If there was a definitive Top 10 of Scottish mountains, Lochnagar would have to feature. It's typically Cairngorm in bulk, and in the contrast between wide plateau and cavernous corrie, yet stands at a remove from the main Cairngorm range, doing very much its own thing. A massif this extensive naturally offers a number of ascent options. Most come from Glen Muick in the east; so there's a lot to be said for the quieter northern alternatives. Enabling a natural circuit around the main corrie (also called Lochnagar, as is its loch), the Balmoral route is a varied walk, from the touristy Victoriana of its starting point, through scots pinewoods and over open heather moorland, to the rocky and little-trodden tops that roll out northwards from the main summit. Having hit the high point, check out the corrie's dramatic cliffs, and maybe take in the satellite nipple of Meikle Pap, before the long but easy stride out on a good estate track. It's a fairly big day, but thanks to a handy bothy you could easily split it over one and a half. And who knows, if it's royal spotting season you might even bump into one.
