Marilyn · Cairngorms
The Bochel
A modest 491m grouse moor in the upper Braes of Glenlivet, set among the meandering Conglass and Crombie burns. The Bochel is a true country walker's hill — quiet, lightly visited and steeped in the heather-and-whisky atmosphere of this hidden corner of Speyside.
Quick facts
- Height
- 491.2m/ 1612ft
- Grid ref
- NJ 23251 23248
- Nearest city
- Inverness· 61km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
heather moorland 65% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 10%
From the road near Chapeltown of Glenlivet, take the estate track south then strike west onto the rounded summit dome. About 5km return with under 250m of ascent — a relaxed two hours, perfect for an afternoon outing.
Terrain
Estate tracks for most of the way then a short heather climb to the summit. The ground is dry by Speyside standards — well-managed grouse moor with firm peat.
In winter
Snow blankets the moor regularly from December but the ground is gentle enough to walk in light cover. Stalking ends in late October so winter is the prime season here.
This hill is in the Northern Cairngorms SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 29m
- Edinburgh3h 29m
OS maps: OS Landranger 36, OS Explorer 062W, OS Explorer 420W
Mobile signal: Moderate. EE works well at Chapeltown; the summit gives a fair signal but coverage is patchy on the western descent.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:16
- Sunset
- 22:12
- Civil dawn
- 03:06
- Civil dusk
- 23:22
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Around The Bochel on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Aviemore station
Cairngorm plateau; Lairig Ghru; Speyside Way; Glenmore
35km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Dufftown
Speyside whisky town in the eastern Cairngorms
19km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: The Glenlivet
Ballindalloch — the first legal distillery under the 1823 Excise Act
5km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
The Bochel — common questions
- How hard is The Bochel?
- The Bochel is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Estate tracks for most of the way then a short heather climb to the summit.
- When is the best time to climb The Bochel?
- The standard good-weather months for The Bochel 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 The Bochel?
- 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 The Bochel?
- Moderate. EE works well at Chapeltown; the summit gives a fair signal but coverage is patchy on the western descent.
- Is The Bochel safe in winter?
- Snow blankets the moor regularly from December but the ground is gentle enough to walk in light cover. Stalking ends in late October so winter is the prime season here.
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