Lochnagar via Loch Callater

Thinking of doing this as an out and back, just wondering if it is fairly easy to make a loop, by going in from Braemar east, looking at the map it looks fairly complicated navigating through the forrest to get to the north side of lochnagar, is this more straightforward than it looks, as will just be using a paper map, any help appreciated.

Hello Fergal I hope you’ll forgive me for saying if navigating forest roads is a challenge for you then the mountain tops are pushing your limits even further?

From Invercauld Bridge through to Glen Gelder is dead easy to follow with a map. When it comes to Lochnagar itself the high routes are well worn in and identifiable and fine riding. Up past Meikle Pap is bouldery portage. The track NW from Carn an t-Sagairt Mor is a good descent. I’ve actually never used the track from Loch Callater to get onto Lochnagar.

I’ve done it a few times past Meikle Pap and down Carn t-Sagairt Mor, but if you get a fine day and want to ignore my comments in the first paragraph the best way is the full White Mounth munros circuit from Loch Muick or Crathie.

https://www.strava.com/activities/2422870232

You can get free grid reference providing apps for your smartphone if you don’t have a gps device, which can service as a back up to using a map and compass.

TBH I find navigating the open mountains easier than forest tracks. Mapping of the latter is often poor and they can change after the map is printed. Mountain tops are a lot more permanent.

TBH I find navigating the open mountains easier than forest tracks. Mapping of the latter is often poor and they can change after the map is printed. Mountain tops are a lot more permanent.

+1

On the MTB guide assessment there is a reason they take you into the forest for the navigation day and out onto the mountain for the other day.

Navigating in forests is much harder in general.

I usually do this ride as a loop from Braemar, east on the road to Invercauld old bridge, Ballochbuie, Glen Gelder and then up. The nav is pretty straightforward and the tracks and one vaguely important junction are all quite distinctive.
Once up at the top of the pass and meeting the walkers coming up from the Loch Muick carpark side, you have a choice of either push then carry straight up towards the summits (or alternatively in the dry only) you can loop around the south side on a contour trail to meet the Glas Allt and turn up the wee glen to the steps sections. Fair parts of that climb are rideable too, although some of the uphill water bars are a bit of a challenge.
Anyway, once up on top, it’s easy to follow the route westwards to just south of both an’t Saggairt Beag & then Mor. Loop clockwise around the second of these to pick up the top of the main descent to Loch Callater.
This suggested route is much more rideable than portage up from Callater.

Only a madman would think to try and go callater to lochnagar.

Watch out for the airplane wreckage on the left just before you drop to callater

Thanks highlandman top advice, what i should have said is that the section from Braemar is not even on my map.

Watching with interest. I’m so jealous. 🙂