Kerloch is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Forest road as far as the treeline, then heather and patches of squelchy peat moss to the top.

When is the best time to climb Kerloch?

The standard good-weather months for Kerloch 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 Kerloch?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

Kerloch is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Forest road as far as the treeline, then heather and patches of squelchy peat moss to the top.

When is the best time to climb Kerloch?

The standard good-weather months for Kerloch 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 Kerloch?

Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.

By Gary Innes

Photo: Bill Harrison / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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Marilyn · Cairngorms

Kerloch

Kerloch is a substantial 534m forested whaleback rising directly south of Banchory on Royal Deeside. The conifer-clad lower slopes give way to a heather-and-bog summit area, with the trig perched on the highest of several humps and a view extending to the Mounth hills.

Quick facts

Height: 534m/ 1752ft
Difficulty: 2 / 5Moderate
Grid ref: NO 69653 87879
Nearest city: Aberdeen· 31km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

heather moorland 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%

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Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

The standard line follows forest roads from the Glen Dye car park, climbing steadily through Sitka plantation before a final pathless 1km of heather to the trig point. About 11km return, allow 3 to 4 hours.

Terrain

Forest road as far as the treeline, then heather and patches of squelchy peat moss to the top. Watch for forest harvesting closures and follow Forestry and Land Scotland diversion signs.

In winter

Forest roads usually stay walkable in snow and offer a sheltered low-level option when the higher Mounth hills are out of condition. The exposed summit dome can ice up after thaw-and-refreeze.

This hill is in the Northern Cairngorms SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).

Best time of year

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow5h 22m
Edinburgh3h 12m

OS maps: OS Landranger 45, OS Explorer 396

Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine Angus and Deeside views.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

20h 07mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:15
Sunset: 22:06
Civil dawn: 03:07
Civil dusk: 23:14

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Around Kerloch on the SCOT network

Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.

On TripSCOT

station

Getting there: Stonehaven station

Dunnottar Castle; Aberdeenshire coast; Mearns walking country

18km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Stonehaven

East coast town near Aberdeen — Dunnottar Castle, Glen Esk access

18km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Kerloch — common questions

How hard is Kerloch?: Kerloch is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Forest road as far as the treeline, then heather and patches of squelchy peat moss to the top.
When is the best time to climb Kerloch?: The standard good-weather months for Kerloch 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 Kerloch?: 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 Kerloch?: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine Angus and Deeside views.
Is Kerloch safe in winter?: Forest roads usually stay walkable in snow and offer a sheltered low-level option when the higher Mounth hills are out of condition. The exposed summit dome can ice up after thaw-and-refreeze.

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