Mither Tap o'Bennachie

The fort surrounds the bare granite rock outcrop of the most easterly of the Bennachie summits. Natural rock debris and tumbled walls intermingle in places making interpretations difficult, and this is not helped by hollows resulting from recent disturbance.

The main defence, formed by a well-built stone wall running from N to SE about 30 m below the summit of the outcrop, is clearly marked.

In places, the wall-faces and traces of a parapet-walk can be seen (please do not attempt to climb the walls).

There is a clear entrance, flanked by an outer protective work, now very ruinous. An inner wall is now difficult to detect about half way up the scree round the tor, as are internal structures, though 10 hut formations have been recorded in the past.

This site is undated, but seems to have more in common with Dark Age than with earlier fortifications.

Directions

• Grid ref: NJ 682 224 Ordnance Survey Landranger series sheet no. 38

6 miles W of Inverurie. Probably the easiest approach to the Mither Tap is by the footpath which is signposted from the Rowantree car park at the NE of the Bennachie massif. The car park is signposted on the minor road which leads from the A96 at Drimmies, passes through Chapel of Garioch, to rejoin the major road near Mill of Carden.