Hidden Scotland
Sign in

Lochnagar - Cac Carn Beag

A Munro of 1,155 metres above Royal Deeside, its summit Cac Carn Beag, climbed from the Spittal of Glen Muick near Ballater.

Welcome

Lochnagar rises to 1,155 metres in Aberdeenshire, inside the Cairngorms National Park, and its highest top is Cac Carn Beag.

Cliffs ring its corrie above a dark loch. The Balmoral Estate, whose rangers manage public access to Glen Muick and the Lochnagar area, calls it one of Scotland's most popular mountains.

Walkers set out from the Spittal of Glen Muick, some ten miles from Ballater, with no public transport to it, the estate says. Its rangers keep a visitor centre there all year, with the day's weather forecast on display and the avalanche forecast in winter. They look after about 100 kilometres of upland paths, the main Lochnagar path among them. Whenever snow lies on the hills, cornices build out over the corrie edge, and the avalanche service has recorded them collapsing here. Choose a day with a good forecast, and carry a map, a compass and warm clothes.

The Daily

Arrives at 5am every day.

A free morning email to see what’s on this week, catch up on what’s happening in Scotland and find somewhere new to go.

The Daily for 1 November, from Scotland with love. A misty lane runs past slate-roofed cottages toward a wooded hillside.
A little further outThe Strong Water Co16 min by roadSee itThe Strong Water Co

Been here? Tell others what you know, and the best go on this page with your name.

Add your review
Close by
  1. Braemar CastleBraemar Castle4 miles 6 min by road
  2. Saltire flag flies above the Fife Arms Hotel's stepped gablesBraemar4 miles 6 min by road
  3. The Bothy's wood-lined café room in Braemar, a dog at the big windows over the river.The Bothy Braemar4 miles 7 min by road
  4. The white front of Farquharson's in the middle of Braemar.Farquharson's Bar and KitchenBraemar's village pub, in an old grocer's shop, with a beer garden over the Clunie Water.4 miles 6 min by road
  5. The Flying Stag, AberdeenshireThe Flying Stag4 miles 7 min by road
  6. Bertie's Whisky Bar, red velvet chairs among walls of bottles in lamplight.Bertie's Whisky Bar4 miles 7 min by road
Directions
Gordon's glass counter of cakes under its chalkboard sign in Braemar.CafeThe Gordon’s Tearoom Braemar4.5 miles
A path through the heather towards the wooded slopes of Creag Choinnich above Braemar.WalksCreag Choinnich4.6 miles
The Duke of Rothesay Highland Games Pavilion at Braemar, green timber under red roofs and a white clock tower.AttractionsBraemar Highland Games Centre4.7 miles
Stone church with spire and rose window at end of tree-lined driveAttractionsCrathie Kirk4.8 miles
John Brown’s Grave, BallaterAttractionsJohn Brown’s Grave4.9 miles
Shelves of fresh rolls, butteries and bakes at the Highlanders Bakehouse under a chalkboard.CafeThe Highlanders Bakehouse4.9 miles
A landscape view of Faunoran House from the garden, the terrace and its white table, the house reflected in the long pond.CrathieFaunoran HouseSleeps 10 · 5.1 miles
AttractionsCarn an Tuirc5.5 miles
Casks stencilled Royal Lochnagar Distillery stacked in the warehouse.AttractionsRoyal Lochnagar Distillery5.7 miles

Recommend to a friend

Stay nearby

Places to stay near Lochnagar - Cac Carn Beag, and when each is next free.

A landscape view of Faunoran House from the garden, the terrace and its white table, the house reflected in the long pond.Faunoran House
  • Sleeps 10
  • In Crathie
  • 6 miles from Lochnagar - Cac Carn Beag
Free 1–3 NovA grand stone house with multiple gables and chimneys stands on a lawn at dusk, a Land Rover parked in the drive under a stormy sky.Gairnshiel Lodge
  • Sleeps 16
  • In Glengairn
  • 10 miles from Lochnagar - Cac Carn Beag
Free 1–3 NovA wooden table and chairs with green cushions stand on a stone patio beside a gabled stone house, a lawn stretching in front.Laggan Cottage
  • Sleeps 8
  • In Ballater
  • 10 miles from Lochnagar - Cac Carn Beag
Free 1–3 NovTwo grey linen sofas face each other across a dark wooden coffee table, checked roman blinds at the windows and a framed landscape print on the wall.Old School Cottage
  • Sleeps 7
  • In Ballater
  • 10 miles from Lochnagar - Cac Carn Beag
Free 5–7 NovPlaces to stayEvery stay on the mapAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
Hidden Scotland, the magazine

Scotland, in print.

We want to show you the best that Scotland has to offer. The makers and the creatives, the enduring experiences, the evocative tales, the concealed corners. The roads less travelled that take you to places that matter. The adventures that gather you up and sweep you away. The blend of the wild and the artistic that makes Scotland what it is. We’d love for you to join us.

Get Issue 13Read it here