A fairly easy walk in good weather, leading to the wilder Glen Mark at the head of Glen Esk. Visit the ornamental well erected to commemorate a visit by Queen Victoria and return down the glen or take an optional, lengthy detour to look for Balnamoon's Cave.
Summary
Path and stony track across open moorland which can be exposed in bad weather.
Terrain
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1. From the car park at Invermark, follow the road over the bridge and past the church on the right. Take the next right signed for Mount Keen and the Queen's Well and just before the house bear left following another sign and go through a gate to follow a track. The track leads out into the open glen, the sandstone tower of Invermark castle can be seen through the trees on the left. Built as a garrison fort by the local landowner it's function was to provide protection from Aberdeenshire cattle raiders who would use the traditional routes through the glens.
2. The track soon reaches an old metal gate, go through this and continue up the glen. The glen is a popular place to spot red deer especially during the annual rut in October. Eventually the granite arches of the Queen's Well come into view ahead. This was built over the site of a spring where Queen Victoria stopped on one of her pony treks in the Angus glens. Branch off onto a narrower path on the right to reach the well.
3. Beyond the well, a clear landrover track heads uphill to the right, passing the Cottage of Mark. This is the approach to Mount Keen, a Munro, which follows the ancient Mounth Road alongside the Ladder Burn. The walk described here now retraces your steps back down the glen, but the adventurous with time to spare who don't mind wet feet might want to continue the walk by detouring up the glen to search for Balnamoon's Cave. This route requires a river crossing which usually involves wading and should not be attempted when the river is in spate or if you have no experience of river crossings.
4. If taking this detour, continue from the Queen's Well to pass a cairn and return to the main track. Do not turn right to the cottage but continue straight ahead where a ford soon crosses the Ladder Burn. Follow the track as the walls of the glen start to close in and eventually a waterfall can be seen. Soon after the waterfall check the level of the river. If it is low enough to permit a crossing wade it with extreme care (this is dangerous) and turn back if the water level is too high or too fast. Balnamoon was a supporter of Bonnie Prince Charlie who found himself on the run from the English troops after the Battle of Culloden. He hid out in a small cave, part way up the slope of boulders, and was not betrayed by the locals who helped him despite the high price on his head. He was eventually pardoned. The cave has a small, triangular entrance and is very hard to find among the boulders and heather, the area is a lovely spot for a break to enjoy the isolated feel of the upper glen. Retrace your steps back down the glen to return to the start.
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