Donview

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Enjoy the peace at Donview

If you want to really get to know Bennachie, this is the place. The trails here are quieter than those from Bennachie Centre and Rowantree, giving you a taste of the wild and plenty of choices for long treks in the hills. But you don’t have to want a big day out to enjoy this place: there’s a pretty drive along the river Don to get here, with places where you can stop for a picnic and a paddle. If you’re lucky, you might even see ospreys fishing in the water. Our guide map of Bennachie (5MB) will help you explore.

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Life’s essentials

There are places to eat in Monymusk and Inverurie. The nearest public toilets are at Bennachie Centre and in Inverurie.

Walking trails

Millstone Hill Trail

Up through beautiful woods to heather hills and superb views from the top of Millstone Hill.

A very steep, rough and rocky trail, with large steps and roots. Generally narrow, and has a narrow timber walkway. Can be wet and muddy.

3 ½ miles /
5.6 km
Allow
2½ hours

More information...

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There are superb 360-degree views from the top of Millstone Hill, taking in the main bulk of Bennachie to the north and the River Don to the south.

Mither Tap Heather Brig

This grand, adventurous route crosses Millstone Hill and onto the landmark of the Mither Tap. Stunning views.

A very steep, rough and rocky trail, with large steps and roots. Generally narrow, and has a narrow timber walkway. Can be muddy.

6 miles /
9.6 km
Allow
4 hours

More information...

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As you cross the valley at Heather Brig, between the two peaks, there’s a great view stretching out to the west along Lord’s Throat. Our suggested time is for a return trip from Donview, but with two cars you could come down from Mither Tap to Bennachie Centre.

Cycling trails

Mountain biking trails

Big days out

The hill routes from Donview are superb. It’s a popular base for expeditions with two cars, walking over Millstone Hill and the Mither Tap between Donview and Bennachie Centre.

Remember that the weather can change quickly in the hills, even in summer. Our advice about hillwalking will help you prepare.

Contact: Moray and Aberdeenshire Forest District

Address: Portsoy Road, Huntly

Postcode: AB54 4SJ

Telephone: 0300 067 6200

Email: morayaberdeenshire@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

How to get here

From Monymusk, head north on a minor road towards Pitfichie. After about 1 mile (1.6 km), turn right at a cross roads and follow signs for ‘Chapel of Garioch’ and Lord’s Throat’. After about ¾ mile (1.2 km) take a left turn signposted ‘Donview Forest Walks’. The car park about 1 ½ miles (2.4 km) along this road, at grid reference NJ 672 189.

Using SatNav?

AB51 7JE is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

There are no suitable public transport services to reach Donview.

Nearby places

The other forests around Bennachie all have different atmospheres and trails to explore. You’ll find details in our guide map of Bennachie. If you’re looking for superb mountain bike routes in open country, head for Pitfichie, near Monymusk.