Carn Bhac

[seamus0]

We started from Inverey, west of Braemar, parked the cars beside the telephone box (087892), but totally missed the larger car park before this at the start of the track. We headed up to the 3 houses up the track to start the walk. It can be a bit confusing which track to take as 2 tracks go up through the wood. Ignore these and head straight, to the rightmost track which leads down towards the river. You know you're on the right one after a short time, when you meet the river. This track winds its way following the river through Glen Ey.

Track that follows the river

A popular choice is to bike it, unfortunately we all couldnt bring our bikes, so walked it all. After about 3 km, an alternative route from the SMC route, is to follow a track from the Auchelie ruin which leads up the ridge towards Carn Bhac.

Auchelie Ruins

View of Glen Ey and river

However we carried on the track to the Altanour Lodge, which is essentially a pretty wee glade with a ruined shooting lodge. This would probably make a good campsite for future reference. It takes about 2 hrs to get here from Inverey.

Altanour Lodge

Also found a recently dead deer....

Dead...

After a short break, a small track 400m further along, at a burn, heads off the main track starting to climb up. This track should be followed to its end. A small cairn marks its highest point. You'll pass plenty of grouse shooting butts,on the way.

Shooting Butts

At 062814 where the cairn is, follow the broad ridge up to Carn Bhac, for a slow easy climb up. After the peat bogs are negotiated, again a track leads up to the top, where it becomes more stoney.

Path up to Carn Bhac

Top of Carn Bhac

The hill flattens out, with good views of surrounding hills. It should take about 4 hrs to get to the top. From here, you have a choice to carry on to the other Munros or head back a couple of different ways. We chose to head straight down the NE face which is a bit steep but easily manageable.

Route back to Inverey from the NE face

This takes you back to Allt Connie, cross the river and a track takes you back to a larger track near the woods which takes you back to Inverey on the other side of the river.This shot shows from the route down the NE face near the bottom of the glen shows its more shapely this side, than from the approach we took.

Carn Bhac from the glen

All-in-all a nice walk for all capabilities but not for the thrill-seekers! I think next time, I'll probably camp around here and wander around the hills as the walk-ins can be quite monotonous.

[ChrisW]

Nice report seamus, that looks a good wee hill, kind of thing I like - love the 'route back' photo

[seamus0]

Hi Chris, Thanks, yeah i think its what you would call a 'nice' walk. Not strenuous only by distance I guess, nothing too steep. We had a couple in our group that hadnt been hill fit, and they managed it with no real difficulty. Probably the walk back off the hill is the only real bit which requires some thought as its a bit steep, but id recommend it for a relaxing day.