Lochnagar Hills

Range Of Mountains, Range Of Hills in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Lochnagar Hills

Coire Boidheach in winter During winter, a narrowing of the coire fills with deep snow, and large cornices form. In February 2023, there was less snow than usual, exposing the stream which would normally be buried under many feet of snow at this time of year — Coire Boidheach in winter Credit: Mike Duguid

Lochnagar Hills, located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is a range of mountains or hills that forms part of the Grampian Mountains. Situated within the Cairngorms National Park, the hills are a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering breathtaking views and a variety of recreational activities.

The Lochnagar Hills stretch for approximately 8 miles, with the highest peak being Cac Carn Beag, standing at an impressive 3,786 feet. The range is characterized by its rugged terrain, deep corries, and stunning lochs, including the iconic Loch Muick. These features were shaped by the movement of glaciers during the last Ice Age, leaving behind a dramatic landscape that attracts hikers, climbers, and nature lovers alike.

The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including red deer, golden eagles, ptarmigans, and mountain hares. The hills are also renowned for their flora, with heather, bilberry, and crowberry covering the slopes during the summer months.

There are numerous walking routes and trails available, catering to all levels of experience and fitness. The most popular route is the circular walk around Loch Muick, providing stunning views of the surrounding hills and the chance to spot wildlife. For more experienced hikers, the ascent of Lochnagar itself is a challenging but rewarding endeavor, offering panoramic vistas over the surrounding countryside.

In addition to hiking, the Lochnagar Hills offer opportunities for mountaineering, rock climbing, fishing, and camping, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an adventure in the Scottish Highlands.

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Lochnagar Hills Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.933984/-3.2672848 or Grid Reference NO2283. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Coire Boidheach in winter

During winter, a narrowing of the coire fills with deep snow, and large cornices form. In February 2023, there was less snow than usual, exposing the stream which would normally be buried under many feet of snow at this time of year

Mike Duguid

Coire Boidheach in winter

A narrowing of Coire Boidheach on the plateau catches snow, and the resulting cornices cast shadow making the coire more readily visible from distance. In summer, the terrain is boggy and unremarkable: was the original meaning of the name "beautiful corrie" conceived in summer or winter?

Mike Duguid

Summit Carn a' Choire Bhoidheach

A Munro defined as a mountain in Scotland with a height over 3,000 feet (914.4 m), and which is on the Scottish Mountaineering Club (SMC) official list of Munros; there is no explicit topographical prominence requirement.

Ralph Greig

Summit Cairn of Gowal

Munro top 983m

Ralph Greig

Cairn on Fafernie

Looking north to the cairn on Fafernie, with the Alpine-like Cairngorms on the horizon.

Scott Cormie

Summit of Cairn Bannoch

Stony summit of Cairn Bannoch from the south.

Scott Cormie

Snow bank on the Cairn of Gowal

Snow on the north side of the Cairn of Gowal.

Scott Cormie

North-west slope of Broad Cairn

Looking down the north-western slope of Broad Cairn from beneath the summit, with Creag an Dubh-loch ahead.

Scott Cormie

Summit of Broad Cairn

Looking up to the summit of Broad Cairn from the north-east.

Scott Cormie

South Slopes of Creag a' Ghlas-Uillt

The view at approximately 1km above sea level (1000 m, 3280 ft) from the south side of Creag a' Ghlas-Uillt, one of the summits on Lochnagar, Scotland. Glen Muick and Glen Clova are visible.

Andrew Tryon