Morrone is a Corbett that sits above Braemar and makes a lovely hill circuit on a fine day. With 360 degree views of the surrounding Cairngorm peaks and over Braemar itself, this walk with a pretty riverside return route makes a great half day excursion.
Summary
Good path, track and minor road. Steep but straightforward ascent unless visibility poor.
Terrain
NO151913
Grid ref
12km/7.5 miles
Distance
Grade
Safety warning: Hillwalking when there is snow or ice lying requires ice-axe, crampons and the ability to use them. Some featured routes can become technical ice climbs. Check out our Winter Skills information provided by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
Users'
rating
Regular bus service between Braemar and Aberdeen.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Start the walk from the centre of Braemar. If it is difficult to find parking, there is parking at the top of Chapel Brae from where you can join the walk. From the centre of Braemar cross the bridge over the Clunie with its waterfalls and walk along the main street passing the Fife Arms towards the Linn of Dee. At the little roundabout turn left and take the right hand fork up Chapel Brae. After passing the car park and pond and last house keep left up the track signed for Morrone. Keep left at the fork and go through the gate and continue uphill, passing a house on the left and then bearing right before climbing more steeply to the left through the start of the birch woods.
2. Keep right at a junction following the blue marker post. At the next junction, with fire beaters, bear left away from the marked trail. Continue on the track uphill passing a bench on the left. The route starts to climb more steeply and soon reaches a gate and beyond that, the open moorland. Continue on the well-made path as it climbs uphill. The views behind over Braemar improve as you climb.
3. After a while the path passes four large piles of stones and continues uphill. The mast at the top of Morrone comes into view. This was built as a radio relay station for the local mountain rescue team. Keep following the path as it curves round to the left slightly and climbs the last section to the buildings at the top.
4. From the trig point, at 859 metres, there is a fantastic view of the surrounding Cairngorm mountains. To descend follow the track that head south west from the summit downhill until it rises slightly to climb a hillock and then turns east to descend into the glen. Keep following the clear track all the way until you reach the minor road in Glen Clunie.
5. Turn left and follow this old military road north back towards Braemar. The road keeps close to the River Clunie providing some pleasant views and stopping points. Eventually the road crosses a cattle grid and passes through Braemar Golf Course. After passing the Golf Club on the left the road passes a number of houses and emerges in the centre of Braemar.
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