3,793 ft · Cairngorms, Scotland
Lochnagar
Lochnagar is a 3,793 ft peak in the Cairngorms, Scotland. The standard route is the Glen Muick Circuit: 11 mi, 3,050 ft of gain, Class 2.
Lochnagar at a glance
- Elevation3,793 ft1,156 m
- RouteGlen Muick CircuitClass 2
- Distance11 mi3,050 ft gain
- Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
- SeasonMay – Sep
- RangeCairngormsScotland
Climbing the Glen Muick Circuit
From Ballater, cross the Dee on the B976 and drive the minor road up Glen Muick to the Spittal of Glenmuick car park (parking charge; arrive early, as the road closes when it is full). Cross the glen, climb through woods to the col below Meikle Pap for a first view of the great corrie, then ascend the Ladder boulder slope on a built path. Follow the corrie rim past Cac Carn Mor to the rocky summit tor of Lochnagar, which needs a little Class 2 scrambling. Descend by the Glas Allt waterfall to Loch Muick. Keep away from the corniced rim in winter and spring.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–55 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Low visibility
- High winds
- Cornices
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Lochnagar
MunrosPeaks near Lochnagar
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Lochnagar?
Lochnagar is 3,793 feet (1,156 m) tall. It is in the Cairngorms, Scotland. It is also known as Cac Carn Beag.
How does Lochnagar rank among the Munros?
At 3,793 feet, Lochnagar is the 20th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Lochnagar?
The Glen Muick Circuit is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 11 miles with 3,050 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Lochnagar?
Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Glen Muick Circuit, covering 11 miles with 3,050 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Lochnagar?
The Glen Muick Circuit needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 11 miles with 3,050 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Lochnagar?
The usual hiking window is May to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Lochnagar?
The Glen Muick Circuit starts at about 1,350 feet, roughly 2,443 feet below the summit.
Climb Lochnagar with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list