Hill of Fare
Height – 471 metres. Map – OS Landranger 38.
Climbed – 15 August 2010. Time taken – 3.5 hours.
Distance – 12.5 kilometres. Ascent – 400 metres.
Trip Report Details:
It was a sunny morning when I set off, from my home in Aberdeen, for the short journey to the start of this walk at Raemoir, near Banchory. I drove west along the B9125 and at its junction with the A980 turned right to the Raemoir House Hotel. Here I enquired about parking and was directed to a triangular area of grass at the rear of the Hotel.
Once geared up I walked along the vehicle track, through Spy Brae Wood, and on towards the vacant buildings at Burnhead, passing through a gate with a warning sign regarding wildlife management and firearms in use. From Burnhead the gradient increased as I climbed through Craigbeg Wood before emerging from the forest below The Skairs. It was cloudier now but with very little wind the flies were a real nuisance.
The track continued below the south side of Craigarth before heading almost to its summit. This was followed by a gradual descent to a swath of ground where electric cables had been buried. Hopefully in a few years it won’t be so noticeable. A lockfast wooden hut was passed as height was regained and a roe deer stood and watched me then ran off.
Hill of Fare consists of a number of tops but the highest point was at 471 metres, just off a bend in the track. To reach this point, which was marked by a boulder and a couple of stones, involved wading through some long heather. I did make a search of the area before I was satisfied that I had reached the highest point. The flies were still a nuisance and I returned by the ascent route.
Photos taken on walk.