Falls of the Glasallt

Falls of the Glasallt (also written Falls of Glas Allt) is a waterfall of roughly 50 metres in Aberdeenshire, inside Cairngorms National Park. It sits at the western end of Loch Muick on the Balmoral Estate, around 13 to 14 km southwest of the village of Ballater. The Glas Allt burn drops here through a steep ravine on its way down from the slopes of Lochnagar.

What will you see?

The water tumbles over rocky ledges near the top of the ravine, then keeps racing downhill towards the loch. Flow is strongest after rain or during the spring thaw. Down on the small delta beside Loch Muick stands Glas-allt-Shiel, a former royal lodge.

What is the link with Queen Victoria?

Victoria liked to stroll beside this stream. After Prince Albert died she had the Glas-allt-Shiel cottage rebuilt on the spot where the burn meets the loch, and it became her quiet retreat. The house remains part of the royal estate and is not run as a visitor attraction, but you can see where it sits by the water as you walk.

How do you get to the falls?

Start at the Spittal of Glenmuick car park, beside the Loch Muick visitor centre. From there:

• a broad estate track follows the shore, and it is about 2.5 to 3 km to the foot of the ravine;
• the last stretch is a narrower, steeper path, a short side trip from the main track;
• the full circuit of the loch including the falls detour is about 14 km with around 300 m of climbing, roughly 3.5 to 4 hours at an easy pace.

Hikers also pass the falls on the descent from Lochnagar. That round trip is about 19 km with some 900 m of ascent and calls for good fitness.

When should you go, and what should you bring?

Late spring to early autumn gives the driest paths and longest daylight. Mountain weather turns quickly, so pack waterproofs, sturdy boots and a map. Mobile signal is patchy along the loch. The visitor centre at the car park has facilities, but there are no shops on the route.

Frequently asked questions

How high is the waterfall? About 50 metres (160 ft).

Where do I park? At Spittal of Glenmuick on the Balmoral Estate, at the end of the road from Ballater. Parking is charged.

Is the walk suitable for families? The loch-side track is flat and wide. The final climb to the falls is steep and stony, so small children may prefer to stop at the shore.

Can I visit Glas-allt-Shiel? It is part of the private royal estate, so you can view it from outside as you walk along the loch.

Do I need a guide? Not for the loch circuit. For Lochnagar, bring mountain navigation experience.