The White Mounth Munros
Clockwise Route – The White Mounth Munros of Lochnagar
From Spittal of Glenmuick
Start your hike at the Spittal of Glenmuick car park, where a scenic walk along the south shore of Loch Muick sets the stage. The gradual climb on a fine path to Broad Cairn, your first Munro, is a perfect warm-up. As you ascend, the impressive views over Loch Muick and the surrounding areas will energize you for the adventure ahead. The summit of Broad Cairn is formed by large boulder strewn granite slabs cradling a small cairn marking the top.
From Broad Cairn, head north west following the path across a broad, grassy plateau eventually climbing to reach the summit of Cairn Bannoch. This top shares the same features as Broad cairn, rounded and bouldery, offering expansive views over the surrounding plateaus and towards your upcoming Munros, making every step a visual delight.
Next, descend slightly and continue again north west over the grassy plateau before a short steep climb to the summit of Carn an t-Sagairt Mor. The remnants of an RAF English Electric Canberra B2 jet dorn the slopes of this Munro. The aircraft crashed on the summit area of the hill on 22nd November 1956 killing the two-man crew. Substantial pieces of wreckage still remain over a wide area at the crash site, adding a touch of history and intrigue to your hike. This flat broad peak often feels remote and tranquil, providing a serene contrast to the surrounding metal debris scattered over its slopes.
Head north east to Carn a’ Choire Bhoidheach, a rather unflattering Munro. The relatively flat plateau summit, marked with a cairn, offers a brief respite. Take a moment to catch your breath and soak in the views before heading of to tackle the final ascent.
The grand finale of this Munro bagging route is Cac Carn Beag, the crown jewel of the area. The ascent to Cac Carn Beag, Lochnagar’s highest point, takes you over a grassy rock strewn plateau surrounded by rugged cliffs and dramatic corries. With a stunning final ascent to the summit, it welcomes with a large granite Periglacial formed plynth cradling the trig point that marks the top of this Munro. The top rewards with breathtaking views over Royal Deeside and back across the White Mounth plateau and corries below.
Descend from Lochnagar, following the path that winds around the Corrie of Lochnagar to the foot of Meakle pap before linking up with the dirt road below Conachcraig, bringing you back to the Spittal of Glenmuick. This rewarding full circuit is the perfect conclusion to an exhilarating day of hiking.
Route starts at the car park at Spittal of Glen Muick and travels in a clockwise direction to the following 5 Munros.
Munro – Broad Cairn – (‘Broad Hill’) – Altitude: 998 m (3,274 ft)
Munro – Cairn Bannoch – (‘Peaked Hill’) – Altitude: 1,012 m (3,320 ft)
Munro – Càrn an t-Sagairt Mòr – (‘Big Cairn of the Priest’) – Altitude: 1047 m (3435 ft)
Munro – Carn a’ Choire Bhoideach – (‘Peak of the Beautiful Corrie’) – Altitude: 1110 m (3641 ft)
Munro – Cac Carn Beag – (‘Little Loch of the Noisy Sound’) – Altitude: 1155 m (3789 ft)
Route Length: 17.5 miles Total Ascent: 3860 ft Surface: Rough/paths/pathless/road/
Difficulty: Hard
Average Walking Time: 5:30 h
Route starts at the Parking Area for Loch Muick Trails (Balmoral Estate), Ballater AB35 5SU.
Google maps directions to the route start can be found HERE
Lochnagar Munros
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My White Mounth Love
One August morning , so warm and bright,
They set their course in golden light.
By Loch Muick’s shore, the trail began,
The pair oh them, off they ran.
To Broad Cairn’s rocks they made their way,
The loch below in calm array.
She smiled, and he, with steady pace,
Felt every step a sweet embrace.
Through grassy paths, the winds ran free,
To Cairn Bannoch’s summit plateau was met with glee.
They laughed and paused to share the view,
Where skies were vast, and spirits grew.
To Carn an t-Sagairt Mòr they eventually came,
Where wreckage told of flight then flame.
They touched the metal, cool and bare,
And whispered soft a thoughtful prayer.
With gentle words, they pressed ahead.
Over rolling hill, deep in thought, she led.
To Carn a’ Choire Bhoidheach’s summit, a grassy bare gown.
Soon left behind as they aim for Jewel in crown.
Their final climb, Lochnagar’s crest,
A rugged peak that tests their zest.
They climbed with strength, her laughter clear,
He followed close, his heart sincere.
Upon the top, the world seemed wide,
He turned to her, his source of pride.
With cheeks aglow and eyes so bright,
She matched the beauty of the height.
Descending slow through fading gold,
They spoke of dreams and tales retold.
By Loch Muick’s shore, their steps did cease,
Two hearts at one, their journey’s peace.
For every hill and mountain high,
Was sweeter climbed with her nearby.
The White Mounth peaks, so big and bold.
A day to remember as lovers gold.
©️David Clark 2024
Maps - View - Print - GPX File Download
All routes on 360munros.co.uk are SUMMER Munro Bagging Routes.
Winter Munro routes with Ice/Snow can be extremely challenging and dangerous.
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3D Model of the Lochnagar Munros
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