Loch Brandy, Glen Clova

Loch Brandy is a superb example of a mountain corrie, backed by craggy slopes and cradling a perfect loch. The walk has the benefit of a very well constructed path making this a good short and relatively easy hillwalk.

Terrain

Excellent hillpath. The walk does ascent to moderate height and is exposed; hill-walking gear needed.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Milltown of Clova. Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.5km / 3.5 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 410m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NO326730

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

The walk begins beside the Glen Clova Hotel but the car park is for patrons only, so use the public car park just over the bridge in the direction of Glen Doll. The walk begins by heading up through the hotel car park and past the bunkhouse, following the footpath sign for Glen Esk. The path climbs past some new log cabins and then crosses a footbridge before leaving the woodland at a gate to reach the open hillside.

Stage 2

The route has been superbly constructed in recent years and enables height to be gained quickly, soon giving good views back down to the hotel and Glen Clova. Seen from here the glen is split into two contrasting halves, with woodland and a softer landscape down the glen and barer, rockier slopes above its upper end. The steep prow over to the left from the path is known as the Laird's Chamber.

Stage 3

The path continues to climb with the Snub now prominent ahead. At the foot of the snub is a cross-roads of paths and Loch Brandy is revealed ahead. A popular objective in its own right, Loch Brandy is a surprisingly spacious hill-loch cradled in a steep-sided mountain corrie.

Stage 4

The improved path ends here but it is worth making detours along the paths to both the left and right to get more views of Loch Brandy. The left path soon climbs steeply towards the Snub, so only go a short way in this direction. The right hand path heads across to the loch outflow. Keen hillwalkers could head up the Snub and cross the plateau around the back of Loch Brandy before returning from Green Hill - but this is a much more challenging walk requriring proper navigation and there is also a risk of rockfall so care should be taken. Those out for an easier walk should simply retrace their steps to the hotel.

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