Lochnagar

Lochnagar is one of the best-known peaks of the eastern Grampians in Scotland, standing in Aberdeenshire within Cairngorms National Park. Known in Gaelic as Beinn Chìochan, it rises roughly five miles south of the River Dee and close to Balmoral Castle. Its highest point, Cac Càrn Beag, reaches 1,155 m (3,789 ft), and the hill counts as a Munro, one of Scotland's summits above 3,000 ft.

What makes Lochnagar special?

The mountain's character comes from its north face: a deep glacial corrie ringed by cliffs, with a small lochan at its foot. The name originally belongs to that lochan. In winter the cliffs draw climbers, and in summer they draw walkers for the view. The top is a broad, stony plateau with sweeping views across the Cairngorms and down Deeside. The hill also sits on the Balmoral estate, which gives the area its royal associations.

How do you get to the summit?

Most walkers start from the Spittal of Glenmuick car park, at the end of a narrow public road that runs about 13 km into Glen Muick from Ballater. Parking is charged, and in summer the lots can fill early.

The standard out-and-back or loop route is around 19 km with about 900 m of ascent, and takes 6 to 7 hours. The path is well worn. A short detour to Meikle Pap is worthwhile for a look at the cliffs of the northern corrie. From there the route crosses the plateau to the summit cairn.

Alternatives include:

• a loop that returns along Loch Muick past the Glas Allt waterfall, roughly 19 to 20 km;
• a route from Easter Balmoral near the castle, about 24 km and 8 to 9 hours;
• a long circuit linking five Munros, around 28 to 30 km and up to 9 hours.

When should you go, and what are the risks?

Late spring, summer and early autumn are the best seasons. The plateau has few landmarks and the cliffs run along its northern edge, so in mist you need solid navigation and a safe distance from the edge. In winter the route needs crampons and an ice axe, and summer route descriptions no longer apply. Weather at altitude changes quickly, so carry warm layers, a map and a torch.

What else is nearby?

After the descent, Loch Muick is a pleasant stop, a long lake in Glen Muick with an easy path along its shore. Ballater, Braemar and Balmoral Castle all lie in Deeside, and the area combines well with other Cairngorms walks.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Lochnagar? The summit, Cac Càrn Beag, stands at 1,155 m above sea level.

Where is the best place to start? The Spittal of Glenmuick car park, south of Ballater. It gives the shortest and most popular approach.

How long does the climb take? The standard route takes 6 to 7 hours. Variants with several Munros or from Balmoral take 8 to 9 hours.

Can you climb it in winter? Yes, but only with winter experience, crampons, an ice axe and the skill to navigate in poor visibility.