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
- Grid ref
- NJ 96356 57236
- Nearest city
- Aberdeen· 51km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
No GPX track yet
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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: Good signal on summit; EE reliable. Fine Buchan coastal views.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:08
- Sunset
- 22:10
- Civil dawn
- 02:56
- Civil dusk
- 23:22
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Waughton Hill — common questions
- How hard is Waughton Hill?
- Waughton Hill is rated 1/5 (easy) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Farm tracks and short grass dominate.
- When is the best time to 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?
- 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 Waughton Hill?
- Good signal on summit; EE reliable. 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.
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