-weather views reach across Moray and Aberdeenshire, towards the Moray Firth and the Cairngorms. The name’s origin is uncertain; “Headland Hill” and “Hill of the Red-brown Plain” are suggested interpretations.

Friends of Ben Rinnes care for the main path. Their refurbished, steel-clad trig point retains a view indicator and was formally unveiled in April 2026. It is a useful landmark but is not the surveyed high point.

Planning and safety

Arrange transport: neither described start has public transport listed by Walkhighlands. Dufftown and Aberlour are useful nearby bases. Carry food, water, warm waterproof clothing and independent navigation. Use the constructed zigzags and take care on the descent. The northern route’s fading paths and steep-sided tors demand additional care, especially in low cloud.

Snow or ice changes the walk substantially. Carry suitable winter equipment and have the skills to use it; paths may disappear, and a summer walking time is not a winter guarantee.

Explore routes near Ben Rinnes

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Aberlour to Carron Bridge: Speyside Way riverside return

9.9 km ~3h Easy

View route

Craigellachie to Aberlour: Speyside Railway Path Return

7.7 km ~2h 15m Easy

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Elgin guided night walk

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Findhorn guided night walk

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Ben Rinnes via the east ridge

From the parking area at NJ284359, follow the track over Round Hill and Roy’s Hill, then the built zigzag path up Black Banks to the summit tors. Return by the same route to the car park. Walkhighlands gives 7.5 km, 541 m ascent and 3–4 hours for this out-and-back walk. Stay on the zigzags to limit erosion; expect a steep climb and exposed weather.

7.5 km Moderate hillwalk in good summer conditions

The Tors of Ben Rinnes from the distillery

From Benrinnes Distillery parking (NJ259396), climb towards Baby’s Hill and take the path near the 500 m contour to Scurran of Well. Continue via Lady’s Chair to the summit. Return via Scurran of Morinish, rough heather and peat, then Fauldgates Cairn to the outward track and distillery. Walkhighlands gives 11.5 km, 631 m ascent and 5–6 hours for this circuit. Paths fade; use careful navigation. The east-ridge descent finishes at a different car park.

11.5 km Strenuous; rough ground and navigation
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Corbett Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

841m

2,759 ft

Prominence

513m

Coordinates

57.4033, -3.2415

NJ254354

OS Map

28

Explorer: 424S

At the Summit

The surveyed high point is a rock tor 10 m west-south-west of the trig point, not the trig point itself. DoBIH records it as 80 cm above the trig’s flush bracket. The trig point now has stainless-steel cladding and a view indicator; the refurbishment was formally unveiled in April 2026.

Terrain & Geology

The usual ascent follows a broad track over Round Hill and Roy’s Hill then a steeper constructed path with zigzags and stone pitching. The summit has granite tors. The northern tors circuit adds faint paths rough heather peat and boggy ground.

Ben Rinnes is formed from the Ben Rinnes granite pluton, an igneous intrusion with several distinct phases. The British Geological Survey describes marginal red, foliated granite and a central grey biotite-granite, cut by later granite. Granite tors are conspicuous around the summit.

Views & Scenery

In clear weather, the summit gives wide views over Moray and Aberdeenshire, towards the Moray Firth and the Cairngorms. The granite tors add interest even when distant views are limited.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The origin is uncertain. Mountaineering Scotland suggests Old Irish rind, meaning headland, giving “Headland Hill”; it also records Beinn Ruaidhneis, possibly “Hill of the Red-brown Plain”.

Historical Significance

Friends of Ben Rinnes volunteers maintain the main hill path. With the agreement of the landowners, they also refurbished the weathered trig point, enclosing it in stainless steel and retaining its view indicator. The formal unveiling took place on 18 April 2026.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

For the east-ridge route, use the parking area at NJ284359 on the minor road linking Glen Rinnes and Edinvillie, off the B9009. It can fill up; keep the road and gates clear. The separate tors circuit starts at the signed parking area behind Benrinnes Distillery, NJ259396. Follow current local signs.

Public Transport

Walkhighlands lists no public transport to either the east-ridge trailhead or the Benrinnes Distillery route start. Arrange your outward and return travel before setting off.

Nearby Facilities

Dufftown and Aberlour offer places to stop before or after the walk. Moray Council lists toilet facilities in Aberlour through its Use Our Loos scheme; check participating premises and their opening hours. Bring food and water for the hill.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Ben Rinnes is exposed to strong wind, cold and low cloud. Carry warm and waterproof layers and a map and compass you can use.
  • The east-ridge path is steep, with rocky steps and zigzags. Take care descending and stay on the built line to reduce erosion.
  • On the distillery tors circuit, paths become faint or disappear among heather and peat. Navigation is harder in mist, and the east-ridge descent leads to a different car park.
  • Granite tors have steep sides and gaps; assess each rocky section before climbing and avoid slippery edges.

Seasonal Hazards

Snow and ice can hide the paths and make steep ground slippery. Winter conditions require suitable boots, crampons, an ice axe and the skills to use them, together with reliable navigation. Allow for short daylight and slower travel. Check the mountain forecast and current local access notices before setting out.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Ben Rinnes?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Ben Rinnes through the maps

Are there other walkers around Ben Rinnes?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Ben Rinnes search or of course create your own walk for Ben Rinnes

Can I organise a walk to Ben Rinnes?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Ben Rinnes.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Ben Rinnes?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

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The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

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Location

Ben Rinnes location map

Grid reference: NJ254354

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