Tarfside/Invermark to Glen Muick – Muckle Cairn

Date/Time

Date(s) - 23/07/2023
8:00 am - 7:30 pm

Walk Details

Pub Stop?: If Time Permits
O/S Map Sheet No.: 44
Grid Ref. Start: 492 797
Grid Ref. Finish 310 852
Walk (Miles): 14
Walk Hours: 7
Bus Time to Walk:2.5 hrs
Bus Time from Walk: 1.5 hrs
Departure time from walk: 5:30 pm

Walk Notes

Bus departs Aberdeen at 08.00am

O.S. Map 44

Tarfside/Invermark to Glen Muick via Muckle Cairn

This is a through walk from Glen Esk to Glen Muick covering areas of featureless terrain, river crossings and sections where there are little or no tracks to follow. If you are unsure of navigation please walk with someone who knows where they are going. Please also note the footbridge marked on the OS map at NGR 319839 was washed away a few years ago. The bridge is to be reinstated but this is unlikely to be done in time for our walk.

Walk 1:- From the parking area at Auchronie NGR 447804 head Westwards past the church and cross the bridge. At a junction turn left to pass Invermark Castle and continue up the valley with Loch Lee on your left. Continue on this track which soon turns northwards and then westwards following the Water of Lee on the left. Approx. half a mile beyond the Stables of Lee take the right hand track Northwest which climbs up Muckle Cairn and continue in a Westerly direction on a faint path down the other side of the hill. On a clear day the Shielin of Mark Bothy should be in seen in the distance. Continue through peat hags to the bank of the Water of Mark and follow this Westwards to find a suitable crossing near the bothy at NGR 337627. The bothy is maintained by the Mountain Bothies Association (MBA) and is open for anyone to use, a suitable stopping point for a rest and refuel. There are no paths leaving the bothy, either follow the north bank of the Water of Mark Westwards for approx. half a mile before heading Northwards and downhill to follow a small stream on the left or climb the small hill behind the bothy and continue Northwest downhill, keeping to the left of a line of shooting butts to pick up the small burn. There is now a faint path which soon turns Westwards to follow the east bank of the Allt Darrarie. Continue downhill to reach the location of the washed away footbridge at NGR 319839. Cross the river to the west bank over stepping stones just upstream from this point and follow the path downhill to reach the Spittal of Muick visitor centre. Turn right to reach the upper car park where our bus will be parked. NGR 310852.

Walk Distance approx. 11.5miles/18.5km Climb 1700ft/520m.

Download file: Walk 1 Invermark to Spittal of Muick.gpx

 

Walk 2:- The above walk can be extended by starting the walk from Tarfside. From the parking area in Tarfside walk a short distance Westwards along the road and where the road turns sharp left continue straight ahead. Continue on a track Westwards to pass Westbank and continue to reach the road a short distance from the parking area at Auchronie to follow the walk notes above.

Walk Distance approx. 14.2miles/22.8km Climb 2000ft/609m.

Download file: Walk 2 Tarfside to Glen Muick.gpx

 

Walk3:- If anyone would like a shorter walk the only option is to take the bus to the end of our walk in Glen Muick but please bear in mind this involves a journey of approx. 60 miles with the driver likely to have to take a compulsory rest period on route. There are various walks around the Spittal of Muick area but time may restrict your walk options.

Download file: Walk 3 Glen Muick.gpx

 

Bus departs 5.30pm for Aberdeen at 7.30pm

The above notes are for guidance only and are intended as an aid to be used along with a map and compass and/or a GPS device with OS maps.

In the event of an emergency arising, the person in charge today should be notified, if possible, before the emergency services are contacted on 999.

Committee member in charge of today’s walk is Alan Wallace. Mobile No. 07597311049

 

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