Lochnagar from the Spittal of Glenmuick
Aberdeenshire
Dog friendly on a short lead, this is a long and demanding Munro circuit starting at the Spittal of Glenmuick and climbing through Glas-allt Shiel and up onto the corrie rim of Lochnagar, Queen Victoria's favourite mountain. The route rises steadily on good stalkers paths, traverses the high plateau past Cac Carn Beag at 1155 metres, then descends the steep Ladder down to the Dubh Loch path and back around Loch Muick to the car park. Views from the summit span most of the Eastern Cairngorms.
Dogs must be kept on a lead throughout: this is active red deer and ptarmigan country, ground-nesting birds share the plateau, and the corrie edges are genuinely dangerous. Conditions can turn quickly at altitude so pack waterproofs, warm layers and a map even in summer. Check before travel, as a bridge at the Spittal car park has recently been closed to pedestrians, which would make the usual circuit inaccessible. Parking is paid, fills early at weekends, and the access road can close when full.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 19.0 km (11.8 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 7 hr
- Walk Type
- Peak, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Visitor centre with toilets at Spittal of Glenmuick (seasonal); no facilities on the hill.
- Parking
- Paid car park at Spittal of Glenmuick (around 80 spaces); arrives full at weekends and the access road may be closed when capacity is reached.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lochnagar from the Spittal of Glenmuick dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome on this route, though it carries a 7/10 dog-friendly rating rather than a perfect score due to the demands it places on both owner and dog. This is a long, serious Munro circuit with steep sections, exposed plateau, and dangerous corrie edges, so it's best suited to fit, experienced dogs and their owners. It's a genuinely rewarding day out, but not one to take lightly.
Can dogs be off lead at Lochnagar from the Spittal of Glenmuick?
No — dogs must be kept on a lead throughout the entire route. The area is active red deer and ptarmigan country, and ground-nesting birds share the high plateau, making it essential that dogs stay close at all times. The corrie edges are also genuinely dangerous, so a lead is very much in your dog's interest as well as a requirement.
What should I know before visiting Lochnagar from the Spittal of Glenmuick with my dog?
There are a few important things to check before you set off. A bridge at the Spittal car park has recently been closed to pedestrians, which could make the usual circuit inaccessible, so it's worth confirming the situation before you travel. The paid car park holds around 80 spaces but fills early at weekends and the access road may close when it reaches capacity, so an early start is wise. On the hill itself, conditions can change quickly at altitude — bring waterproofs, warm layers and a map regardless of the forecast, and note that facilities on the hill are non-existent, with only a seasonal visitor centre and toilets at the start point.
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