Hill of Foudland
Hill of Foudland, Colpy, Aberdeenshire. Section 21B.
Height – 467 metres. Map – OS Landranger 29.
Climbed - 22 May 2011. Time taken – 1.25 hours.
Distance – 5 kilometres. Ascent – 215 metres.
Trip Report Details:
It was a sunny morning when I set off from Aberdeen but as I headed north towards Colpy it began to cloud over, although the base was well above the summits. From Colpy I drove along the tarred road to Jericho then a further kilometre on a rough track which deteriorated the further I went.
Just before an unlocked gate at NJ624336 I parked my car and continued on foot. The track skirted a field containing cows and calves but thankfully the animals kept their distance. It was an easy climb towards another gate where a ‘welcoming’ sign said ‘Foudland Hill Private.’ Beyond this second gate the track followed the edge of a small plantation onto open ground and a couple of telecommunication towers.
Beyond these towers the track was rougher as it continued west across the heather moorland. There was a slight dip before it regained the lost height and passed the summit trig point just to the north. From the summit I had views of Bennachie, Tap o’North, Ben Rinnes and Knock Hill. I also had a look at the nearby old quarry workings where the stone was used for roofing slate.
On my return, which was by the upward route, there were a few spots of rain and some of the cattle were now close to the track but they moved away as I approached.
Photos taken on walk.