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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