The hill Bennachie at sunset, shot from the Prop of Ythsie, near Tarves, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Aberdeenshire Scotland. The distinctive shape of Bennachie is a landmark that’s meant ‘home’ for thousands of years. People have lived in a fort carved into the hill top and in radical farming settlements on its slopes. They’ve quarried its stone to build houses and spun yarns about devils and giants who built its tracks or threw its giant boulders in fits of anger. Bennachie Centre is the perfect place to start exploring this much-loved hill and the forests that surround it. Trails vary from a gentle route though the woodland to demanding treks in open country and in the visitor centre you can find out all about Bennachie’s history and wildlife. The centre is one of four sites around Bennachie each with their own distinctive character and different trails to try. Our guide map of Bennachie shows them all with details of the trails you can follow. scotland.forestry.gov.uk/visit/bennachie-centre
The Prop of Ythsie (pronounced “Icy”) is a striking local landmark which stands on the Hill of Ysthie just east of the village of Tarves. The stone tower is visible from many points in the surrounding area of Formartine, including from parts of the Estate. It was built by the tenantry of Haddo in memory of the 4th Earl of Aberdeen, paying tribute to the extensive improvement works he carried out on the Estate for the local residents. It is still in family ownership, though it is maintained by Aberdeenshire Council for the benefit of its numerous visitors. In years gone by a flag was flown from the top of the Ythsie Tower to herald the beginning of the curling season at the Haddo House Curling Club. haddoestate.com/history/heritage/prop-of-ythsie/
The hill Bennachie at sunset, shot from the Prop of Ythsie, near Tarves, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Aberdeenshire Scotland. The distinctive shape of Bennachie is a landmark that’s meant ‘home’ for thousands of years. People have lived in a fort carved into the hill top and in radical farming settlements on its slopes. They’ve quarried its stone to build houses and spun yarns about devils and giants who built its tracks or threw its giant boulders in fits of anger. Bennachie Centre is the perfect place to start exploring this much-loved hill and the forests that surround it. Trails vary from a gentle route though the woodland to demanding treks in open country and in the visitor centre you can find out all about Bennachie’s history and wildlife. The centre is one of four sites around Bennachie each with their own distinctive character and different trails to try. Our guide map of Bennachie shows them all with details of the trails you can follow. scotland.forestry.gov.uk/visit/bennachie-centre
The Prop of Ythsie (pronounced “Icy”) is a striking local landmark which stands on the Hill of Ysthie just east of the village of Tarves. The stone tower is visible from many points in the surrounding area of Formartine, including from parts of the Estate. It was built by the tenantry of Haddo in memory of the 4th Earl of Aberdeen, paying tribute to the extensive improvement works he carried out on the Estate for the local residents. It is still in family ownership, though it is maintained by Aberdeenshire Council for the benefit of its numerous visitors. In years gone by a flag was flown from the top of the Ythsie Tower to herald the beginning of the curling season at the Haddo House Curling Club. haddoestate.com/history/heritage/prop-of-ythsie/