Scolty Hill - Thursday 3 October 2024
Route
Banchory - Bridge of Dee - Deeside Way - Scolty Wood - Scolty Hill - Scolty Wood - Deeside Way - Bridge of Dee - Banchory
Parking
Bellfield (North) Car Park in Banchory (Charge). The Grid Reference is NO 69661 95604 and the nearest postcode is AB31 5ST.
Mileage
5 miles
Terrain
Good paths throughout
Weather
Mild with sunny spells
Time Taken
2hrs 25mins
Total Ascent
1050ft (320m)
Map
OS Explorere 406 - Aberdeen & Banchory
Walkers
Dave & Angie
Banchory - Bridge of Dee - Deeside Way - Scolty Wood - Scolty Hill - Scolty Wood - Deeside Way - Bridge of Dee - Banchory
Parking
Bellfield (North) Car Park in Banchory (Charge). The Grid Reference is NO 69661 95604 and the nearest postcode is AB31 5ST.
Mileage
5 miles
Terrain
Good paths throughout
Weather
Mild with sunny spells
Time Taken
2hrs 25mins
Total Ascent
1050ft (320m)
Map
OS Explorere 406 - Aberdeen & Banchory
Walkers
Dave & Angie
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Route Map
We were staying in Banchory therefore started today's walk from the door of our holiday accommodation, West Lodge
Crossing the River Dee
Just after the bridge on the right is Gate Lodge which is an iconic landmark in Banchory. Once the site of Blackhall Castle, the gates are now all that remain of the castle, demolished after WW2. The Gate Lodge now serves as a fishing lodge and entrance to the fishing beat alongside the River Dee on the south bank extending westwards.
A few yards past the gates is path on the right way marked for The Deeside Way. We had joined this long distance path from the door of our accommodation. The route follows the line of the Old Royal Deeside Railway from Aberdeen to Banchory, through woodland and farmland to Kincardine O’Neil and then rejoins the old line from Aboyne to Ballater, a total distance 41 miles.
The route joins a quiet road which we would head along for roughly half a mile
To the left were a series of wooden carvings - fish, squirrels and other wildlife
At a T junction we turned left continuing along the Deeside Way in the direction of Auchattie
The route leaves the Auchattie road to the right after 170 yards at a sign for Scolty Woodland Walks
The route enters Scolty which is under the care of Forestry & Land Scotland
Still on the Deeside Way, the route heads through the Scolty Car Park
A short distance from the Car Park we said goodbye to the Deeside Way and headed on the Scolty Hill Trail
The first part of the Scolty Hill Trail is on a wide track
At the top of the wide track is a myriad of signage. We would be turning left to ascend Scolty Hill - our return would be via the path to the right.
The ascent to Scolty Hill via a small plantation containing Birch, Rowan, Larch & Scots Pine
As height is gained the path becomes rougher but is easy to follow
Nearing the summit of Scolty Hill the path exits the plantation giving fantastic views back to Banchory
The summit of Scolty Hill complete with Tower, Trig Point & Toposcope
The tower or "Monument" as detailed on the OS Map, was built in 1840 to commemorate General William Burnett (1762 - 1839) of nearby Banchory Lodge. General Burnett fought alongside Wellington in the Napoleonic Wars and had a distinguished military career. It has been refurbished many times, the most recent of which was in 1992.
The tower or "Monument" as detailed on the OS Map, was built in 1840 to commemorate General William Burnett (1762 - 1839) of nearby Banchory Lodge. General Burnett fought alongside Wellington in the Napoleonic Wars and had a distinguished military career. It has been refurbished many times, the most recent of which was in 1992.
Anything for a photo, I pose at the Trig Point on Scolty Hill - just missing Fudge with me
A spiral staircase at the base of the tower grants access to a viewing platform at the top
The memorial plaque on the side of the tower commemorating General Burnett
The future King visited the tower in 1992 following the latest restoration. As can be seen above, the one prior in 1964 was funded by public subscription
Peekaboo as Angie makes her way up the 70 steps to the top of the tower
The view over Scolty Hill, Banchory and the Grampian Mountains from the top of the tower
The 360 degree view from General Burnett's Tower (Click Play to view)
The Toposcope on the summit of Scolty Hill
A summit selfie on Scolty Hill
The Tower & Trig Point on Scolty Hill - this really is a lovely viewpoint
Leaving the summit we headed to the west and then north to make our way back to the Car Park
The path reached the myriad of signage and we simply retraced our outward route back to Banchory
Returning through Scolty Wood
Returning to Banchory we recrossed the River Dee and sought out a cafe for some celebratory cake