(106) Hill of Fare Return (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
An accessible and uncomplicated walk in pine forest and heather moorland, with wonderful views unfolding of the surrounding Deeside and Donside countryside. The pretty little lochans near the summit are a delightful added extra.

Duration: 2.25 hours.

Route Overview
Duration: 2.25 hours.
Transport/Parking: No public transport close to walk start/end point. Rough roadside and off-road parking at walk start/end point on B 993 4km from Torphins.
Length: 7.060 km / 4.41 mi
Height Gain: 223 meter.
Height Loss: 223 meter.
Max Height: 470 meter.
Min Height: 308 meter.
Surface: Rough. Good forest road at first, then rough moorland tracks/paths. May be very muddy in some sections.
Difficulty: Medium.
Child Friendly: Yes, if children are used to walks of this distance and overall ascent.
Dog Friendly: Yes. On lead at the start/end on or near the A 993 public road.
Refreshments: We can recommend the Platform 22 cafe in Torphins. Options in Banchory.

Description
This is a straightforward but enjoyable short hill-walk on a “there and back” route, with an initial section in open commercial forest, leading to a section of naturally-seeded pines before the heather moorland predominates on the main ascent. The Hill of Fare is an extensive area of forestry and rough moorland north of Banchory with a number of distinct peaks. Although never very far from human habitation, these hills have a wild and desolate character that belies their geographical position. There are 7 tops on the massif higher than 350 m: Tornamean (457 m); Craigour (406 m); Blackyduds (433 m); Greymore (393 m); Meikle Tap (359 m); Craigrath (435 m); and, the Hill of Fare summit itself, at 471 m. There are a number of access points to the Hill of Fare range, notably near Echt and at Raemoir, Banchory. This linear route starts and ends on the B 993 road about 4km NE of Torphins. After the initial woodland section on forestry roads, the climb onto the heather moors is rewarded, on a clear day, with some fantastic views of the surrounding Deeside and Donside countryside. Scanning south to north, you will readily pick out Kerloch, Clachnaben, Mt Battock, Mt Keen, Lochnagar, the Cairngorms, Morven, The Buck of Cabrach, and the Bennachie tops. The summit is a little elusive, with only a very indistinct path through the heather leading to a small cairn perched precariously on a boulder. Near the summit, and included in our route, are a trio of delightful little lochans.