Date: Friday 19th February 2016
Company: Myself and Cuillin
Distance: 5.5km, Ascent: 325m
Time: 1Hr 50Mins
With only limited time available today, and the weather set to deteriorate, I decided to take Cuillin for a walk up nearby Millstone Hill, a Marilyn outlying top of Bennachie. This would be my fourth ascent of Millstone Hill and Cuillin's first ascent.
Click here to see a map of the route undertaken
I parked at the Donview car park and after getting suited and booted we began our ascent of the hill. There are no parking charges at the Donview car park unlike other Bennachie car parks.
Donview car park:
Today, I opted to undertake a short circuit of Millstone Hill rather than the most direct up and down route.
Setting off along the track:
On reaching a track junction with a wider forestry road, we passed numerous felled trees. Enough to keep my wood burner going for several lifetimes.
Tree felling:
Heading round the back of Millstone Hill with Mither Tap just visible in distance:
Aberdeenshire countryside from Millstone Hill:
As we gained height, it became increasingly difficult to stick to the track as there were sections covered in thick ice. It was however simple enough to walk just to the side of the path, on heather.
Ice-covered path:
During the ascent, I passed one other walker and would pass another three during the descent.
Final ascent to the summit of Millstone Hill:
We spent around twenty minutes at the summit.
Cuillin at the summit of Millstone Hill:
Looking across to Mither Tap from the summit of Millstone Hill (zoom):
Before setting off downhill, via my usual route of ascent/descent, we visited another nearby high-point.
Looking across to the summit cairn/rock from another high-point:
Bennachie is an outstanding wee hill. Despite ascending it dozens of times previously, I never tire of it.
Bennachie:
Cuillin relaxing on a rock during the descent:
Steps during descent:
We got back to the car circa ten minutes before it started raining heavily. Good timing
. The next time I ascend Millstone Hill, I really need to undertake a larger circuit also taking in Mither Tap and Oxencraig. I'll be back!