Lochnagar

Situated in the royal estate of Balmoral, Lochnagar is a majestic mountain, undoubtedly the finest in the Mounth. Its most splendid feature is the great north-east corrie with its 200-metre high cliffs overlooking the little loch which gives the mountain its name. South-westwards from the summit, the wide Mounth plateau stretches far away to the rounded dome of Glas Maol and the deep indentations of the Angus glens. Such is its height and commanding appearance that Lochnagar completely dominates the landscape of Deeside.

The route to Lochnagar starts from the end of the public road up Glen Muick. From the carpark go to Spittal of Glenmuick and follow the track north-west across the glen to Allt-na-giubhsaich. Continue west through the pinewoods and up the track leading to Glen Gelder. From the col at the top of this track take the path south-west across a slight dip and then west up a gradually steepening slope to the col between Meikle Pap and Lochnagar, at which point the mountain comes into full view. Climb south-west up a steep bouldery slope called The Ladder to reach the plateau at the south-east corner of Lochnagar's great corrie, and continue along its edge (not too close if there are cornices) to the granite tor which is the summit of the mountain.

(Copyright The Scottish Mountaineering Club)