A midweek walk by car, with car-sharing possibilities for those without.
Depart at 10 am (car-share from Kingswells P&R at 9 am) from small parking area at the access road to Little Mill, immediately on left after crossing bridge over River Girnock on South Deeside road (B976) from Ballater, heading towards Crathie.
We set off on the main track, branching right through a gate and around the base of Creag Ghiubhais, and pick up another track around the base of Creag Nam Ban. Before reaching the drystone dyke, we start to traverse and gently ascend the slope of Creag Nam Ban. After the bealach, we cross the new fence line, and follow it up to the Duchess of Kent’s Cairn and onwards following the ridge line and other cairns to Sgor An h-Iolaire (544m). From the cairn we get great views down to Camlet and across to the Coyles of Muick, and (hopefully) great views of Lochnagar too. We then drop down to Camlet for lunch and pick up the Glen Girnock track back towards Loinveg, Little Mill, and the cars.
Distance : 12.5 km; total ascent 377m; terrain mostly good, but some sections off path. OS map Landranger 44 or Explorer 388.
After the Walk, we can return to Ballater and treat ourselves to coffee/tea and scones at the Rothesay Rooms, which will be open for last orders at 3.30pm.