NJ6008 : Cairn near Benaquhallie

Benaquhallie

494m Elevation
211m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NJ6008 : Cairn near Benaquhallie

thejackrustles Photo source

Explore routes near Benaquhallie

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

Potarch to Shooting Greens: Deeside Way return

7.9 km ~2h 45m Moderate

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Banchory to Milton of Crathes: Deeside Way return

9.5 km ~2h 30m Easy

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Milton of Crathes to Drumoak: Deeside Way return

11.8 km ~3h 30m Easy

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Loch Kinord: Muir of Dinnet Woodland Circuit

6.4 km ~2h 30m Moderate

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Route planning notes

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

Benaquhallie Circular Route

A popular circular route starting from the nearby village of Dunecht, providing lovely views and a pleasant walking experience.

10.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 400-499m hill

Elevation

494m

1,621 ft

Prominence

211m

Coordinates

57.1674, -2.6525

NJ606087

OS Map

37

Explorer: OL59E 405E

At the Summit

At the summit, there is a small stone cairn marking the peak, along with a stunning panoramic view perfect for a photo op.

Terrain & Geology

Primarily grassy with some rocky outcrops it can be a bit boggy after wet weather so stout footwear is advised.

Benaquhallie is primarily composed of hard granite, giving it a rugged profile that has stood the test of time. The rock formations exhibit interesting glacial features, making it a fascinating site for geology enthusiasts.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can see the rolling hills of the Highlands, the distant peak of Ben Nevis, and on a clear day, the shimmering waters of Loch Ness.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name Benaquhallie is derived from Gaelic, meaning 'the hill of the rocky place', which seems quite fitting!

Historical Significance

Historically, this area has been significant for local farmers and was once an important hunting ground. The remains of ancient drystone dykes can still be seen along the slopes.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a generous car park at the start of the Benaquhallie Circular Route located just outside Dunecht. Please ensure to park sensibly.

Public Transport

Regular bus services operate from Aberdeen to Dunecht, though check the latest schedules as they can vary.

Nearby Facilities

Dunecht has a small café and a convenience store for snacks and drinks, but facilities are limited, so plan accordingly.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of sudden weather changes typical of the Highlands, and avoid the boggy areas after heavy rain, as they can hold surprises!

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 Benaquhallie?

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

Are there other walkers around Benaquhallie?

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 Benaquhallie search or of course create your own walk for Benaquhallie

Can I organise a walk to Benaquhallie?

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 Benaquhallie.

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 Benaquhallie?

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.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Benaquhallie here

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

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NJ606087

View on OpenStreetMap

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