Loch Muick
A highland loch inside the Cairngorms National Park, with a walk of about 12 km around its shore and views toward Lochnagar.
Loch Muick lies at the end of Glen Muick, about 14 km south of Ballater. It is part of the Cairngorms National Park and the Balmoral Estate, and on its shore stands the Glas-allt-Shiel lodge, built by Queen Victoria. The walk from the Spittal car park (fee charged) around the loch is about 12.5 km and takes 3 to 4 hours on a gentle path. It is one of the most popular Highland walks in northeast Scotland. Fit walkers can climb from here to the summit of Lochnagar, 1,155 meters (7 to 8 hours round trip). Red deer are often seen along the way, and in autumn the hillsides turn gold. The car park has a ranger center and toilets but no food, so bring supplies. Mountain weather changes quickly, so carry windproof and waterproof gear.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Lochnagar
- Royal Lochnagar Distillery
- Crathie Kirk
- Balmoral Castle
- Ballater
- Braemar Castle
- Corgarff Castle
- Braemar & Braemar Gathering