Invermark to Clova Hotel (by Loch Brandy)

by | 27 May 2012 | Walk

Date/Time

Date(s) - 27/05/2012
12:00 am

Walk Details

Pub Stop?: No
O/S Map Sheet No.: 44
Grid Ref. Start:
Grid Ref. Finish
Walk (Miles): 12
Walk Hours: 6
Bus Time to Walk:
Bus Time from Walk:
Departure time from walk:


Walk Notes

Todays through-walk was last done by the Club on 28th September 2003. This route was suggested by Margaret Cameron on her “suggestion sheet” for 2012 walks and was included by your Committee for this year’s Programme. The walk crosses the ridge of hills between Glen Esk and Glen Clova and in poor visibility, it will be necessary to pay close attention to navigational skills using map and compass, or GPS, as there are few obvious landmarks in this area. If you feel that you are NOT confident in either, please be sure to stick with someone who has these skills. Because this walk is a through-route, any member(s) who require(s) a shorter walk would have to travel to the finishing point with the bus and do their own thing in the Glen Clova area. This is possible, so if any member(s) should require a shorter walk, please advise your committee member in charge of the bus so that early discussions can take place with the driver. Today, you have the choice of two starting points – either (1), at the entrance to Glen Effock (NGR 458 790) about 2.5 miles west of the hamlet of Tarfside, or (2), 1 mile further along the road at the carpark at Invermark (NGR 447 803). Both routes will eventually merge about half way to the finishing point at Clova Hotel. Please indicate on the attendance sheet which route you will be taking.

Route 1. From the main Glen Esk road (NGR 458 790), take a side road SW’wards which soon crosses the River North Esk by a bridge and heads towards Glen Effock farm. Continue in this direction along the west side of the Water of Effock until a split in the path (NGR 451 784). Take the right path which climbs to the summit of Cairn Caidloch with its Trig point at 647m. Continue on this path to reach Burnt Hill (663m). After this, do not follow the path towards Craig Turner, but head SW then West keeping to the high ground to eventually reach Wester Skuiley (736m). Pick up a path, coming over from Inchgrundle at Loch Lee, and head SW to reach Muckle Cairn (826m). Continue on an indistinct path passing White Hill (855m) and an unnamed top (857m) to reach Green Hill (870m) above Loch Brandy. Descend steeply (SW’wards) on a path down the east side of the loch towards our destination at Clova Hotel where our bus will be conveniently parked (NGR 328 732).

Route 2. From the carpark at the end of the Glen Esk road (NGR 447 803), head westwards past Invermark Castle ruins and continue along the track on the northern side of Loch Lee. Just before Glen Lee cottage cross the Water of Lee by a bridge (NGR 412 796) and head S’wards to reach Inchgrundle. Do not cross the footbridge here, but head SW and ascend the steepish path on the east side of the burn towards Skuiley to reach Wester Skuiley (736m). This is where Route 2 meets Route 1. Follow the directions of Route 1 towards Clova Hotel.