Its broad ridges offer fine walking on high moorland and granite
reminiscent of its nearby relatives, the Cairngorms. From the
granite tors of its summit the views in all directions are superb,
ranging far over the Moray Firth and the hills of Sutherland and
Caithness to the North and Lochnagar and the Cairngorms to the
South and West.
Such rewards for the walker attract an ever increasing number of
visitors to the hill each year so that erosion of the footpaths has
now become a major problem. Worst affected is the most popular
route to the summit leaving from the Beatshach (the high point of
the Edinvillie to Glenrinnes road) over the north eastern ridge to
the summit. The result is scarring on the summit cone which is
unsightly, unpleasant underfoot and damaging to the mountain
environment.
The Friends of Ben Rinnes is a registered charity which has
worked since 1996 to care for the paths and environment of Ben
Rinnes and to promote responsible enjoyment of the hill by walkers.
Its members are all volunteers who share these aims and who wish to
support them. The group works in partnership with Scottish Natural
Heritage and has developed excellent working relationships with
professional path contractors and corporate sponsors. Working
together has resulted in substantial improvements to the lower and
middle sections of the Beatshach path. A further programme of path
reconstruction in the more difficult summit section of the path was
started in 2004 and has now been completed.
If you are interested in the work of the Friends, please contact
them for further information or visit their website at
www.friendsofbenrinnes.org.uk
You will be made most welcome at the various social meetings
throughout the year and are also welcome to participate in the
various work groups on the hill during the summer months if you
wish.
 Steep Hike
 Scenic View
 Beware of
Muggles! |
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