Creag Ghiubhais

Rising above the birch and pine woods of Royal Deeside, this rugged Marilyn offers a steep but rewarding climb near Ballater. The summit provides a spectacular, front-row perspective of the Lochnagar massif and the winding River Dee. It is a quieter, craggier alternative to the popular paths found on the neighbouring Balmoral Estate.

• •The name is derived from the Gaelic 'Creag Ghiubhais', which translates as 'Crag of the Fir Tree'. This refers to the ancient Caledonian pine forest that has historically defined the character of the Deeside landscape.
• •From the summit, walkers are treated to a clear view of the massive granite corries of Lochnagar to the south, while looking west reveals the high plateau of the Mounth and the distant Cairngorm peaks beyond Braemar.
• •Despite its modest height of 486 metres, it is classified as a Marilyn because it possesses over 150 metres of prominence, standing physically distinct from the higher ground of the White Mounth forest.
• •The ascent is often started near Polhollick Bridge, a notable white-painted Victorian suspension bridge over the River Dee that was gifted to the public by Alexander Gordon in 1892.
• •While the views are undoubtedly fit for a monarch given the Balmoral setting, the hill's thick heather and hidden crags ensure the summit remains the preserve of the determined walker rather than the casual tourist.