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The Sustainable Stop

Munro Profile 20: Lochnagar (Cac Carn Beag)

Region: Braemar to Montrose
Height: 1,155m (3,789 ft)

Lochnagar, with its summit known as Cac Carn Beag, is one of Scotland’s most iconic peaks, steeped in royal history and literary fame. Rising above a dramatic corrie and the Balmoral Estate, it offers a well-maintained path and expansive views. For campervan travellers, access is excellent, with nearby facilities and a scenic approach through Glen Muick.

Trailhead and Parking

Primary Access Point: Spittal of Glenmuick Car Park

  • Location: South of Ballater, at the end of the Glenmuick road
  • Grid Reference: NO310852 (Spittal of Glenmuick Car Park)
  • Capacity: Large; suitable for daytime campervan access
  • Facilities: Toilets, information boards, picnic area
  • Charges: £5 per day
  • Overnight: Permitted

Alternative Options

  • Ballater: Campsite with full facilities, 20-minute drive from the trailhead
  • Wild parking: Possible in designated laybys along Glenmuick road (check signage and seasonal restrictions)
  • Glen Tanar: Alternative access for extended routes

Route Overview

Standard Ascent: Lochnagar circuit via Glas Allt and corrie rim, often extended to include Broad Cairn, Carn an t-Sagairt Mor, and other White Mounth summits.

  • Distance: Approximately 19 km round trip
  • Elevation Gain: Around 950 metres
  • Distance and elevation may vary depending on summit extensions.
  • Terrain: Estate tracks, rocky paths, corrie rim
  • Time Estimate: 6 to 8 hours

Navigation Notes

  • Paths are clear, but the summit plateau can be confusing in mist; a map and compass are recommended.
  • Often extended to include Broad Cairn, Carn an t-Sagairt Mor, and other White Mounth Munros.
  • The corrie rim offers dramatic views and photographic opportunities

Campervan Suitability

Day Parking

  • Spittal of Glenmuick Car Park allows daytime campervan access
  • Ballater offers overflow options and amenities

Overnight Options

  • Ballater Campsite: Toilets, showers, electric hook-ups
  • Wild parking may be possible in designated laybys (check signage)
  • No overnighting permitted at Glenmuick trailhead

Fuel and Supplies

  • Ballater: Fuel station, small shops, outdoor gear
  • Nearest large supermarket: Aboyne or Banchory

Legacy Log

  • Name origin: “Cac Carn Beag” translates to “small cairn of faeces”, a name that belies the grandeur of the summi.t
  • Summit features: Cairn with views across Deeside and the Cairngorms
  • Known for: Royal connections, literary mentions (notably by Byron), and dramatic corrie cliffs
  • Popular with: Walkers, photographers, and those seeking a well-marked route with high reward

Closing Notes

This is Munro Profile 20 in your campervan-access series. If you’ve climbed Lochnagar, explored the corrie rim, or found a reliable overnight spot nearby, feel free to share your comments. Your insights help shape the archive and support fellow travellers.

Sources Used
These sites provide far more detailed and comprehensive overviews of the walks and Munros than I could hope to cover here:

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