Broad Cairn

The furthest recesses of Glen Muick beyond Loch Muick form one of the finest high corries in the Mounth, and the cliffs of Creag an Dubh-loch which rise sheer above the waters of the Dubh Loch are unsurpassed for their height and steepness. This great crag is an extension of Broad Cairn, which is itself a prominent pointed peak when seen looking up Loch Muick. Two kilometres to its north-west, Cairn Bannoch is a much more modest hill, a rounded swelling on the ridge which goes south from Carn an t-Sagairt Mor to form the watershed between Glen Muick and Glen Doll. The approach to these hills along the side of Loch Muick and up the Allt an Dubh-loch is scenically one of the finest walks in the Mounth.

From the carpark at the end of the public road at Spittal of Glenmuick cross the glen to the north-west side of Loch Muick and go along the lochside past Glas-allt Shiel and up the path which ends at the Dubh Loch. Continue up the glen under Creag an Dubh-loch and the slabs of Eagles Rock until > kilometre beyond the head of the Dubh Loch it is possible to bear south up a little corrie to reach Cairn Bannoch. Continue south-east for 1 kilometre to Cairn of Gowal then 1 kilometre east to Broad Cairn. Descend east by a path which becomes a track and leads to a hut at a col on the ridge. From there either continue along the track or take a lower path which descends to the side of Loch Muick. Both ways lead back to Spittal of Glenmuick.

(Copyright The Scottish Mountaineering Club)