Creag Bhalg

Standing a few miles due west of Braemar, Creag Bhalg is a rough, heather-clad little hill rising above the forests and flood plains of the River Dee and Quoich Water.

The hill’s crest stretches north-westwards to the unusual, gorge-like pass of Clais Fhearnaig, formed by a glacial meltwater channel. Three cairns sit on the summit plateau, with a rather collapsed one marking the highest point.

The most obvious approach begins from the Linn of Dee, where a track twists up the hill’s south-western flank, leaving just over 100m of ascent on a faint path through dense heather to reach the summit.

The route can be continued along the broad crest to Clais Fhearnaig, then on to Meall an Lundain and, further afield, the Munros of Beinn Bhreac and Beinn a’ Chaorainn.

Routes up Creag Bhalg

Nearby hills and mountains

* Times shown are estimates – see timing notes on the disclaimer page for more information.