Marilyn · Cairngorms
Brimmond Hill
Brimmond Hill is Aberdeen's nearest Marilyn — a 266m bracken-and-heather summit on the western edge of the city, popular with dog-walkers, joggers and after-work hill-baggers. Despite the modest height, the panorama takes in the North Sea, Bennachie and Lochnagar.
Quick facts
- Height
- 266m/ 873ft
- Grid ref
- NJ 85612 09150
- Nearest city
- Aberdeen· 9km
- 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% · summit area 10%
Aberdeen City Council's Brimmond Hill Country Park has waymarked paths from car parks at Greenburn and the western entrance. The standard ascent takes about an hour for the 3km round trip — perfect for an evening visit.
Terrain
Surfaced and gravel tracks throughout, with gentle gradients suitable for almost anyone. The summit has a small flat area with viewpoint plaques.
In winter
A reliable winter walk — clear paths and short duration. Ice can form on the upper sections in cold spells but the gradients are gentle.
This hill is in the Northern Cairngorms SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow6h 13m
- Edinburgh4h 0m
OS maps: OS Landranger 38, OS Explorer 406E
Mobile signal: Excellent signal on summit; strong on all networks. Near Aberdeen — excellent telecommunications.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:13
- Sunset
- 22:07
- Civil dawn
- 03:04
- Civil dusk
- 23:16
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Brimmond Hill on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Brimmond Hill — common questions
- How hard is Brimmond Hill?
- Brimmond Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Surfaced and gravel tracks throughout, with gentle gradients suitable for almost anyone.
- When is the best time to climb Brimmond Hill?
- The standard good-weather months for Brimmond Hill 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 Brimmond Hill?
- 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 Brimmond Hill?
- Excellent signal on summit; strong on all networks. Near Aberdeen — excellent telecommunications.
- Is Brimmond Hill safe in winter?
- A reliable winter walk — clear paths and short duration. Ice can form on the upper sections in cold spells but the gradients are gentle.
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