Marilyn · Cairngorms
Bin of Cullen
The Bin, a 320m wooded sentinel rising directly inland from the harbour village of Cullen on the Moray Firth. The summit clearing is one of the great coastal viewpoints in Scotland — a sweep of sea from Tarbat Ness to Troup Head with the Caithness hills crisp on the northern horizon.
Quick facts
- Height
- 320m/ 1050ft
- Grid ref
- NJ 47989 64259
- Nearest city
- Aberdeen· 74km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
heather moorland 60% · grass slopes 30% · rocky summit 10%
From the parking at NJ485644 follow the waymarked Bin Forest paths south and west, climbing through plantation to the open summit. About 5km return with 280m of ascent — two and a half hours including time at the top.
Terrain
Well-maintained forest tracks for most of the climb; a short pull onto open heather at the top. The going is firm gravel and short turf throughout.
In winter
Snow rarely sticks at this low coastal altitude but the exposed summit catches the full force of any north-easterly. Forestry tracks can ice up — boot grippers are useful in a hard frost.
This hill is in the Northern Cairngorms SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow6h 52m
- Edinburgh5h 31m
OS maps: OS Landranger 28, OS Landranger 29, OS Explorer 425N
Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE and Vodafone reliable. Fine Moray coast views.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:11
- Sunset
- 22:13
- Civil dawn
- 02:58
- Civil dusk
- 23:26
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Bin of Cullen on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Bin of Cullen — common questions
- How hard is Bin of Cullen?
- Bin of Cullen is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Well-maintained forest tracks for most of the climb; a short pull onto open heather at the top.
- When is the best time to climb Bin of Cullen?
- The standard good-weather months for Bin of Cullen are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Bin of Cullen?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Bin of Cullen?
- Good signal on summit; EE and Vodafone reliable. Fine Moray coast views.
- Is Bin of Cullen safe in winter?
- Snow rarely sticks at this low coastal altitude but the exposed summit catches the full force of any north-easterly. Forestry tracks can ice up — boot grippers are useful in a hard frost.
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