Creag an Dubh Loch and Broad Cairn, Glenmuick

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Summary

Whilst the nearby cliffs of Lochnagar are famed and celebrated, the magnificent beetling black precipice of Creag an Dubh-loch is much less known. This fine hillwalk visits this great crag and its lonely loch before ascending Broad Cairn to make a higher level return above Loch Muick. A second Munro, Cairn Bannoch, could easily be added to the route.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Good approach path to Dubh Loch, then rougher and boggier ground. Boulderfield after Broad Cairn, then track for return.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Car park at Spittal of Glen Muick. 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: 23km / 14.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 7 - 8 hours
Ascent: 813m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NO309851

Summits Climbed

Munro: Broad Cairn

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

Park at the large car park at the end of the public road up Glen Muick; there is a charge. Note that on busy weekends the car park can become full and at such times the road up Glen Muick is closed - so arrive early or plan an alternative. Begin by walking past the visitor centre. Ignore the track off to the right (the main route to Lochnagar), keeping on the track ahead. Before Loch Muick is reached fork right onto a path that leads to a footbridge over the loch's outflow, and then continues to a boathouse; join the track above this and turn left along it.

Stage 2

Keep following the track to eventually reach the stone wall and pines that surround Glas-allt Shiel house. The fine property was built by Queen Victoria after the death of Prince Albert, and used as a quieter retreat from Balmoral Castle. Pass to the front of the house and continue through the woods on the clear path on the other side. Eventually the path forks; the left branch continues by the loch, but our route takes the right (or straight ahead) path that slowly diverges from it.

Stage 3

The path climbs very gradually, aiming towards the foot of the Stulan - a prominent waterfall. Here it crosses the Stulan Burn; this is possible using stones in dry conditions but could become a serious obstacle or be impassable in spate. On the far side the path continues round the glen, keeping well above the Allt an Dubh-loch.

Stage 4

The crags around Coffin Chimney which have been prominent during the approach are soon overshadowed as the impressive Creag an Dubh-loch precipices are slowly revealed. The path continues up to reach the surprisingly extensive Dubh Loch itself, providing a perfect mirror for the great cliffs on still days. The cliff is popular with both rock and ice-climbers.

Stage 5

The well-made path now peters out into a boggy trod; continue across rougher ground keeping north of the Allt an Dubh-loch until the flatter, bowl-shaped upper coire is reached. Find a suitable place to cross the burn before heading south and then southeast onto the surprisingly dome-like upper slopes of Creag an Dubh-loch. There is little to suggest the great crags below - so take care when there is snow and poor visibility to avoid the top of the great Central Gully which bites into the plateau and could be a trap for the unwary. Continue to the small summit cairn, and then on across the plateau towards Broad Cairn.

Stage 6

The route round the five White Mouth Munros is joined for the final steady pull to the summit of Broad Cairn, atop granite outcrops; a fine viewpoint. The descent down the far side is much rougher, over awkward boulders for a time until the track across the plateau is joined at Little Craig.

Stage 7

Follow the track as it curves southeast; ignore the branch to the right (for Bachnagairn) and the left (an alternative descent via Corrie Chash), following the track it climbs slightly and eventually curves back left to come close to the edge of the steep slopes above Loch Muick, offering spectacular views.

Stage 8

The track runs across the top of these slopes for some distance, giving excellent views of the Loch, before it reaches the end of the plateau and descends in a series of zigzags. Cross the bridge over the Black Burn and continue on the track which still keeps some height above Loch Muick. Pass close to the boathouse near the foot of the loch, and continue straight ahead on the track to return to the Spittal of Glenmuick.

Route Profile

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