Hill of Fare Return

About trip

This 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.