The Bin Cullen

Adrian & Alex Reeves

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The start of this walk takes you through a well-established wooded plantation with Scots pine, larch, spruce etc. The trees are well-spaced, allowing plenty of light to filter through. In the spring the forest floor is covered with wild garlic, bracken and many wildflowers. The path leads you downward with a right turn shortly followed by a small bridge, to cross where the Glen Burn gurgles and glistens past on its journey (ideal chance for a drink for a canine friend). Shortly after you reach a cross-paths, take the left-hand path and start the ascent, passing some magnificent beech and ash trees on the way. Next you will come to a fork in the path; take the left turn and as you carry on you will be able to get glimpses of the view below. The track continues a zigzag winding ascent but you can take a more direct route to the right, up the stony path (which in wet weather turns into a small stream). The views from now on just get better and better. The top of the hill is covered in heather, beautiful in the summer months when in flower. The path opens up and as you approach the top of the hill the North Sea comes into view; breathtaking! All the nearby towns and beaches can be seen, including Cullen with its viaduct and Buckie. There is a trig point at the hilltop and Buckie Rotary Club has erected a directional plaque, giving the names and distances of the towns and hills you can see. The vista is 360 degrees, with views of Knockhill, Bennachie, Tap o' Noth, The Buck and Ben Rinnes. Ben Wyvis and Morven can be seen on the horizon over the sea to Sutherland. Skylarks are frequently seen and heard above the heather.

After a long pause, drinking in the sights, the only way back is to retrace your footsteps. We took our grandchildren up this hill when they were five and six; they thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the climb.

Scotland - Northeast Scotland - Moray - Coast