NJ6622 : Mither Tap from Oxen Craig

Bennachie - Oxen Craig

529m Elevation
314m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NJ6622 : Mither Tap from Oxen Craig

Mick Garratt Photo source

Explore routes near Bennachie - Oxen Craig

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

Deeside Way

69.8 km Easy

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Route planning notes

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

Mither Tap and Oxen Craig Circular

This popular circular route begins at the Bennachie Visitor Centre and takes you through beautiful woodland paths before ascending to Mither Tap, a prominent summit with a historic Pictish fort. From there, the route continues to Oxen Craig, the highest point of Bennachie, offering panoramic views of Aberdeenshire. The descent loops back via the Gordon Way trail.

10.2 km ~3.5 hours Moderate

Oxen Craig Direct from Donview

Starting at the Donview car park, this route provides a more direct ascent to Oxen Craig. The trail climbs through quiet forest before opening up onto the moorland slopes. It’s a relatively short but steep climb to the summit, making it a great option for those seeking a quicker hike to Bennachie's highest point.

6.8 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Back O’Bennachie to Oxen Craig

This route starts at the Back O’Bennachie car park and offers a quieter approach to Oxen Craig. The trail winds through coniferous forest before ascending the open hillside. On the way, you’ll pass several notable rock formations and have the opportunity to explore the less-frequented parts of Bennachie.

7.5 km ~3 hours Moderate

Bennachie Ridge Traverse

For seasoned walkers, this linear route traverses the entire Bennachie ridge from the Essons car park to the Bennachie Visitor Centre. Along the way, it visits several summits, including Mither Tap and Oxen Craig, and provides breathtaking views throughout. A car shuttle is required for this route.

13.5 km ~5.5 hours Challenging

Oxen Craig via Heather Brig

This lesser-known route starts at the Bennachie Visitor Centre and follows the Heather Brig trail. It provides a more gradual ascent to Oxen Craig, passing through scenic heathland and offering excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. Ideal for those seeking a quieter way to enjoy Bennachie.

9 km ~3.3 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Dodd Highland Five

Elevation

529m

1,736 ft

Prominence

314m

Coordinates

57.2928, -2.5611

NJ662226

OS Map

38

Explorer: OL62E 420E 421W

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent cairn and a trig point, ideal spots for photo opportunities and a well-deserved rest.

Terrain & Geology

Varied with rocky sections leading to grassy areas and occasional boggy patches.

Bennachie is primarily composed of granite, which contributes to its striking appearance. The mountain formed during the last Ice Age, when glaciers sculpted the landscape.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can catch sight of distant mountains including the Grampians and the North Sea coastline.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Bennachie' is derived from the Gaelic 'Beinn na Ciche', meaning 'hill of the breast', possibly referring to its rounded shape.

Historical Significance

Once a site of ancient fortifications, the area is rich in heritage and was likely used for settlement during the Iron Age.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Bennachie Visitor Centre parking area provides ample space for vehicles and access to various walking routes.

Public Transport

Buses operate from nearby towns such as Inverurie, but check local schedules as they may have limited services.

Nearby Facilities

The Bennachie Visitor Centre offers toilets, and there are cafes in Inverurie for post-hike refreshments.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of sudden weather changes; conditions can shift rapidly, so be prepared for brisk winds and rain.
  • Some paths may be muddy after rain, making proper footwear essential to avoid slipping.

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 Bennachie - Oxen Craig?

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

Are there other walkers around Bennachie - Oxen Craig?

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 Bennachie - Oxen Craig search or of course create your own walk for Bennachie - Oxen Craig

Can I organise a walk to Bennachie - Oxen Craig?

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 Bennachie - Oxen Craig.

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 Bennachie - Oxen Craig?

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 Bennachie - Oxen Craig here

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

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Location

Bennachie - Oxen Craig location map

Grid reference: NJ662226

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