Ballater Walking Festival - Lochnagar From Easter Balmoral - Strong Walk

LOCHNAGAR from EASTER BALMORAL
Strong Walk - MUNRODepart from Green Hut Ballater at 8am by bus. Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Approximate Distance 24.3km
Approximate Ascent 1022m
Approximate Walking Time 8-9 hours
Landranger Map no. - 43DESCRIPTION
Starting from Easter Balmoral, beside Balmoral Castle, we will follow very good paths through the pine forests then onto open heather moorland. The route offers great views of Lochnagar, our summit point. After approximately 9km of gentle ascent, the path narrows and steepens as we continue our climb. As we gain height, views expand over Lochnagars northern corrie and the loch Lochnagar itself. There then follows a short scramble over granite blocks, which should not pose any difficulties in good weather, leading us to the summit plateau. Our return route will follow the Glas Allt burn with stunning views of Loch Muick. A clear path will guide us down the long, steady descent to the spectacular Glas Allt Falls, where the stream crashes through a steep rocky gash in the hillside. There are several superb viewpoints of the waterfall near the path. We will eventually reach birch and pine woodland above Glas Allt Shiel, the beautiful lodge built for Queen Victoria. Our final few kilometers will follow the shores of Loch Muick along an excellent track.TERRAIN Good paths, rough in places, with steep sections. An uphill boulder climb. Walking poles are recommended.