Day walk to the Coyles of Muick

Sunday 5th November 2023

After being delayed by Storm Babet, the DHC walk to the Coyles of Muick took place on Sunday 5th November. The forecast was for light winds and generally cloudy skies. After a short walk through woodland from the South Deeside Road near Loch Ullachie, Ken Craig, Iain Wright & Robert Brown broke through onto the open moor and glorious sunshine. After 3kms of skirting the woodland edge and a short steep climb through deep heather, we reached the summit of Meall Dubh.

On the descent we paused for a few minutes to inspect a howff just below the summit. After perhaps another 20 minutes we reached the lower top of the Coyles of Muick with its twin cairns. A south facing 'bench' allowed us to bask in the sunshine whilst having an early lunch. Visibility was excellent in all directions with great views of Lochnagar, Mount Keen, Loch Muick, Morven & Loch Muick. Wind was non-existent and there was no need to rush down. After a brief stop at the slightly higher second top, we headed down the ascent route for a short distance before heading into the Alltcailleach Forest, near a prefabricated 'cabin' complete with pot-belly stove. The descent along forest tracks was blocked at numerous locations by fallen trees. Eventually we reached the road a few hundred metres from the starting point.