Lochnagar – Royal Deeside's Mountain
About 10.8 miles on foot.
Lochnagar is the great mountain of Royal Deeside, a high plateau ringed by cliffs and corries above Balmoral, with a dark loch tucked under its crags.
From the Spittal of Glenmuick it's a long, stony day to the summit, 1,155 metres up, and back, with supper by the fire in Ballater afterwards. It's a mountain day for fit, experienced hill walkers with a good forecast.
- Time
- A full day of seven to nine hours: about 17 km there and back from the Spittal of Glenmuick to the summit, Cac Carn Beag, 1,155 m. A long day, a mountain.
- The path
- A track across the glen, then a long, stony mountain path onto a high plateau.
- Where to start
- The Balmoral estate's car park at the Spittal of Glenmuick, at the end of the Glen Muick road: about £5 a car for the day at the machine, card or cash, more for vans and campervans. On fine weekends and in the summer holidays it can be full by mid-morning, when the road up the glen has been closed at its foot and cars let in only as others leave.
- Set off
- Before 10am; by 9am from April to September, at first light in October.
- When to go
- From April to October, on a day with a good mountain forecast: start by 9am from April to September and at first light in October. In snow it is a winter mountain.
- Dogs
- Under close control, and on a short lead near deer and sheep and from April to July, when birds nest on the ground.
- Children
- A long mountain day for experienced adults; the walk round Loch Muick is the family day.
- Toilets
- Public toilets beside the visitor centre at the Spittal; none on the hill.
- Before you set out
- Full waterproofs, warm layers, food, a map and compass and the skill to use them, and the mountain forecast; turn back if cloud comes down. In snow it is a winter mountain, with avalanches on the corries. The estate stalks deer on the hills around Loch Muick from mid-September to December, never on a Sunday: keep to the path.
The walk
The walk starts at the Balmoral estate's car park at the Spittal of Glenmuick, at the end of the Glen Muick road south of Ballater. It's about £5 a car for the day at the machine, by card or cash, and more for vans and campervans. On fine weekends and in the summer holidays it can be full by mid-morning, when the road up the glen has been closed at its foot and cars let in only as others leave, so come before 10am. There are toilets beside the small visitor centre by the car park.
Lochnagar's summit, Cac Carn Beag, is 1,155 metres, and from the Spittal it is about 17 km there and back: a track across the glen, then a long, stony path up onto a high plateau ringed by cliffs and corries, with a dark loch below the crags. Allow a full day of seven to nine hours. The national park says its mountains demand caution and respect, and the weather on the plateau changes fast. Take full waterproofs, warm layers, food, a map and compass and the skill to use them, check the mountain forecast, and turn back if cloud comes down.
In snow it is a winter mountain, with avalanches on the corries. The estate stalks deer on the hills around Loch Muick from mid-September to December, never on a Sunday, so keep to the path. Keep dogs under close control, and on a short lead near deer and sheep and from April to July, when birds nest on the ground.
If it rains
Not a day for rain or low cloud: the plateau is high, open and easy to get lost on. In poor weather walk round Loch Muick from the same car park instead, on the firm track by the shore.
Afterwards
20 min by car
Balmoral Arms
Supper
It's about 20 minutes' drive back down Glen Muick into Ballater. Supper is in the Ghillies Bar at the Balmoral Arms, served every day from 5pm to 8pm. It has ales from the area, hearty dishes, a roaring fire and a dining area for dogs, so muddy boots and paws fit right in. Book a table on 01339 755413. There's a free car park within two minutes' walk, and level access to all the public rooms. If it's full, the Alexandra Hotel in the village serves supper too; ring ahead for its times.
Before you go
Book accommodation nearby
If you are staying over: here are ours nearest where the day starts and ends.
The nearest of ours is Darroch Learg in Ballater.
Book a table for supper in the Ghillies Bar at the Balmoral Arms on 01339 755413; supper is served every day, 5pm to 8pm.
Where to eat
Fish Shop Restaurant, a restaurant in Ballater.
Bridge House Café, a café in Ballater.
For further reading, before you go.
Photograph by Kamil Tyszecki via Google