Marilyn · Cairngorms
Hill of Goauch
A largely forgotten 337m moorland top above Strachan in central Aberdeenshire, with the Forest of Birse stretching westward and a panorama spanning the Hill of Fare to the Mounth. The cairn marks an old county march, with two adjoining parishes meeting at the point.
Quick facts
- Height
- 337.2m/ 1106ft
- Grid ref
- NO 66307 94171
- Nearest city
- Aberdeen· 31km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
heather moorland 70% · grass slopes 20% · rocky summit 10%
A right-of-way climbs from the road near Bridge of Dye, crossing felled forestry before opening onto moor. Direct ascent of the eastern shoulder reaches the cairn in about an hour; allow 2 hours return for 5km.
Terrain
Mostly firm heather with stretches of brash and stumps where the conifers have been clearfelled. Boots help against the sharp brashings.
In winter
The proximity to the sea keeps temperatures higher than equivalent inland hills, so winter ascents are usually free of axe-and-crampon conditions. Hill of Goauch makes a sound choice on a stormy day when bigger plans are off.
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 15m
OS maps: OS Landranger 38, OS Landranger 45, OS Explorer 406W
Mobile signal: Moderate. EE intermittent; better toward Aberdeenshire valleys.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:15
- Sunset
- 22:07
- Civil dawn
- 03:07
- Civil dusk
- 23:15
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around Hill of Goauch on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Hill of Goauch — common questions
- How hard is Hill of Goauch?
- Hill of Goauch is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Mostly firm heather with stretches of brash and stumps where the conifers have been clearfelled.
- When is the best time to climb Hill of Goauch?
- The standard good-weather months for Hill of Goauch 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 Hill of Goauch?
- 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 Hill of Goauch?
- Moderate. EE intermittent; better toward Aberdeenshire valleys.
- Is Hill of Goauch safe in winter?
- The proximity to the sea keeps temperatures higher than equivalent inland hills, so winter ascents are usually free of axe-and-crampon conditions. Hill of Goauch makes a sound choice on a stormy day when bigger plans are off.
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