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Hunt Hill from Invermark

Start/Finish

Large car park at Invermark at the end of the public road in Glen Esk. This is about 12 miles up Glen Esk from Edzell which is, itself, about 5 miles north of Brechin. Edzell is signed off the A90 dual carriageway from Perth/Dundee to Aberdeen. There are no toilets at Invermark, the last ones are at Tarfside about 3 miles down Glen Esk and passed on the way to Invermark.

Distance/Time

18 km.    About 5 – 6 hours

Peaks

Hunt Hill, 705 m, NO 380 805.    OS sheet 44: Ballater.

Introduction

This is a pleasant walk which offers good views from the summit to Lochnagar, Mount Keen and Mount Battock although it needs to be a very clear day to see Lochnagar.

Route

(1) Follow the track which is a continuation of the public road. Pass Invermark castle and reach Loch Lee. Continue all the way past Loch Lee. If it is clear, the unmistakeable profile of Craig Maskeldie will soon be in view with Hunt Hill behind it. Continue on the track until it splits and a footbridge can be seen on the left (minor) fork. Cross the bridge and follow the path to the Falls of Unich then continue up the rocky glen where there has been substantial rock fall. When the path climbs out, on the right, to reach more level ground then turn right, S, and pick a way to the foot of the S ridge of Hunt Hill. Start ascending the S ridge wher ethe best chance of a path is on the right, E, edge. At the high point on the edge, turn left, W, and ascend rough but easy slopes to reach the small white quartzite cairn which is the summit of Hunt Hill, 705 m.

(2) Descend roughly NE down rough but easy slopes where there is plenty of grass to avoid the heather as well as the odd faint path. Lower down, it seems easiest to drop off the ridge to the right where there is easier grass. If it is clear, aim for the stone bridge over a tributary across the Water of Lee. Cross the Water of Lee near here. There is no bridge so if the river is high, walk downstream and cross the bridge used on the outward route. Once on the main track, walk E, past Loch Lee, back to the start.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 15^th April, 2017, and about 15 years earlier.