Marilyn · Cairngorms
Strathfinella Hill
A long, low 414m ridge dividing the Howe of the Mearns from the Cairn o Mount road, named after Finella — a tenth-century Pictish noblewoman implicated in the murder of King Kenneth II. Its position on the Highland boundary gives a striking contrast between the lowlands south and Mounth uplands north.
Quick facts
- Height
- 414m/ 1358ft
- Prominence
- 239 m
- Grid ref
- NO 69304 78728
- Nearest city
- Aberdeen· 37km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
No GPX track yet
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Standard route
heather moorland 70% · grass slopes 20% · summit area 10%
Start from the Drumtochty Glen car park and climb through mixed woodland onto open ridge, then follow the spine eastward to the summit. About 8km return in 2.5 to 3 hours, with the option of returning via a different forest track.
Terrain
A mix of mature beech and Scots pine on the approach, then close-cropped grass and heather along the ridge. Two stiles cross deer fences — both in good repair.
In winter
Position close to the east coast means snow rarely lingers. A first-frost morning brings rime ice clinging to the heather and is one of the best times to visit. Wind chill on the open ridge can be biting.
This hill is in the Northern Cairngorms SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow5h 15m
- Edinburgh3h 1m
OS maps: OS Landranger 45, OS Explorer 396
Mobile signal: Solid summit coverage; EE holds throughout. Fine views to Strathmore and Angus coast.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:05
- Sunset
- 21:28
- Civil dawn
- 04:13
- Civil dusk
- 22:20
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around Strathfinella Hill on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Strathfinella Hill — common questions
- Is Strathfinella Hill a hard climb?
- Strathfinella Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Ground conditions: A mix of mature beech and Scots pine on the approach, then close-cropped grass and heather along the ridge.
- How much drop does Strathfinella Hill have?
- The drop is 239m: measured from the summit of Strathfinella Hill down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.
- What's the best month to climb Strathfinella Hill?
- Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on Strathfinella Hill. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
- Can dogs go up Strathfinella Hill?
- Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
- Will I get phone signal on Strathfinella Hill?
- Solid summit coverage; EE holds throughout. Fine views to Strathmore and Angus coast.
- Is Strathfinella Hill safe in winter?
- Position close to the east coast means snow rarely lingers. A first-frost morning brings rime ice clinging to the heather and is one of the best times to visit. Wind chill on the open ridge can be biting.
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