Carn a' Bhacain

Rising above the Dee valley near Ballater, this heathery Hump offers a quiet perspective of the region away from more popular summits. The pathless upper slopes are typical of the Mounth, rewarding the climb with a clear view of Lochnagar’s dark northern corries and the distant granite tors of Ben Avon.

• •The name is Gaelic for 'Hill of the Peg' or 'Tethering Post' (Càrn a' Bhacain), likely a reference to the historical practice of tethering livestock on these higher summer grazing grounds.
• •Most walkers approach from the north via the Polhollick suspension bridge, a Grade B listed iron structure that provides a scenic crossing of the River Dee.
• •The summit offers a commanding view of the Coyles of Muick to the south and the sprawling plateau of the Eastern Cairngorms stretching toward Beinn a' Bhuird to the northwest.
• •The terrain provides a masterclass in Mounth moorland; if you manage to reach the top without finding a peat hag deep enough to overtop your gaiters, you have chosen an inspired line.