We are the Inverurie Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
A Strenuous circular walk of 11.75 miles/ 19 kms, with an ascent of 930 metres. BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL - please contact the walk leader David using the contact details provided to book, or if you have any questions, by the Thursday evening prior to the walk.
Meeting point will be the Spittal of Glenmuick car park. OS Landranger Map 44, NO309851, AB35 5SU.
Lochnagar with its magnificent northern corrie is the highest, most popular and much the finest mountain of the Mounth plateau. The route mostly follows clear tracks and mountain paths; the boulder section has a good path.
Starting at Spittal of Glenmuick, we follow the track to Lochnagar across Glen Muick and past the estate buildings at Allt-na-guibhsaich. Following the path alongside a stream, Allt na Guibhsaich, which we cross after approx 1 km. The stream crossing is usually straightforward.
Further on we branch off to the left, taking the main path up Lochnagar. We climb towards the bealach (col) and up the slope to the left , known as the Ladder. This is a steep boulder field, but an ingenious path leads through it.
Above the Ladder the slope eases onto the plateau. Follow the edge of the cliffs (not too closely!) round to the right. As the cliffs curve to the northwest, there is another ascent, and the minor cairn on a boulder at Cac Càrn Mòr is just beyond.
Continue further to reach the viewpoint indicator on the pointed rocky outcrop at Cac Càrn Beag, the true summit of Lochnagar, a magnificent viewpoint ( in good weather) for Deeside and the Cairngorms massif.
Return to Cac Càrn Mòr , and this time follow the southeast, diverting away from the cliffs. Descending gradually towards Glas Allt glen. Follow the path close to the stream as the glen opens out onto a flat 'alp'. This flatter section is short-lived, however, as just beyond the stream tumbles down a very steep slope to make the Glas Allt falls; the path winds down the hillside on its south side.
Follow the path down the hillside to reach the woodland around the magnificent Royal Lodge of Glas-allt-Shiel. We will follow the path around the loch to Spittal of Glenmuick.
Booking is essential. Please contact the walk leader using the contact details provided to book, or if you have any questions, by the Thursday evening prior to the walk. Please phone or text. If you leave a message please remember to leave your name and contact telephone number. Confirmation of your booking is required for attendance. It is essential for the walk leader to know who is coming on the walk and to be able to contact people should there be any changes. Please remember to contact the walk leader if you are no longer able to attend.
Good walking boots, gaiters advisable and waterproofs essential. Bring food and drink. Walking poles are also required.
Toilets: Are available at the start of the walk.
Please follow the COVID rules/guidance applicable at the time of the walk.
Park at the large car park at the end of the public road up Glen Muick; there is a charge ( £5 at time of writing ). Note that on busy weekends the car park can become full and at such times the road up Glen Muick is closed - so arrive early.
Please note, this is a strenuous walk with significant ascent, which should only be attempted if your level of fitness is appropriate. If the walk leader decides weather is unsuitable on the day, we will walk round Loch Muick instead.
Starting point will be the Spittal of Glenmuick car park. OS Landranger Map 44, NO309851, AB35 5SU.
