What’s On at Bennachie
Bennachie is host to many fun events throughout the year, from hill races to family holiday fun, there’s always something going on!
If you would like to book the centre for your own event get in touch.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for up to date information on events. You can download our events privacy notice here.
Wildlife Tracks and Signs: An Introduction
This beginner course will introduce you to the ancient art of wildlife tracking. Tracking involves a range of skills. This course will teach you to follow clues, work out what the animal was doing and when, and maybe even find the animal itself.
Tracking is a great way for nature enthusiasts and early conservationists to hone their ability to observe details around them and to build their knowledge of wildlife, specifically their movement and feeding ecology.
What will be covered during this course?
Introduction to mammal and bird foot morphology, how that relates to the tracks we find in the field and helps us identify the trackmaker.
Introduction to commonly found wildlife signs, how to identify these and what they tell us about the animals that left them.
An overview of some of the key techniques for identifying and interpreting tracks and signs including master listing.
This course is eligible for a student discount. If you are a current student, please use discount code BioStudent20 at checkout for 20% off.
Please refer to our website for further information, prices, and to book.
Find Your Voice - A Spring Creative Writing Session
Find your voice this spring through creative writing with Ian Grosz.
We’ll spend some time outside observing nature and the environment, and then we’ll focus on finding our own unique voice through some simple creative writing exercises.
No prior experience required. All you need is a pen, notebook and an interest in creative writing. Suitable for age 16+ and all levels of mobility
COST: Thanks to funding from the Scottish Book Trust the cost is just £5 per person which includes tea and coffee. Payable in advance preferred to save time on the day.
Our Privacy Notice can be viewed www.bennachievisitorcentre.org.uk/whats-on
BOOKING: is essential as places are limited.
email: bennachie.warden@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
MEET: in the Community Room at the Bennachie Visitor Centre
Needle Felt Workshop
Join local artist and tutor Zoe Robson from Fleece4Ewe to learn the art of needle felting.
Create your own card and picture inspired by nature and the local environment.
COST: £35 (payable in advance & non-refundable) which includes all tuition and materials
Our Privacy Notice can be viewed at www.bennachievisitorcentre.org.uk/whats-on
Booking essential as places are limited email: bennachie.warden@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Hillgoers - Hill Skills Workshop
Designed to build your confidence and keep you safe in the hills, these workshops are ideal for beginners or for those needing to refresh and keep updated with the latest techniques. The course starts either inside the Bennachie Centre Classroom or in the carpark area for 1.5hr, after which you will be walking on trails, and possibly up the hill too, for the remainder of the day.
Course Content:
Know the code
Understanding maps
An intro to the compass
Navigation Strategies
Use of mobile phone apps, trackers and GPS
Before you go procedures (weather, who to tell, planning your day, etc)
What to take on the hill
Emergency on the hill
Book your place and full details here
Lichens of Birch and Pine Woodlands
This beginner-intermediate course will focus on lichens as they are found in birch and pine woodland.
You will be introduced to some of the characteristic lichen species and their identification characteristics as can be seen with a hand lens in the field, as well as investigate the range of substrata present in these habitats and the specific lichen communities these attract, and aspects of their ecology.
This course will cover:
Characteristic lichen species of birch and pine woodland
Identification of lichens
Lichen substrata and the lichen communities they attract
The contribution of lichens to the ecology of birch and pine woodland
For more details and to book click here.
Hillgoers - Hill Skills Workshop
Designed to build your confidence and keep you safe in the hills, these workshops are ideal for beginners or for those needing to refresh and keep updated with the latest techniques. The course starts either inside the Bennachie Centre Classroom or in the carpark area for 1.5hr, after which you will be walking on trails, and possibly up the hill too, for the remainder of the day.
Course Content:
Know the code
Understanding maps
An intro to the compass
Navigation Strategies
Use of mobile phone apps, trackers and GPS
Before you go procedures (weather, who to tell, planning your day, etc)
What to take on the hill
Emergency on the hill
Book your place and full details here
Bird Songs and Calls
Explore the fascinating world of bird songs and calls in this beginner-intermediate course. Learn to identify and interpret the sounds of the birds around you!
This course will cover:
Identifying a range of birds by their songs and other calls
Visual identification using field signs, behaviour, and habitat
Learning to distinguish between alarms, contact calls, territorial calls and other vocalisations
Learning a variety of techniques for memorising bird calls
Applying bird call recognition for surveys and bird conservation
Learning how interpreting bird calls can enable us to see more wildlife
For more information and to book click here.
Bryophytes: An Introduction
This beginner bryophytes course is a great place to start for those taking their first steps into the world of mosses, liverworts, and hornworts.
During this course, you will gain a better understanding of this diverse group, all under the guidance of an engaging and knowledgeable expert in the field. You will learn about their biology and ecology, with the chance to see different types of mosses and liverworts, collect specimens and learn basic field identification tips. With over half of all European moss, liverwort, and hornwort species present in the UK, there is so much to explore!
What will be covered during this course?
An introduction to bryophyte biology
An introduction to bryophyte ecology
An overview of the species diversity within the UK
This course is eligible for a student discount. If you are a current student, please use discount code BioStudent20 at checkout for 20% off.
Please refer to our website for further information and to book.
Hillgoers - Hill Skills Workshop
Designed to build your confidence and keep you safe in the hills, these workshops are ideal for beginners or for those needing to refresh and keep updated with the latest techniques. The course starts either inside the Bennachie Centre Classroom or in the carpark area for 1.5hr, after which you will be walking on trails, and possibly up the hill too, for the remainder of the day.
Course Content:
Know the code
Understanding maps
An intro to the compass
Navigation Strategies
Use of mobile phone apps, trackers and GPS
Before you go procedures (weather, who to tell, planning your day, etc)
What to take on the hill
Emergency on the hill
Book your place and full details here
Pond Life Painting
Join local artists and tutor Jane Milloy for this family art class.
Explore the life of a pond through art and fun games.
Be a hunting creature living deep in the water or discover how to escape from a predator. Learn how to paint wildlife like frogs and dragonflies.
Suitable for accompanied children aged 5 - 8 years old.
COST: £10 per child (payable in advance & non-refundable) which includes all tuition and materials
Our Privacy Notice can be viewed at here.
Booking essential as places are limited Tel: 01467 681470, email: bennachie.warden@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
MEET: Community Room, Bennachie Visitor Centre
Craft Fayre
Everyone is welcome at our autumn/early Christmas Craft Fayre! Supporting our local artists and the Bennachie Centre Trust (SCIO).
From jewellery to books, pottery to paintings...there'll be lots of fabulous Christmas gifts and beautiful items for yourself and your home.
We'll be joined by....
Lorna Purvis Jewellery
Local author Fairley Taylor
Colourworx Art
Glass and more by Judith Glennie
Leather goods from Bennacairn
The Sheep Shed Pottery
Richard Salway Photographic
Natalie Naylor Ceramics
Textiles from Tickled Collie
Jane Milloy Wildlife Art
Entry is free. Refreshments available
Autumn Words - Family
Join local writer Ian Grosz at the Bennachie Visitor Centre for a fun and interactive creative writing session.
We’ll be engaging our senses and bringing our imaginations to life with some fun writing exercises, culminating in a group poem.
Suitable for 8-11 Year Olds accompanied by one parent or guardian. No prior experience required. Pens and paper will be provided. All you need is suitable clothing and some imagination!
Please note: if the weather isn’t suitable we’ll work inside.
COST: Thanks to funding from the Scottish Book Trust the cost is just £5 per child
Payable in advance preferred to save time on the day.
Our Privacy Notice can be viewed on our website
BOOKING: is essential as places are limited. Tel: 01467 681470, email: bennachie.warden@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
MEET: in the Community Room at the Bennachie Visitor Centre
Bennachie Ultra Marathon
Entries open from 1st April, 2023
The Bennachie Ultra Marathon is run in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of Scotish Hill Runners. Photo Id will be required on collection of race number.
Closing date for entries : 1st September, 2023
Race Time: 8.00am, Saturday 14th October 2023
Registration from 6.30am, at the Bennachie Visitors Centre.
If you require any further information do not hesitate to contact the organisers
Call, Push, Rescue
Sign up for FREE CPR training and make sure that you know how to step in and save a life.
Join us in the Community Room for this beginners session on Call Push Rescue and how to use a defibrillator. We'll watch the British Heart Foundation video then practise our skills on CPR manikins.
BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL - deadline is 28th August.
NB: CPR will take place on the floor so please be prepared for this. Loose comfortable clothing advised.
Contact the Bennachie Visitor Centre on 01467 681470 or email bennachie.warden@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Privacy notice can be viewed here.
Straw Working Workshop
Join local artisan Elaine Lindsay from “Something Corny” for this straw working workshop.
Discover this ancient craft, and using a variety of techniques make at least two items to take home.
COST: £25 per person (payable in advance & non-refundable) which includes all tuition, materials, tea and coffee. Please bring your lunch.
Our privacy notice can be viewed here.
BOOKING: is essential as places are limited. Tel: 01467 681470, email: bennachie.warden@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
MEET: in the Community Room at the Bennachie Visitor Centre
Autumn Words - Adults
Join local writer Ian Grosz to try creative writing in a relaxed and informal setting.
We’ll be engaging our senses in the outdoors and bringing our experience to life with some fun writing exercises.
No prior experience required. All you need is suitable clothing, a pen, and a notebook or some paper.
COST: Thanks to funding from the Scottish Book Trust the cost is just £5 per person which includes all tuition and tea and coffee. Payable in advance preferred to save time on the day.
BOOKING: is essential as places are limited. Tel: 01467 681470,
email: bennachie.warden@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
MEET: in the Community Room at the Bennachie Visitor Centre
Our Privacy Notice can be viewed here.
Doors Open Days 2023
Aberdeenshire DoorsOpenDays2023
Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th September
find out more online at www.doorsopendays.org.uk\aberdeenshire
NEOS 2023
We're delighted to have six fabulous artists with us this year.
Colourworx Art by Cally Smith
Richard Salway Photographic
Natalie Naylor Ceramics
Tickled Collie Textiles
Judith Glennie Glass
Phoebe Sleath Painting
Visit the NEOS website for full details https://www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk/
Guided Walk Exploring Bennachie - Aircraft Crashes Memorial Cairn
An anniversary walk to the memorial cairn close to Oxen Craig to commemorate the 3 RAF aircrew who died in 2 aircraft crashes on Bennachie.
Call, Push, Rescue
Sign up for FREE CPR training and make sure that you know how to step in and save a life.
Join us in the Community Room for this beginners session on Call Push Rescue and how to use a defibrillator. We'll watch the British Heart Foundation video then practise our skills on CPR manikins.
BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL - deadline is 28th August.
NB: CPR will take place on the floor so please be prepared for this. Loose comfortable clothing advised.
Contact the Bennachie Visitor Centre on 01467 681470 or email bennachie.warden@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Privacy notice can be viewed here.
Painting Bennachie Through the Seasons
Join local artist, Jane Milloy for these adult art classes.
Over the two sessions we’ll create a landscape painting along with a selection of smaller pieces to take home.
COST: £20 per person for one session or £30 for both (payable in advance & non-refundable) which includes all tuition, materials, tea and coffee
BOOKING: is essential as places are limited. Tel: 01467 681470, email: bennachie.warden@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Our privacy notice can be viewed at www.bennachievisitorcentre.org.uk/whats-on
MEET: in the Community Room at the Bennachie Visitor Centre
Painting Bennachie Through the Seasons
Join local artist, Jane Milloy for these adult art classes.
Over the two sessions we’ll create a landscape painting along with a selection of smaller pieces to take home.
COST: £20 per person for one session or £30 for both (payable in advance & non-refundable) which includes all tuition, materials, tea and coffee
BOOKING: is essential as places are limited. Tel: 01467 681470, email: bennachie.warden@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Our privacy notice can be viewed at www.bennachievisitorcentre.org.uk/whats-on
MEET: in the Community Room at the Bennachie Visitor Centre
Woodland Wednesdays at Bennachie
Come along to the Bennachie Visitor Centre, join the Garioch Ranger and have some fun doing various activities such as pond dipping and minibeast hunting.
All equipment will be supplied by the Ranger.
Please wear suitable outdoor clothing.
Please bring along wellies for the pond dipping activity.
All children to be accompanied by an adult.
Meet at The Bennachie Visitor Centre, AB51 5HY.
Hillgoers - Hill Skills Workshop
Designed to build your confidence and keep you safe in the hills, these workshops are ideal for beginners or for those needing to refresh and keep updated with the latest techniques. The course starts either inside the Bennachie Centre Classroom or in the carpark area for 1.5hr, after which you will be walking on trails, and possibly up the hill too, for the remainder of the day.
Course Content:
Know the code
Understanding maps
An intro to the compass
Navigation Strategies
Use of mobile phone apps, trackers and GPS
Before you go procedures (weather, who to tell, planning your day, etc)
What to take on the hill
Emergency on the hill
Meet Time, Location & Estimated Walk Duration
The course starts at 10am at the Bennachie Visitor Centre, finished approximately 5pm. Some of your fee will be donated to support the Bennachie Centre Trust.
You could be walking around 10-12 km with some up-hill sections.
There is a charge to park of approx £3 per day.
This course is limited to 8 places.
Joining Details & Kit
Joining details, participation forms and kit lists will be sent out the week before the course.
Full details here
Woodland Wednesdays at Bennachie
Come along to the Bennachie Visitor Centre, join the Garioch Ranger and have some fun doing various activities such as pond dipping and minibeast hunting.
All equipment will be supplied by the Ranger.
Please wear suitable outdoor clothing.
Please bring along wellies for the pond dipping activity.
All children to be accompanied by an adult.
Meet at The Bennachie Visitor Centre, AB51 5HY.
Create a colourful, mini comic about local wildlife!
Join Our Colour Story Creations Summer Workshop at the Bonnie Bennachie Visitor Centre
We will be exploring the nature surrounding Bennachie and the forest trails.
Taking inspiration from the wildlife, sounds and colours.
We will guide your child to use their imagination to create colourful characters , heroes or mini-beasts and make a magical mini comic based on the local wildlife!
£7.00 per child and adults are free.
Materials are included.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Meet: in the Community Room at The Bennachie Visitor Centre, AB51 5HY
The centre has a small cafe serving drinks and snacks.
* Paid parking is available on site
email: colourstorycreations@gmail.com
Booking is essential as places are limited
* The Colour Story Art Club is running workshops in various locations throughout Aberdeenshire and the city. Please follow us to keep updated on future arts & crafts activities! *
Wildfire
We will be joined by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, staff from the Aberdeenshire Council Access Team and Ranger Service & Forestry and Land Scotland.
Discover how you can help prevent wildfires.
Advice on responsible countryside access - dog walking, wild camping, wild swimming, horse riding
Learn more about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and what it means for you
Drop in anytime during the day - staff will be on hand to help with your enquiries. Free admission.
Guided Walk exploring Bennachie, Who were the Colonists?
The image of the Kailyard, and the walk will find out about the lives of the people who lived and worked on the land on Bennachie in the 1800s.
Meet at the visitor centre 2pm.
Hillgoers - Hill Skills Workshop
Book your place here.
Designed to build your confidence and keep you safe in the hills, these workshops are ideal for beginners or for those needing to refresh and keep updated with the latest techniques. The course starts either inside the Bennachie Centre Classroom or in the carpark area for 1.5hr, after which you will be walking on trails, and possibly up the hill too, for the remainder of the day.
Course Content:
Know the code
Understanding maps
An intro to the compass
Navigation Strategies
Use of mobile phone apps, trackers and GPS
Before you go procedures (weather, who to tell, planning your day, etc)
What to take on the hill
Emergency on the hill
Meet Time, Location & Estimated Walk Duration
The course starts at 10am at the Bennachie Visitor Centre, finished approximately 5pm. Some of your fee will be donated to support the Bennachie Centre Trust.
You could be walking around 10-12 km with some up-hill sections.
There is a charge to park of approx £3 per day.
This course is limited to 8 places.
Joining Details & Kit
Joining details, participation forms and kit lists will be sent out the week before the course.
Full details here
Guided Walk - Mither Tap/Craigshannoch
Please come along and join the Garioch Ranger on a walk up Mither Tap then across to Craigshannoch, looking at some interesting features along the way.
Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear and feel free to bring along a snack and a drink.
This walk has some gradual climbing on route and will be on well maintained paths.
The walk is approximately 3 miles in length.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Meet at the Rowantree Carpark, AB51 5HZ
Book your place here.