Friday, 08 April 2022
Rowantree
Where we are
Latest forest information
The car park and trails at Rowantree remain closed due to storm damage.
About
The most popular route to Mither Tap - with good reason
Rowantree is the starting point for a popular trail up the Mither Tap, the landmark hill that dominates Aberdeenshire’s countryside. Many local folk reckon it’s the best choice for your first trip to the top. Our map will help you explore.
The route follows an ancient track called the Maiden Causeway, which was probably the main approach road for the Pictish fort at the top of the hill. Legend tells how the track was built by the devil to win a bet for a maiden’s hand. Not surprisingly, the maiden tried to run away – and was turned into stone!
Walking trails
Walking
Mither Tap Maiden Causeway
A walk of legends to the impressive Pictish hill fort. The Maiden Causeway itself is named after a local girl who bet the devil that she could bake a batch of oatcakes before he could build a road up Bennachie.
Steep, rough and uneven rocky trail with steep rock steps. Some parts are narrow and can be wet and muddy after rain.
3 ½ miles / 5.6 km
Allow 2½ hours
More information
There are other stories along the way too: look for ‘Hosie’s Well’, which springs from the tears of a heartbroken soldier. You can also see ‘Little John’s Length’, a long ridge that’s the bed of Jock o’Bennachie, the giant who guards the hill.
Activities
Onto the hill
The climb to the Mither Tap makes a great outing, and for such an impressively craggy summit it’s very accessible. But this is open hill country where the weather can change quickly, even in summer. Check our advice about hillwalking before you set off.
Facilities and access
The toilets here are open from Easter to September. There are places to eat in in Oyne, Chapel of Garioch and Inverurie.
Car parking information
There is no charge to park in this car park. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates.
Getting here
Follow the A96 north from Inverurie for about 7 miles (11.2 km). Turn left onto a minor road signposted to ‘Maiden Stone’, just before the turning to Oyne. After about ½ mile (800 metres), take a right turn signposted ‘Rowantree Forest Walks’. The car park is about ½ mile (800 metres) along this road, at grid reference NJ 692 244.
Using SatNav?
Nearest postcode: AB51 5HZ
Public transport
The nearest point for public transport is the village of Pitcaple, about 2 miles (3.2 km) away on the A96. It is served by buses between Huntly and Aberdeen. Alternatively, you could take a taxi from Inverurie, which is served by buses and trains. Check Traveline Scotland for details.
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?
Phone
0300 067 6380 (option 2)
Nearby forests
A favourite start point for those climbing Oxen Craig
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Rowantree': 1.20 miles
The best place to start for Bennachie first-timers
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Rowantree': 1.75 miles
The best views of Bennachie on a quieter walk to the summit
Facilities and activities
Distance from 'Rowantree': 3.50 miles
Related articles
Tuesday, 05 April 2022
Scotland’s forests are facing new threats from pests, diseases and a changing climate. In this article, we discuss what we’re doing to prepare our forests for an uncertain future.
Monday, 28 March 2022
The breadth of work we undertake at Forestry and Land Scotland is immense. From planting and felling trees to habitat restoration, recreation facilities and a whole lot more. ...
Tuesday, 01 March 2022
Recently we delved into the process of collecting seeds to grow our trees. With 25 million trees planted in our forests every year, we need a lot of seeds. But what happens once we...
Find out more
Find a forest...
View all forests