Pressendye

Just outwith the Cairngorm National Park, Pressendye is the highest point on a series of rolling hills above the straths of the River Dee and the River Don.

Pressendye

Height	619m
Prominence	254m
Meaning	copse of the fire
Lists	Fionas (F205)
Location	River Don to River Gairn, Cairngorms and North East Grampians
Grid Ref	NJ490089
Lat/Lon	57.16878, -2.84425

North-east of Ballater and just beyond the boundary of the Cairngorms National Park, Pressendye rises as the tallest of a series of broad, heather-covered hills and crests. These uplands overlook the farmland and forests of the Dee and Don valleys, and are bordered on all sides by roads, making the hill highly accessible from different directions.

A dense network of tracks and paths criss-crosses its many shoulders and spurs, providing a variety of route options. The southern approach from Tarland is perhaps the most popular, aided by the presence of a large mountain biking centre with generous parking facilities. For those seeking a quieter ascent, a northern route from the River Don follows a track all the way to the top.

At the summit, a large stone cairn and trig pillar provide both a landmark and a bit of shelter. Thanks to its isolated position, the summit commands fine views in every direction, taking in the surrounding Aberdeenshire hills and the patchwork landscape below.

Routes up Pressendye

Pressendye from the River Don
	Hillwalking route following estate tracks up heather clad slopes to Pressendye, a high point above the Rivers Dee and Don. Peaks : 1 Graham/Fiona Ascent : 500m (1640ft) Distance : 12km (7m) Time : 3:50hr