Highlight • Viewpoint
Cairn Bannoch
Hiking
5.0
(17)
Mountaineering
5.0
(2)
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
April 6, 2020
Hiking
We started and finished at the Glas Allt Shiel bothy. The area has been a favourite of the royal family since Victorian times.
October 9, 2021
Hiking
Great views across the rolling hills, paths on many sections of the walk with a few km pathless, the navigation is fairly straight forward. In poor visibility this peak may be harder to locate.
May 11, 2020
Mountaineering
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Cairn Bannoch
4.8
(25)
416
hikers
Embark on the Lochnagar & the White Mounth Munros loop, a difficult 19.2-mile (30.9 km) hike that takes around 9 hours and 31 minutes to complete. This challenging route features diverse terrain, from clear mountain paths to steep boulder fields like "the Ladder" on the ascent to Lochnagar. You will experience broad grassy plateaus, bouldery ground, and rough sections, alongside flatter stretches along the idyllic riverside of Loch Muick. From Lochnagar's summit, Cac Carn Beag, you can enjoy panoramic views of Deeside and the vast Cairngorms massif, with impressive vistas over Loch Muick and the picturesque Glas Allt Falls on the descent.
This strenuous hike demands a very good level of fitness, sturdy shoes, and sure-footedness. While some parts follow well-maintained paths, be prepared for rough terrain, especially when heading up Lochnagar and on Broad Cairn. Good navigational skills are essential, particularly if mist rolls in, as conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Plan your visit carefully to ensure you are well-equipped for the significant 3560 feet (1085 metres) of elevation gain.
The Lochnagar & White Mounth Munros loop offers more than just a physical challenge; it is a journey through history and nature. You can bag up to five Munros on this circuit, with Cac Carn Beag being the highest. The trail passes Glas Allt Shiel, a lodge built by Queen Victoria, and the area is part of the historic Balmoral Estate. Keep an eye out for red deer, grouse, eagles, and stags, and discover the unique historical element of an RAF jet wreckage on Carn an t-Sagairt Mòr.
33.9km
10:41
1,290m
1,290m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
39
hikers
22.3km
07:26
1,040m
1,040m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 990 m
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