Walks | North-East
Glen Muick Loch Circuit
Start: Glen Muick Car Park
Description: Walk around the loch on level paths, with a rockier section
OS Map: #44, Ballater & Glen Clova
Multimap: Online Map
This is a longer walk around Loch Muick. It mainly follows land rover track, but there is one section of the walk on a narrower rocky path that neccesitates a good pair of boots. Park at the car park (Pay & Display) at the end of the Glen Muick road, and follow the track across the bridge and past the visitor centre.
The path heads directly towards the loch, so don't take the right turn that leads towards Lochanagar, and also avoid turning left up onto the Capel Mounth path. The path follows the Southern shore of the loch, with the hillside rising sharply up to the left. Deer can often be seen up on the hill top, and also up the zig-zagging track ahead.
The path crosses a large burn about half way along the loch, this is a good point for a break. The path becomes a bit harder on the feet from here, being much rockier. It drops right down to the waterside, and onto a sandy beach at the head of the loch. Follow the wooden boardings, unless you are willing to walk through the water tocross the outlet of the Dubh Loch.
Follow the path round the end of the loch, and head towards the copse of trees. The lodge hidden in the trees was bought by Queen Victoria, and the Royal Family are still known to frequent this area, being so close to Balmoral. Follow the land rover track back towards the Spittal of Glen Muick along the northern shore. On a calm sunny day watch out for dragon flies and lizards sunbathing on the track. At the boast shed at the end of the loch turn right and cross the end of the loch. Turn left at the junction with the outward path, and return to the Visitor Centre and Car Park.