Bennachie
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[[Category:Mountains and hills of Aberdeenshire]]
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Bennachie is the most northeasterly mountain in Aberdeenshire. It has several summits, the highest of which, Oxen Craig, has a height of 528 m (1733 feet). The most prominent peak, Mither Tap (518 m, 1699 feet) provides good views of the county to the north and east. Mither Tap has an Iron Age fort on its summit. Unlike with many other hilltop forts in the area, there are no signs of vitrification in the stone. It is traditionally claimed that Bennachie is Mons Graupius and that the Battle of Mons Graupius took place nearby. However no definite evidence exists to support this claim.
Some people also believe that the peak had religious significance to the bronze age people who inhabited this area. This is supported by the large number of standing stones in the surrounding area. The significance is believed to be connected to the profile of the hill, which is shaped like a female breast.
The mountain is a popular destination for walkers since it is relatively close to Aberdeen. The whole Bennachie range is owned by the Forestry Commission, who maintain a car park and visitor centre at the northern foot of the mountain. There are several marked paths, including fairly easy ascents of Oxen Craig and Mither Tap, that start from the centre.
External link
- Computer-generated virtual panoramas Oxen Craig Index
References
- A.W.M.Whiteley, (Ed.) (1976). The Book of Bennachie. The Bailies of Bennachie. ISBN 0-900323-21-3. Mostly anecdotes and verse about the mountain and its surroundings.de:Bennachie