When is the best time to climb Strathfinella Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Strathfinella 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 Strathfinella Hill?

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

When is the best time to climb Strathfinella Hill?

The standard good-weather months for Strathfinella 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 Strathfinella Hill?

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

By Gary Innes

Photo: Richard Webb / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph

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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
Difficulty: 1 / 5Easy
Grid ref: NO 69304 78728
Nearest city: Aberdeen· 37km
Dogs: Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗

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Standard route

heather moorland 70% · grass slopes 20% · summit area 10%

GPX needed

Elevation profile coming with the GPX track

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

Best OK Avoid

Getting there

Glasgow5h 15m
Edinburgh3h 1m

OS maps: OS Landranger 45, OS Explorer 396

Mobile signal: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine views to Strathmore and Angus coast.

Current conditions

Daylight Today

20h 04mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 04:16
Sunset: 22:05
Civil dawn: 03:09
Civil dusk: 23:13

NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026

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Around Strathfinella Hill 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

19km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

On TripSCOT

town

Base yourself in Stonehaven

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

19km from the hill

tripscot.co.uk

Strathfinella Hill — common questions

How hard is Strathfinella Hill?: Strathfinella Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: A mix of mature beech and Scots pine on the approach, then close-cropped grass and heather along the ridge.
When is the best time to climb Strathfinella Hill?: The standard good-weather months for Strathfinella 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 Strathfinella 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 Strathfinella Hill?: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. 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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