The walk Ben Gulabin

Distance: 3 miles (5km)

Time: 2.5 hours

Terrain: track and path

Ben Gulabin is the steep-sided hill which sits above Spittal of Glenshee, nestling in the V formed where Gleann Beag joins Glen Shee itself. Utilising a good hill track that swings round to the north to avoid the steeper hillsides, it is an easily accessed and quickly ascended hill, useful for a break in the weather or when time is limited.

Start from a small parking area on the west side of the road about a mile to the north of Spittal of Glenshee. There is space for six or so carefully-parked cars beside a gate at the start of a track, with room to keep access to the track free. There is another small parking area a short distance back down the road with a grassy path leading to the start of the track.

Go through the gate and ascend the track northwards across the hillside with splendid views up Gleann Beag to The Cairnwell, Glas Maol and Creag Leacach, all Munros.

Further up, where the track swings round towards the col at the back of the hill, a burn has to be forded, or jumped. Beyond a burn that descends the hillside on the left and just below the high point of the track, break off left and climb a steep all-terrain vehicle track straight up the hillside on to the flatter ground between the south-east top and the main top. Swing right here and follow a small path through the heather to the summit of Ben Gulabin.

Its cairn sits atop a small outcrop of rock (806m; 2644ft). It is a summit that can be reached in just under the hour, although most will be content to take a steadier pace. It is worth walking around the flat summit area to take in the fine views. To the north-west Glas Tulaichean, with its fine eastern corrie, is clear to see and further north Ben Macdui looms in the main Cairngorm massif.

Although it is possible to contrive an alternative return to the road, the slopes are steep and it is easier to return the same way and enjoy the surroundings.