Loch Lee and waterfalls circuit, Glen Esk

Summary

This superb circular walk takes in Loch Lee before climbing steeply past the Falls of Unich and the Fall of Damff to cross open moorland, before descending the track on the Shank of Inchgrundle with panoramic views over the loch. A shorter, less strenuous walk would be to visit the first waterfall and return the same way.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Good tracks, rough path, extremely boggy and faint path on moorland section.

Public Transport

Very limited (school bus times only) bus from Brechin.

Start

Invermark car park, Glen Esk. Open in Google Maps.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 15.75km / 9.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 497m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NO446803

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (24)

Stage 1

From the car park at Invermark, near the head of Glen Esk, continue along the road past the church and cross the bridge. Continue past a house and follow the track past Invermark Castle. Built from local sandstone in the 18th century, the tower was to protect locals against cattle thieves from Aberdeenshire who would use the ancient routes through the glens for cattle raids. The track follows the Water of Lee upstream. Invermark Lodge can be seen up to the right; continue along the track passing the houses at Kirkton.

Stage 2

Continue past the dam for Loch Lee and the ruins of the church at the waterside and follow the track along the north side of the loch.

Stage 3

Eventually the house at Inchgrundle can be seen at the head of the loch; ignore the left track towards it and instead keep ahead, passing a derelict house on the right, and continuing up Glen Lee, which is dominated by the great rocky walls of Craig Maskeldie. Ignore a grassy track off left towards a ruin.

Stage 4

Keep on the main track and when a footbridge comes into view fork left to head across it; the water flows through an impressive rocky channel below. After the bridge follow a good path that leads to the impressive Falls of Unich. This is a beautiful spot and would make a good destination in itself if a shorter walk is wanted. However this route now continues up a rough path on the right hand side of the Water of Unich, with great views looking back.

Stage 5

The path winds its way uphill, keeping above the foaming waters of the gorge. The path then rises up to the right of the gorge to reach the moorland above. Ignore a faint path left that leads to the upper Falls of Damff.

Stage 6

The going becomes very boggy. Continue until a left turn descends to a footbridge. Cross this and continue on a faint and boggy path opposite. Further up it comes alongside a burn for a time, heading east and passing a couple of cairns.

Stage 7

As a wide col is reached there are views to Loch Lee below. Follow the faint and boggy path south and then southeast, crossing the flat top of Cairn Lick. Eventually a clear track is reached - turn left along this.

Stage 8

The track which descends the Shank of Inchgrundle, with great views to Loch Lee ahead. Further down, there are good views to the left into the impressive corrie and lochan of Carlochy.

Stage 9

Continue down the track towards Loch Lee. Eventually it doubles back into larch trees and crosses a burn. Turn left and follow the track across the glen and over the bridge to rejoin the outward track. From here retrace the outward route along the north side of Loch Lee back to the start.

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