Marilyn · Cairngorms
Waughton Hill
Waughton Hill rises to 234m in Buchan, the rolling lowland of northeast Aberdeenshire near Strichen. Topped by a folly and trig point, it offers a wide outlook to Mormond Hill and the Buchan coast — a real local hill in farming country.
Quick facts
- Height
- 234m/ 768ft
- Prominence
- 181 m
- Grid ref
- NJ 96356 57236
- Nearest city
- Aberdeen· 51km
- 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
Walked this route? Share your track to help other walkers.
Standard route
grass moorland 70% · heather patches 20% · summit area 10%
A track from the minor road near Mormond climbs steadily through fields and rough pasture to the summit folly. Around 3-4km return in well under two hours, with light gradients throughout.
Terrain
Farm tracks and short grass dominate. A short pull through bracken or rough pasture leads to the cairn. Stiles and gates need negotiating — note livestock fields.
In winter
Open coastal-style winter conditions — wet rather than snowy, with the wind off the North Sea the main concern. Tracks remain passable in most weather.
This hill is in the Northern Cairngorms SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow7h 14m
- Edinburgh5h 11m
OS maps: OS Landranger 30, OS Explorer 427N
Mobile signal: Coverage is solid; EE holds throughout. Fine Buchan coastal views.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:59
- Sunset
- 21:30
- Civil dawn
- 04:06
- Civil dusk
- 22:24
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Waughton Hill — common questions
- How hard is Waughton Hill?
- We grade Waughton Hill at 1/5, which puts it in easy territory. Terrain: Farm tracks and short grass dominate.
- How prominent is Waughton Hill?
- Waughton Hill has 181m of topographic prominence — the height of its summit above the highest col connecting it to higher ground. Marilyns are defined by that measure: at least 150m of drop on all sides.
- When should I climb Waughton Hill?
- The standard good-weather months for Waughton 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 Waughton Hill?
- On a lead only — the route crosses ground with livestock or nesting-bird interest.
- What's mobile reception like on Waughton Hill?
- Coverage is solid; EE holds throughout. Fine Buchan coastal views.
- Is Waughton Hill safe in winter?
- Open coastal-style winter conditions — wet rather than snowy, with the wind off the North Sea the main concern. Tracks remain passable in most weather.
Get the OutdoorSCOT weekly
One email a week — new route, hill and bothy guides, seasonal conditions and the odd hard-won lesson. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.