Culardoch

Culardoch

Culardoch Group Walks | Join a Walk

900m Elevation
312m Prominence
Scotland Country

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Classifications

Marilyn Corbett Sim High Hill of Britain

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Elevation

900m

2,953 ft

Prominence

312m

Coordinates

57.0734, -3.3319

NO193988

OS Map

36 43

Explorer: OL58S 404S

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a sizeable stone cairn and a trig point, providing an ideal spot for a celebratory snack and a great photo op with the Highlands stretching out before you.

Terrain & Geology

A mix of grassy paths rocky outcrops and some boggy sections; proper footwear is recommended unless you enjoy squelching around.

Culardoch is primarily composed of granite, a resilient rock that has weathered the elements beautifully over thousands of years. The stunning crags and boulders are a testament to its hardy nature, providing a rugged charm.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can gaze across the vast expanse of the Cairngorms and the rolling hills of Strathdon. On a clear day, the lively peaks of Ben Rinnes and the shimmering reservoir of Loch Callater are all visible.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Culardoch' is derived from Gaelic, meaning 'hill of the back', which is possibly a fun reference to the shape of the mountain.

Historical Significance

Culardoch has a place in local folklore and outdoor culture, often frequented by those seeking solitude and stunning scenery.

Popular Routes

Culardoch Loop

Moderate

A scenic loop starting from the parking area, winding through heather-blanketed moorland before ascending to the summit. Expect a delightful array of Scots pine and possibly the odd deer along the way.

10.5 km 4.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There's a designated car park at NO 182 979 on the A939 road, which is not far from the starting point of the loop.

Public Transport

Limited public transport is available, but local buses serve nearby towns. Check schedules, as they may not run frequently.

Nearby Facilities

Facilities are sparse; best to head to Aboyne beforehand for cafes, toilets, and all your pre-hike necessities. Pack a sandwich and a flask, and you're set!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Pathways can become muddy after rainfall; be cautious of slippery rocks, especially near the summit.

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

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Culardoch?

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

Are there other walkers around Culardoch?

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 Culardoch search or of course create your own walk for Culardoch

Can I organise a walk to Culardoch?

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 Culardoch.

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 Culardoch?

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 Culardoch 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