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Morrone Circuit from Braemar.

Start/Finish

Anywhere in Braemar village or it is possible to drive to the end of Chapel Brae where there is a limited height car park just before the duck pond.

Distance/Time

10 km.      About 4 hours.

Peaks

Morrone, 859 m, NO 132 886.     OS sheet 43.

Introduction

Morrone dominates the village of Braemar and is the only view looking south. However, its summit is not seen from the village nor is any part of the high aerial. It is a very popular peak and the route is well signed. On a clear day, it offers superb all round views. This circular route gives fine views out to the east and south, not seen so well if the ascent route is retraced.

Route

(1) Walk along the main street in the village, past the Co-Op, until a roundabout is reached on the left. Turn left here and walk up the road called Chapel Brae, ignoring the turning into the Royal Park where the Braemar Gathering is held. Reach the end of the tarmac road just before a duck pond, slightly hidden. A car park is off to the left. Continue up the track soon taking the left fork. Follow this track until a path starts by a post with a blue band on it. Take the path which leads to a viewpoint cairn and bench before rejoining the track. A sign post is reached and this indicates the path up Morrone. This zig-zags up the steeper part of the hill before the gradient eases and it heads straight up. There is a trig point and very large cairn which marks the summit of Morrone, 859 m. There are also buildings and a tall aerial.

(2) Descend SW on the obvious track which goes over the S Top where it turns SE before heading ENE down to the minor road on the W side of Clunie Water which is followed N, through the Golf Club, back to Braemar.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 9^th October, 2016, and, previously, by the direct route up and down.

(b) Those who wish for a quicker and shorter return can retrace the ascent route which has been posted separately as Morrone Direct.