Where is Ben Rinnes?
Ben Rinnes is a mountain in Moray, (Historic Banffshire) Scotland. It is located 8km southwest of Dufftown
What height is Ben Rinnes/Is it a Munro?
The highest point is 841 metres (2759ft). It is classed as a Corbett
Is there public transport?
There is no public transport that gets to the foot of the mountain. Nearest public transport is at Dufftown or Charlestown of Aberlour.
How do I get there?
To visit Ben Rinnes you need private transport or to walk or cycle from the nearby villages.
Where do you park to access the path?
There is a car park at the foot of the main path up Ben Rinnes. It is situated at the side of the minor road that runs from the B9009 southwest from Dufftown to the A95 to the southwest of Charlestown of Aberlour.
What facilities are there at the car park?
There are no facilities other than parking at the car park.
Is there a charge for parking?
There is no charge for parking at the Ben Rinnes Car Park but there is a donation box near the gate. Funds go to supporting the Friends of Ben Rinnes.
What routes are there to the summit of Ben Rinnes?
The main and only maintained path up Ben Rinnes is from the car park. There are other Estate tracks on the hill and other unmaintained paths to the summit from other directions but these cross areas where there is Estate activity and so care needs to be taken.
What should I wear?
Stout footwear should be worn for walking Ben Rinnes as in places it can be steep, and loose material could result in slips or twists so ankles should be well supported. The temperature and weather conditions can vary greatly from the foot to the top of the hill, so it is advisable to carry extra layers of clothing to ensure you are warm enough.
Can I take my dog up Ben Rinnes?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the hill but please be responsible during the breeding seasons that your dog does not disturb wildlife such as birds (grouse and ptarmigan and mountain hares)
What do I do with my litter/dog waste
Take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints!
Please take all litter and dog waste home with you. There are no waste bins at the car park
How easy is it to walk up Ben Rinnes?
There is a good path to the top of Ben Rinnes but it is a strenuous walk so you need to be reasonably fit as it is steep in places and can be very exposed on a windy day.
What is the terrain like?
The path from the car park starts as an estate track but in places this can be uneven underfoot. Approximately halfway up it becomes the path maintained by the Friends of Ben Rinness. This section is part grit surfaced path, and the steeper sections are stone pitching (a form of stone steps)
Do I need a map and compass?
Generally, you would not need a map and compass as the path is very clearly defined however the weather can change very quickly and at times the upper section of the hill can be shrouded in mist or cloud, and it would be easy to lose the route of the path.
Do I need trekking poles?
Trekking poles would help particularly coming down from Ben Rinnes in very dry or icy conditions when there is a chance of slips or slides.
Is there access to water on the route/What should I take with me?
There is no access to water on the route up Ben Rinnes so you are advised to take sufficient fluid with you for the duration of the walk.
How far is it
The walk up/return to the top of Ben Rinnes is 7.5km (4.75 miles)
How long will it take
The time it takes to walk up and down the hill is on average 3-4 hours (Walkhighland estimate)
What will I see – on route/at the top
On a clear day the views from Ben Rinnes can be stunning taking in much of the North East of Scotland including the Moray Firth and the Cairngorm Mountains
Is there any livestock on Ben Rinnes
There are sometimes sheep on the lower slopes of Ben Rinnes but not in the vicinity of the main path.
What wildlife will I likely see
You may see Mountain hare, Ptarmigan, Grouse while on the walk and occasionally if you are lucky a Golden or White tailed Eagle.
Where is the nearest shop/café?
The nearest shops and refreshment stops are in Dufftown and Charlestown of Aberlour. It is however worth checking out the nearby Glenrinnes Hall as they occasionally do a Big Breakfast on a Sunday and coffee mornings most Wednesdays (10.30 – 12.30)
What are the conditions like in winter?
The route up Ben Rinnes can become challenging in winter with deep snow and poor visibility. If considering walking in the winter months please ensure you are well-equipped with warm clothing, plenty of food and navigation tools like a map
Are there ticks on Ben Rinnes
Yes, ticks can be found on Ben Rinnes as they are common in the grassy, moorland and woodland environments of Scotland, particularly during the warmer months of March to October.
Who owns Ben Rinnes
The majority of Ben Rinnes is owned by two main landowners. Glenrinnes and Kinermony Estates.