UKC

Hi all -

Long time reader here but just taken the registration plunge!

Hoping for some advice from this great pool of knowledge. We’ve done a few Munro’s in the past but only in Summer - got all the appropriate clothing packed but no ice picks etc and we’re heading up to near Aberdeen. 

We’d love to see some high snowy peaks and dramatic landscapes but obviously want to be mindful of safety whilst still getting those lovely views - ideally a summit but if that’s not advised then fair enough! 

Happy to do a longish drive - we’ve been keeping an eye on MWIS but it all seems pretty changeable at the moment. Would either be tomorrow or Saturday. 

Does anyone have any good recommendations of walks/areas that would work well? We’re pretty fit and active with walking/climbing experience. 

Thanks in advance!

Would be helpful if you gave an indication of where you’re based?

IMO Pretty much every winter day is a brilliant experience. Including incredibly dull flat rounded hills. If windy stay low, but be mindful of turning around if need be. Do you have an ice axe and crampons? And more importantly do you know how to use them?

You could do like I did when i was young, which was just head out and see what happens. But that’s an incredibly risky, and stupid strategy. And definitely NOT one I’d recommend.

If you're near Aberdeen then Bennachie - Mither Tap is a nice little hill. Not particularly high but great views and a bit like a bargain basement Cairngorms with lots of granite tors. You can do a nice circuit around the various summits.

Thanks for the reply - to clarify we’ll be twenty minutes outside of Aberdeen centre but happy to travel! 

We don’t have any ice/snow tools. 

Thanks for the reply! We’ll check that out. 

The forecast for the next few days isn't great. To get the best out of Scotland, a generally more productive approach (if you can manage it) is to watch the forecast, and then go when conditions/weather look good.

However, I appreciate that that doesn't help you right now. If you're suitably tooled up for the weather, you'll get something done. Have a good trip.

All sorts of short/long walks can be found in https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/

Forecast for tomorrow doesn't look attractive but Saturday should be better https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/specialist-forecasts/mountain/north-gr...

Clachnaben is another relatively small hill but with lots of character, having a granite tor on top as well.

Normal "it depends on conditions on the day" caveats inserted, but.....

Coyles of Muick by ballater could be a good option - relatively low lying, distinct top and most terrain above tree line is flat(ish) bar the summit it's self.  Lovely views down deeside and into the main Corrie of lochnagar.

Glen tannar is lovely for a wander as well.

If conditions underfoot are benign the a walk up to the dubh loch from glen muic is also nice and the crags on the other side of the loch magnificent to see in winter.

Depends on which side of the city you are on, but bennachie / millstone can be nice if snow stops play for you for higher tops etc.

Clach na being as mentioned earlier by someone is nice as well.

Cheers,

Stu

The walk to Sunnyside beach and Findlater Castle via Logie Head from Cullen Harbour is gorgeous. A personal favourite.

Just wondering why you posted this here and on walkhighlands? 
 

good advice there too - would avoid the summits without the skills/gear/knowledge and there are plenty good lower level walks that are excellent in winter (or indeed other seasons!) 

Why wouldn't you?

The Coyles is a good call, potentially below the clouds and in terms of views and character is IMO a far better outing than Clach a Ben, or Benahee. Plus hardly anyone goes up it.

if the weathers a bit better Conachcraig might provide another option.