Craig Coillich and Pannanich Woods, Ballater

Summary

The steep climb through Pannanich woods to the viewpoint of Craig Coillich offers a steep hike with good views at the top and a winding woodland descent back to Ballater. Whilst not as beautiful as the ancient woodland on Craigdendarroch, the woods here are home to capercaille (as well as red squirrels). Dogs must be kept under tight control and visitors should stick to the paths to avoid disturbing these rare birds.

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Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Forestry track and woodland paths that are steep and rocky - with slippery roots - in places.

Getting there

Start

Ballater centre.

Public Transport

Ballater is well served by buses running between Braemar and Aberdeen.

Start Grid Ref

NO369957

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 4km / 2.5 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 208m (Profile)

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

Creag Coillich can be seen from most parts of Ballater, its summit crowned with a radio mast, but it is set back and swathed in dense forestry so doesn't compete in local affections with the better known Craigendarroch. The presence of the endangered Capercaillie means dogs must be kept under tight control and not be allowed to run into the forest as this can disturb the birds and prevent nesting - visitors are also asked to keep to the paths. Begin from the car park on the green in the centre of Ballater. Walk along Bridge Street and cross the bridge over the River Dee.

Stage 2

When you reach the B976 cross over and take the signed path into the woods opposite; immediately it forks, follow the branch climbing uphill to the right. The woods are named after the Pannanich Wells, a spring whose waters were famed for their healing qualities. Ballater grew up to serve the needs of the tourists who flocked to this 'Lourdes of the North'. Keep right when the path joins with another; soon it leads to a large, recently restored Mackenzie 'Come & Rest' Memorial Seat, built to commemorate Sir Allan Russell MacKenzie, the 2nd Baronet of Glenmuick.

Stage 3

Keep on the path to the left of the memorial. Ignore a path off to the right, keeping ahead; soon the route runs along a bank alongside the edge of an artificial lochan. Eventually the path emerges at a track; go straight across this, onto a fainter, rutted track which climbs - very steeply and without respite - up through the woods.

Stage 4

Higher up the undergrowth increasingly turns to a carpet of blaeberry - whose young shoots and berries are a favoured food of the the Capercaille. During the breeding season Capercaille keep their young on the move to avoid foxes and other predators. However this constant movement means they are prone to disturbance from humans and animals in the forest and conservation groups are keen for people to keep to the paths and not to let dogs disturb the undergrowth. Whilst the birds are elusive you may well hear their distinctive "clip-clop" call which earned them their name which means "horse of the woods" in Gaelic. Follow the main track when it swings left.

Stage 5

Eventually the track levels out. Soon afterwards a junction is reached; follow the main track which detours to the left here to visit the viewpoint at the top of Craig Coillich. Keep to the right of the mast; beyond it is a cairn with a superb view of Ballater below and the surrounding hills. This crag forms the high point in Ballater's annual hillrace, held as part of the local highland games. Retrace your steps back to the track junction and now turn left to follow a much narrower path.

Stage 6

When a path junction is reached, bear left slightly to follow the path which descends steeply - it is rough underfoot at times and care is needed with slippery roots. Eventually the path emerges on a forestry track near the foot of the hill. Turn left here, soon reaching the site of Dalmochie Camp. Here during the second world war, Canadian lumberjacks lived as they felled trees desperately needed for the war effort. More detail about life at the camp can be found on the three information boards here.

Stage 7

Follow the forestry track until a junction; turn right downhill on a path here to emerge on the road. Cross the road and the bridge to return to the centre of Ballater.

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