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Hiking Trail
· Aberdeenshire
SCO-232-Gartly Moor-Wishach Hill Circuit
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Photo: Alison & John Mackenzie, Community
A short but energetic walk in mature forest and heather moorland with marvellous views from the extensive summit area and approaches. The route is particularly recommended in late Summer when the wide areas of purple heather seem to stretch out into the distance.
Duration: 1.75 hrs.
Although this is a short walk, with moderate ascent, following the varied route provides a sense of achievement and remoteness, although only a few miles from the town of Huntly. This is augmented by the fantastic open views as you ascend and descend from the broad and elongated heathery summit of Wishbach Hill. The walk starts and finishes at the car-parking area provided by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), just a couple of miles south from the A96 Inverurie to Huntly road, or alternatively, 3 miles north from the B9002 Insch to Kennethmont road (see Waypoint 1 for directions). The forest provides a number of mountain biking trails, although we saw no bike riders on our visit. There are also excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing in the Winter season. The route soon opens up northerly views towards the mast and long-abandoned slate mining spoil heaps on the Hill of Foudland. To the west of the hill lies the Greenmyres Eco Bothy managed by the the Huntly Development Trust. This new venture, with its pond, pump track and walking/cycling paths is well worth a visit while you are in the area. After a spell walking with mature trees on either side, the route takes a turn south before a gentle climb onto the largely open north-facing slope of Wishbach Hill where there are tremendous views. After heading east along the summit area, the route then turns to the south, with long distance views of faraway hilltops and the patchwork rural countryside below, opening up now to the south, south-west and west. From here, we follow the narrow path as it descends in a zig-zag fashion through the trees, eventually reaching a forest road which takes you back to the start-point. According to FLS, Gartly Forest covers a total area of 1221ha, and the majority of the block was converted to forestry from moorland when the land was acquired after World War II, with the first major periods of tree planting occurring between 1947-52 and 1957-65. There was a further period of planting on newly acquired ground between 1988 and 1990. Much of Gartly is still in its first rotation of forestry, in particular, the areas planted in the late 80’s. There has been widespread clearfelling in the past 10 years, providing extensive open areas that are attractive to outdoor leisure pursuits.
Our website link: https://themackwalks.wordpress.com/2025/08/13/232-gartly-moor-wishach-hill-circuit-aberdeenshire/
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Tips and suggestions
Route Overview
Duration: 1.75 hours.
Transport/Parking: Starts/finishes at Gartly Moor car-park 2 miles from the A96, between Inverurie and Huntly. See Waypoint 1 for location guidance. No public transport nearby.
Length: 4.09 km / 2.54 mi.
Height Gain/Loss: 105 meter. Max Height: 419 meter. Min Height: 319 meter.
Surface: Rough paths and good forest roads. Not suitable for off-road mobility scooters due to narrow paths with large boulders and tree roots on the approach to the summit of Wishach Hill. It is easily possible to have an enjoyable excursion, avoiding rough paths and staying on the extensive forest roads network.
Difficulty: Moderate. Child Friendly: Yes, if children are used to walks of this distance and overall ascent.
Dog Friendly: Yes. Refreshments: Options in Huntly.
Roadbook
Waypoints(1) Start walk at Gartly Moor car-park
https://w3w.co/wand.yummy.timidly NJ5798232732 Start the walk in the open area by the Forestry & Land Scotland car-park for the Gartly Moor forest*. Facing the public road, go left past the gate onto a forest road that runs away in a broadly NNE direction. Keep following this forest road as it swings west. Soon, there are views towards the Hill of Foudland on your right side for a spell, with the Greenmyres Eco Bothy by a pond below you. In 1.9 km the forest road turns left, going gently uphill (the road going straight ahead at this point is now quickly a dead-end, overgrown with trees).
* Note: Gartly Forest, managed by Forestry and Land Scotland is located about 5 miles south-east of Huntly. Access is from a minor road that connects the B9002 Insch to Kennethmont near Wardhouse to the A96 (signposted for Wraes on the A96). The forest car-park is 2 miles from the A96, and 3 miles from the B9002'.
(2) Go left as path veers right
In just over 2 km from the start, and about 145 m after the forest road took a sharp turn left, go left onto a path as the track you are on veers right. Look out for an indistinct narrow path going uphill on your right in just under 200 m. (2.04 km)
(3) Right and ascend onto narrow path going uphill
In 190 m go right up a small embankment to ascend onto a narrow path that zig-zags up the fairly open hillside in a southerly direction. Tremendous wide-open views open up in the northern aspect. (2.23 km)
(4) Left at paths t-junction
In 150 m, having crossed over the brow of the area of hillside you were ascending, you will arrive at a paths t-junction. Go left here, taking the more distinct path which soon become more defined as it starts to gently climb towards the large elongated heathery summit of Wishach Hill. Keep going on the path through the heather until you come to a paths junction in just over 300 m. (2.37 km)
(5) Right at paths junction on moor
In 310 m, at a paths junction, go right, heading towards trees, many of them fallen on the edge of the woodland. Great long distance views of faraway hilltops and patchwork countryside below, open up now to your right, to the south, south-west and west. Follow the narrow path as it leaves the heathery summit area and descends in a zig-zag fashion through the trees. (2.68 km)
(6) Right at paths junction in woodland
In 410 m, descending through woodland, you will arrive at a paths t-junction. Go right here along a now more defined path, heading west. (3.09 km)
(7) Left onto forest road
In 270 m, descend onto a forest road where you go left, Heading back to your start-point. Soon, the road enters thick woodland. (3.36 km)
(8) Finish walk back at car-park In 730 m, you will have arrived back at the open area by the car-park, where you started the walk. (4.09 km)
Coordinates
Book recommendations for this region:
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions