Start From Ballater take the B976 about a mile (1.6 km) W to Bridge of Muick, then turn left on to the Spittal of Muick road. Follow this about 7 miles (11.6 km) to its end, where there is a large car park at Spittal of Glenmuick.

Essentials 3.5 hours. Terrain Track and path round loch. Do not attempt in winter, as tracks can hold snow for some time.

Finding the way Leave the car park, turning right down the hill, and cross the bridge over the stream. Pass the picnic area and lavatories to the left, then on past the Visitor Centre in the conifer wood. Around 50 yards (45 m) further on, there is a junction with a road leading off to the right, where carry straight on through gate between two buildings. In just over 0.25 miles (0.4 km) keep right and walk down towards the loch, keeping left at the junction. Continue on the track for nearly 2 miles (3.2 km) to Black Burn Bridge, and after crossing turn sharp right, to leave the track for a well-defined path. After about 1 mile (1.6 km), a path heads off uphill: ignore this and walk around the head of the loch. Cross the two bridges over the burns (streams) and turn right towards the lodge marked Glas-allt Shiel on the map. Just before the wood follow the sign left, making a detour through the woods. Follow track leading off left, making another detour to the Glas-allt Waterfall, 0.5 miles (0.8 km). Retrace your steps and continue along the loch shore nearly 2 miles (3.2 km) to the boathouse, where turn right to cross the River Muick just as it leaves the loch. Continue on track for just over 0.5 miles (0.8 km) to rejoin outward route, then turn left and continue for just under 1 mile (1.6 km) to return to starting point.

Points of interest

At the junction leading down to Loch Muick, about 0.75 miles (1.2 km) from the starting point, there is a particularly fine view of the loch, with the rounded form of BROAD CAIRN rising on the left. You can also see how Loch Muick lies in a deep, steep-sided glacial valley, its sides levelling out to a plateau. The loch itself is exceptionally deep – about 230 feet (70 m).

THE BLACK BURN is so-called because of the dark colouring of its water, caused by the peat bog through which it runs upstream.

THE GLAS-ALLT WATERFALL makes a round trip of about a mile (1.6 km). The path is steep – follow it with care – but you may find standing right at the base of the waterfall well worth the effort.

Staying nearby

All in Ballater: The School House B & B, 01339 756333; The Auld Kirk B & B, 01339 755762, info@theauldkirk.com, www.theauldkirk.com; Glenernan Guest House B & B 07803 607638, lor.wildblood@gmail.com, www.glenernan.co.uk/en-GB