Ballater Walking Festival Brochure 2020

Monday 18 th May Strenuous Walk 4: Loch Avon and Loch Etchachan - Ski Centre to Linn of Dee Distance 25km/15mls Ascent 850m/2789ft Walking time approx 9 hrs Map Landranger36/43 Departure 7am Start NH 989 059 Finish NO 062 898 Loch Avon and Loch Etchachan are in the very heart of the Cairngorms. This route involves steep ascents and descents in wild, remote country. The highlight is passing through the magnificent Loch Avon basin. We start at Cairngorm Ski Centre and climb to a height of 1141m before descending into Coire Raibeirt. The inflow into the Loch may involve wet feet where we seek out the Shelter Stone before climbing once more to Loch Etchachan. We then enjoy a beautiful return to the Linn of Dee through the Glen Derry pinewoods. Terrain: A testing mountain walk, not to be underestimated, passing through very remote country, lacking clear paths, far from help. Strong fitness and ability to cope with rough steep ground is necessary. Medium Walk 5: The Coyles of Glenmuick Distance 15km/9.3mls Ascent 500m/1640ft Walking time approx 6.5 hrs Map Landranger 44 Departure 9 am Start NO 340 951 Finish NO 340 951 This walk starts by the secluded Loch Ullachie and goes up all 3 Coyles – Meall Dubh, the Coyles of Muick and finally the Craig of Loinmuie. We will visit the newly rebuilt cairn erected to celebrate the marriage of Edward 7 th and, from here, there are stunning views of Loch Muick, Glen Muick and the Balmoral Estate. We then meander back down through the Alltcailleach Forest where we will visit the old township of Loinmuie. We finish back at Loch Ullachie where we started with Birkhall to the east. Easy Walk 6: Along the River Gairn to Ballater Distance 10km/6mls Ascent 100m/330ft Walking time approx 5 hrs Map Landranger 37 Departure 10 am Start NJ 316 004 Finish NO 370 959 From the foot bridge over the River Gairn, we start the linear walk back to Ballater. The first part is through the Long Haugh, a peaceful riverside meadow with historical associations. We pass through the hamlets of Balno, Inverenzie, Lary and Abergairn, with a detour to the ruins of Abergairn Castle. We return to Ballater through the Hilton Grand Vacations Resort at Craigendarroch and along the Deeside Way.