Morrone – Over the Big Hill Above Braemar
About 7.6 miles on foot.
Morrone is the big, heathery hill that fills the sky south-west of Braemar, and the Park Authority's waymarked loop takes you right over its top and back to the village.
It's a full hill day, with one of the best views on Deeside from the summit and a pint at the Flying Stag at the end of it. It suits fit, well-equipped walkers who are happy on open hill.
- Time
- Four to five hours for the 12 km loop from the village.
- The path
- Long sections of steep climbing with some steps; varied surfaces, some narrow, rough and rocky but usually dry.
- Where to start
- The council's Balnellan Road car park in the middle of Braemar: 31 spaces and 3 disabled, free with a voluntary charge by RingGo or PayByPhone (location 985531), public toilets beside it.
- Set off
- The loop runs through the village: west up Chapel Brae past the Duck Pond to the start of the hill path.
- When to go
- Open hill at all hours in daylight and clear weather; from November to February set off by 9.30am. The Flying Stag opens every day from noon.
- Dogs
- On a short lead or close at heel, above all from April to August, when birds nest on the ground and near livestock.
- Children
- Four to five hours on a high, open hill with long steep stretches: for older children used to hill days.
- Toilets
- Public toilets at the Balnellan Road car park; none on the hill.
- Before you set out
- From November to February set off by 9.30am. After snow the top is a winter mountain. October is the main month for stag stalking: follow any signs on the hill.
The walk
Park in the council's Balnellan Road car park in the middle of Braemar, free with a voluntary charge by RingGo or PayByPhone, with public toilets beside it. Morrone is the big rounded hill south-west of the village, 859 metres, and the Park Authority's waymarked loop goes over it: 12 km, allow four to five hours. The loop leaves the village and climbs through the birch wood onto the open hill. There are long, steep stretches with some steps, on ground that is narrow, rough and rocky in places.
From the radio hut on the top the view takes in the Cairngorms and the whole upper Dee. The loop then drops to the Clunie Water and comes back to the village along the Old Military Road. Take boots, waterproofs, warm layers, food, and a map and compass, and turn back if the cloud comes down. October is the main month for stag stalking, so follow any signs on the hill.
Keep a dog on a short lead or close at heel. From November to February set off by 9.30am, and after snow it's a winter mountain: leave it for another day.
If it rains
Morrone is no place in rain, wind or cloud: the top is open and the view is the point. On a wet day walk the Morrone Birkwood loop instead, 5.5 km through the birch and juniper on the lower slopes, then go to the Flying Stag.
Afterwards
About 3 min on foot
The Flying Stag
A drink
Back in the village, the Flying Stag is the public bar of the Fife Arms, a few minutes' walk from the car park over the Clunie bridge. It opens every day from noon, with local beers and Scottish whiskies under the winged stag above the bar. Food runs from noon to 2.45pm and again from 5pm to 8.45pm: fish and chips, pies, burgers and curries, with a children's menu. Dogs are welcome, and it's step-free. If you're down in the gap between, the Bothy café by the bridge is open every day until at least 4.30pm.
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, 13 miles away.
Book a table for supper on the Fife Arms' website; for six or more ring 01339 720202.
For further reading, before you go.
Photograph by Matt Hart via Google