20160221 21st February 2016 – Lochnagar Plus High Tea at Station Hotel

(Map 44, Grid Ref 244861)

The mountain’s principal feature is a north-facing corrie around which most of the subsidiary tops as well as the main peak sit. The mountain is a Munro and is popular with hill walkers at all times of the year. The most common ascent route is from Glen Muick. Care should be taken on the summit in poor visibility: the plateau has few obvious features and has steep cliffs on its northern edge.

The peak also lends its name to the poem Lachin y Gair (also known as Dark Lochnagar) by Lord Byron, and the song based on it. A malt-whisky distillery located near the Balmoral estate on the south side of the River Dee produces the Royal Lochnagar Single Malt whisky.

The mountain is a site for breeding Dotterel (Charadrius morinellus) and this has led it to be designated as a Special Protection Area.

“Lochnagar” is the name of a crater in the Somme valley created by a massive mine explosion during the First World War.

Lochnagar is located on the Royal Estate of Balmoral, and the mountain itself has royal links. It is the setting for a children’s story, The Old Man of Lochnagar, originally told by Prince Charles.

In the film Mrs Brown, John Brown and Benjamin Disraeli hike up Lochnagar to discuss the need for Queen Victoria to return to active involvement with government.

We will be going to the Station Hotel for a High Tea after we have completed the walk. More than welcome just let us know if you are coming so we can book suitable number of seats.