Hill: Millstone hill
Date: Wednesday 6th October 2010
Company: Just me
Time: 1Hr 10Mins
Dog friendly: Yes
Of all the Marilyns I have logged, I had a degree of uncertainty about one of them – Millstone hill.
I have been up Bennachie literally dozens of times, including as part of the Gordon Way.
I recalled that I had ascended a top of Bennachie from the Donview car park in the late 80s.
In those days hills were just hills and maps were not used very often.
Such a long time ago, memory not what it used to be.
Was it Millstone hill I had ascended?
Pretty-sure it was, but I wanted to be 100% certain, so I ascended it today after work.
I parked in the Donview Car Park where there is room for around 10 cars.
Donview Car Park:
There is a sign giving lots of information about Bennachie and its' tops near the start.
Map and info about Bennachie:
There was no need for a map, just follow the signs and the well-constructed path.
Sign towards Millstone hill:
Near the start, there were several trees lying across the path, I assume blown down in recent winds.
One of several trees lying across the path:
Path through tall trees:
Really good path all the way up, although some of the steps would be quite high for little legs.
Steps up the hill:
Stone steps and a pine-needle path:
View across to Pitfichie Hill and Cairn William:
River Don:
Kemnay:
Mither Tap of Bennachie appearing above Millstone hill:
Bennachie is a great hill – very well known in North-East. Milllstone hill is just one of many tops of Bennachie.
At the summit I realised I had 100% definitely been up this hill previously.
Mither Tap from summit cairn of Millstone hill:
Looking towards Oxencraig (highest top of Bennachie):
Mither Tap (zoomed):
Mither tap is very prominent. Two hard climbs near the summit – Mitherficker and Fingerficker.
Mither Tap from summit of Millstone hill:
Five years since I've been up Bennachie. Think it needs a re-visit soon. I
returned to the car via the same route. Nice to get up a wee hill after work.