Drumfergue to near Rhynie (by Tap o’ Noth)

The walk today takes us through a large part of Clashindarroch Forest, south of Huntly and can include the ascent of the Tap o’ Noth, before finishing near Rhynie.

The walk commences at Drumfergue farm (NGR 473 339), where a forest track is taken W’wards on the S side of Drumfergue Hill and Auchindinnie Hill to soon reach a track junction at NGR 451 329. Turn left here and head S a short distance before following a second track on your right which swings W’wards to reach a junction between Raven Hill and Cross Hill at NGR 441 322, ignoring a path on your left side at (NGR 443 325) heading south. Take the left branch and head E’wards to reach another path junction at NGR 453 321. Take the right hand track and head SE’wards round the west side of Cransmill Hill. The path soon veers E’wards along the north side of Cairn Hill and continues past Clashindarroch Farm and Strone Hill to eventually reach an estate road (NGR 494 321) at the edge of the forest. Turn sharp right here and follow this estate road W’wards for about 650m before leaving it on your left. Cross the Kirkney Water, turn right after about 130m and climb uphill to reach another track junction at NGR 490 316. Turn right and contour round the west side of Cat Craigs to join a track heading W’wards at NGR 490 303 past Cairn of Mildaun and the north side of Tap o’ Noth, before veering S to gain a path at the edge of the forest at NGR 476 291. This path climbs to the summit of Tap o’ Noth (563m) with its vitrified fort. From the summit, retrace your steps to re-join the track at the edge of the forest and continue downhill to our bus which will be conveniently parked near the Howton car park on the A941 at about NGR 480 282.