Craigendarroch Summit

Starting in Station Square, head west along the main road (Braemar Road, A93) for 370m, then turn right at the fingerpost onto Craigendarroch Walk.

In 90m, at another fingerpost, turn left onto a path leading into woods. Proceed through a small wooden gate and follow the path for a further 10m to the main fingerpost for all the walks on Craigendarroch hill.

Turn left at this fingerpost, following the Craigendarroch Summit path sign. After 25m, the path ascends steeply with zig-zags right and left. Continue to ascend on a more gentle gradient passing a bench on the right and following waymarking posts (BLACK arrows marking the direction of the Summit path throughout). The path continues to contour gently around the hill. After 400m, you will reach a fingerpost. Turn right, following the Craigendarroch Summit path.

It is now 650m distance and approximately 120m of ascent to the summit. Climb more steeply through trees and heather following the waymarking posts with BLACK arrows. The path narrows and becomes rockier with tree roots as it winds through the trees and heather with the final section climbing steeply towards the summit via a series of granite steps and slabs. (Take care in wet weather as the rocks, slabs and tree roots can become slippery.)

As you reach the summit area you will first encounter a large stone cairn and near it an information panel overlooking the village. (Warning signs south-east of the cairn and information panel advise steep and dangerous ground in the direction of the village: do not stray in that direction.) To reach the true summit, walk 25m north of the large cairn over granite slabs. This will bring you to a bench seat and viewpoint indicator located at the actual summit.

To descend from the summit, proceed north/north-east following waymarking posts and passing a small lochan 40m from the summit. The descent follows a narrow, rocky path with tree roots and uneven granite steps which, after 370m, reaches a fingerpost marking the junction with the Craigendarroch Circular walk. (Views over the Dee valley and village.)

Turn right at this fingerpost (signposted ‘Ballater via Craigendarroch Circular’) down a somewhat rocky path with slippery tree roots for 200m, where the path turns sharp left, down uneven granite steps.

A further 40m down the still rocky path, a waymarking post indicates a sharp right turn, after which you descend on a gentler gradient, passing a bench seat a further 50m on beside a large boulder.

As you continue down the widening track, keep a sharp look-out for a waymarking post after 200m. This indicates a right turn up a narrow path which, after just 50m, joins a wider track which leads down, in about 200m, to the fingerpost which you first encountered at stage 2 in this walk. From there, retrace your outward route to your starting point in Station Square.