Ballater's 1, 2 or 3 Peak Challenge
Moderate Walk
Depart from Green Hut Ballater at 10am(2 or 3 peaks)or 2pm(1 peak) - ON FOOT. Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Information below for 3,2 or 1 peak respectively.
Approximate Distance 14km/10km/4 km
Approximate Ascent 710m/505m/205m
Approximate Walking Time 6hrs/4hrs /2hrs
Landranger Map no. 44
DESCRIPTION
This walk starts in the village centre and takes in three of the peaks surrounding Ballater - Sgor Buidhe, Craigendarroch and Craig Coillich. A popular walk on the 2025 programme, it gives walkers the opportunity to take advantage of the Saturday for a warmup walk, the length of their choice.
The first 2 peaks are Sgor Buidhe and Craigendarroch. Leaving the village along the cinder path, we then cross the Pass road and ascend the Land Rover track towards the summit aerial, branching right just before we reach it. From the erratic stone near the top, and on the track descending the hill, we can look over towards Mount Keen and the Cairngorm peaks, including Lochnagar, Lord Byrons beloved mountain (1155m), with layer upon layer of hills and mountains in front and beyond. Having passed close to Balmenach Farm, we go over a small stream at the bottom, and cross the Pass road again. We immediately start to ascend Craigendarroch (Hill of the Oaks) through patches of rhododendron, initially pathless, but leading towards an old drystane dyke, which we cross to meet a well-worn track about half way up the hill. Soon after, we head uphill again on a steep narrow path to the summit (402m), where we get amazing views over Ballater and across to Craig Coillich, and Lochnagar once more. From here, the paths on the hill lead us back into the village and the Hut on the Green, our drop-off point for the two-peakers and pick-up point for those wishing to only do Craig Coillich. (approx 2pm).
To begin this section of the walk, we cross the Royal Bridge and follow a path through newly planted saplings along the River Dee. Crossing the main road, we enter Dalmochie woods and after a section on a good forestry road, ascend through the forest on a steep narrow track, making for the top of Craig Coillich (The Hill of the Burn). A slight detour takes us to the summit cairn (397m), which affords great views down over Ballater, Sgor Buidhe and Craigendarroch. Retracing our steps back to the main track, we descend through woods on good tracks, though steep in places, until we arrive back at the Royal Bridge and return to the Green Hut.
TERRAIN
Land rover tracks, rough paths through the woods with some steep ascents and descents, roots/rocks/steps.