Capel Mounth - Loch Muick - Bachnagairn
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
| 23 kms | 07:00 (hrs:mins) | 465 metres | Landranger sheet 44 - Ballater & Glen Clova |
Description
From Glen Doll car park cross the river South Esk (bridge) and immediately turn northwards. After 1.2 km take the track to the right through the trees. Cross the Capel Burn and continue climbing quite steeply, now on Balmoral Estates. Just before the track starts to level off, on the east side, is the grave of Rory the tinker (difficult to find) who died in a snowstorm in the 19th century and was buried close to where his body was found.
Continue on an undulating but good track to the north end of Loch Muick then turn southward along the east shore of Loch Muick, with a fine view of the royal residence of Glas Alt Shiel on the far shore. Continue for five kilometres before ascending a steep track, known locally as 'The Streak of Lightning', to Corrie Chash. At the junction turn right onto a well maintained Land Rover track and continue forward. After a few hundred metres you will see a wooden hut/stables where the estate keeps the horses during the stalking season.
Nearby, on Sandy Hillock, is the remains of a WW2 observation post. Immediately past this hut take the track to the south which leads to the 'Roy Tait' memorial bridge at Bachnagairn. Cross the bridge and turn south-eastwards and, after six kilometres, you will return back to the starting point at the car park at Glen Doll.
Access Info
The car park is at the end of Glen Clova where Glen Doll begins and has an information hut with maps. The cost to park here is £1.50.
There is no public transport to Glen Doll. The postbus will only take you as far as the Clova Hotel in Glen Clova.
Additional Info
There is a visitor centre at Glen Doll car park manned by Angus Council countryside rangers. There are magnificent views from the Capel Mounth path across to Lochnagar. There are golden eagles, merlins, buzzards and many other birds and animals in this whole area.
The Clova Hotel provides an excellent base for accommodation and also good food and drink.
