West Gordon Way – Suie Hill to Bennachie Centre

O.S.Map 37 (Strathdon) and 38 (Aberdeen).

N.B. 8.00am departure from Aberdeen.

Our main walk today follows the Gordon Way from the Suie Hill car park to the Bennachie Visitor Centre car park. The route is waymarked at intervals by wooden posts bearing the hexagonal “GW” insignia.

If any members prefer a shorter, or different walk – please indicate your intentions with your committee member in charge of the bus.

1. The main walk commences at the Suie Hill car park (NGR 547 231). From the bus, take the path SE’wards then E’wards towards Suie Cairn and Knock Saul (412m). The route then leaves the trees near the 315m mark (map spot height) and contours the southwest side of Satter Hill (363m) before descending to the B992. Turn right on to this road and, then after about 500 yards, look for a “GW” marker post on the east side of the road. Take this path past Towmill which then climbs up round the northern shoulder of Corrie Hill and onwards over the north shoulder of Black Hill towards Hermit Seat and continues to a split in the path (NGR 664 222). Take the right hand path (SE’wards) and then descend quite steeply to the “Heather Brig” (NGR 679 212). Pick up a waymarked path on the north side of the Clachie burn and walk E’wards towards our bus (NGR 698 217). Walking distance approx. 12 miles.

2. From the bus, walk N’wards on the “Old Aberdeen Turnpike Road” towards Braeside (NGR 697 225). Continue towards the back door of Pittodrie House (NGR 694 240). Our onwards route becomes W’wards to reach Horndoyne farm (NGR 670 248) and onwards to the car park at Back o’ Bennachie (NGR 661 246) via Hillford Croft. Return to the bus by retracing your steps.

Walking distance approx. 9 miles.

3. From the bus at the Visitor Centre (NGR 698 217), head W’wards towards the “Heather Brig” on a good path, and return to the bus by retracing your steps Walking distance approx. 3.5 miles.

Bus departs at 4.00pm.

In the event of an emergency arising, the person in charge of the outing should be contacted, if possible, before the police are contacted.

Relevant telephone number for Grampian police is 0845 600 5700 OR 999.

Your committee member in charge is Heather Eddie