Marilyn · Cairngorms
Benaquhallie
At 494m in Aberdeenshire on Scotland's northeast coast, this is the kind of hill that experienced walkers love — not famous, not crowded, but a proper summit with proper views.
Quick facts
- Height
- 494m/ 1620ft
- Difficulty
- 1 / 5Easy
- Grid ref
- NJ 60641 08691
Download GPX route file
Standard route
Standard route
A steady ascent via estate tracks through heather moorland with views to the main Cairngorms massif to the 494m summit. The walking is straightforward with clear views opening up as you gain height. Allow 2-4 hours.
Terrain
Cairngorm-style terrain: heather at lower levels, granite slabs and gravel above. Can be windswept on the summit plateau.
In winter
The Cairngorms fringe sees genuine winter conditions. Snow lingers well into spring on north-facing slopes. Navigation in cloud requires compass skills.
This hill is in the Northern Cairngorms SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow5h 20m
- Edinburgh3h 26m
OS maps: OS Landranger 37, OS Explorer 059E, OS Explorer 405E
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:20
- Sunset
- 20:55
- Civil dawn
- 04:33
- Civil dusk
- 21:42
NOAA Solar Calculator · 2 May 2026