Pannanich Hill
| Pannanich Hill | |
| Aberdeenshire | |
|---|---|
 The Dee, looking toward Pannanich Hill | |
| Summit: | 1,972 feet NO392943 57°2’9"N, 3°0’7"W |
Pannanich Hill stands to the east of Ballater in Aberdeenshire, climbing swiftly to 1,972 feet at its summit. Pannanich marks the end of a long ridge of hills stretching north from Mount Keen, the easternmost of all the Munros.
The lower slopes of the hill facing Ballater are swathed in woodland, known as the Pannanich Woods.
The River Dee curls around the hill, flowing between its forested slopes and Ballater, and curving in an embrace around the Pananich's northern slopes.
Pananich Woods
The climb through Pannanich Woods is a popular walk up from the town, taking the walker through the wood and up to a viewpoint, a crag overlooking the Deed valley known as Craig Coillich (1,302 feet). It is a steep hike, and rocky in places, but with a rewarding view at the end of it. The more adventurous may strike uphill further to the peak, or there is a long, winding woodland descent back to Ballater.
The woods are in the care of the Forestry Commission. They are home to capercaille and red squirrels.
On the lower slopes of the wood are Pannanich Wells, which are noted chalybeate springs, iron-bearing waters with reputed healthy properties. A hotel has been built at the wells asa spa resort. Such springs are found elsewhere in the county only by the coast, at Peterhead and Fraserburgh.
Craigs of Pannanich
The Craigs of Pannanich are terraces of rough crags, but all within the wood, midway between Craig Coillich and Pannanich Wells. They look out over the River Dee, which is just a couple of hundred yards to the north of the crags.