Loch Muick, Lochnagar & Meikle Pap loop from Spittal of Glenmuick — Cairngorms National Park

Hiking trails & Routes

Aberdeenshire

Ballater And Crathie

Loch Muick, Lochnagar & Meikle Pap loop from Spittal of Glenmuick — Cairngorms National Park

Hard

4.9

(89)

780

hikers

Loch Muick, Lochnagar & Meikle Pap loop from Spittal of Glenmuick — Cairngorms National Park

07:29

23.9km

860m

Hiking

Embark on a difficult hiking adventure through the dramatic landscapes of Cairngorms National Park. This challenging loop covers 14.9 miles (23.9 km) and involves a significant 2818 feet (859 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking 7 hours and 28 minutes to complete. You will encounter diverse terrain, from good paths…

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Cairngorms National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

3.73 km

Loch Muick

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

This upland freshwater loch is at the foot of Lochnagar, one of Scotland’s finest mountains. The fairly level circuit path around Loch Muick boasts magnificent views of the surrounding hills.

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7.79 km

Glasallt Falls

Highlight • Viewpoint

This is an impressive 160-foot (50 m) waterfall near the head of Loch Muick. It's a steep and, in some places, challenging path to the falls. However, in fine weather, and especially after heavy rain, it's well worth the effort.

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12.1 km

Cac Carn Beag (Lochnagar summit)

Highlight • Summit

Taking its name from the lochan set like a dark gem in the spectacular steep-sided corrie, Lochnagar is a mountain defined by the steep and clefted cliffs that surround its …

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15.2 km

View of Lochnagar Corrie and Loch from Meikle Pap

Highlight • Viewpoint

Meikle Pap, although high enough to be a Munro summit, isn't far enough removed from Lochnagar to qualify in its own right. Munro tables aside, Meikle Pap is a grand …

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21.8 km

Loch Muick

Highlight • Lake

Glen Muick is part of the Balmoral Estate, Scottish holiday home to the Royal Family. You can discover lots of great walking routes in the area, plus see a variety …

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23.9 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

9.92 km

9.63 km

2.66 km

1.71 km

Surfaces

7.39 km

6.39 km

5.67 km

4.47 km

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (1,140 m)

Lowest point (400 m)

Weather

Today

Friday 13 November

3°C

-2°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Expect light wind and shifting conditions.

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

August 14, 2023,Lochnagar (1155 m) and Falls of the Glasallt

My first Munro 🤩 (that's what mountains over 3000 feet are called in Scotland, of which there are about 240). We were really lucky with the weather and the view! 🏴amidal.com

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June 29, 2023,Lochnagar, Loch Muick

The tour today was so outstandingly beautiful. Incredible lonely expanses and still a change that surprises😊
In terms of weather, I had a bit of everything with me. Most of the time it's a very good way. Just before the summit you have to climb a bit. But everything is very doable. And at the end a lot of little …

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July 29, 2022,Lochnagar from Loch Muick car park

Wonderful hike in Cairngorms with great changes in scenery and wonderful views at the top. Start at the designated parking for Loch Muick (point B). Possible in both directions.

May 5, 2025,Lochnagar

After a chilly weekend, we were delighted to have such lovely weather today. Great opportunity for a hike up Lochnagar. The remnants of the weekend's snowfall were still visible on the northern and eastern aspects of the corrie.
I love the descent past the waterfall. A great place to dip your toes. Loads of picnicers down by Loch Muick - …

June 14, 2023,Lochnagar and Glass Alt Falls

Wellbeing day outing with colleagues. A rare day of spectacular weather made this even more special. Mid week is a great time to visit the area, as it is extremely busy on summer weekends.

October 29, 2024,Lochnagar - Queen of the mountains

A round of Lochnagar starting at Glen Muick. I've climbed this hill by a variety of routes over many years and i keep coming back to this one: up via the Glas Allt to the summit, out-and-back to the Stuic then descending by the Clais Rathadan.