Glenshee, Glen of the Fairies

7 suggested walks starting at the Spittal of Glenshee

To get the most out of your visit to Glenshee we strongly suggest you get out and about even on the shortest walks to truly appreciate this special place the fairies call home. Please note all times are suggested only and are based on casual walking times. Although there is a right of access walking can come into conflict with different estate activities especially during the stalking season (September to February), please follow signs or contact estates in advance. Use OS Landranger 43 Braemar and Blair Atholl, or OS Explorer 387 Glen Shee and Braemar.

EASY

1) Dalmunzie Driveway
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 1 hour

The walk to Dalmunzie Hotel and Golf Course is very pleasant, flat, and easy to follow. Simply take your time walking to the Hotel and back enjoying the peace of the glen.


MODERATE

2) Glenlochsie Lodge (old railway line)
Distance: 8 miles
Time: 2½-3 hours

Follow walk 1 up to Dalmunzie Hotel, pass the Hotel and go left through gate with sign for Glenlochsie. Follow the path which joins with the old railway line for just over 2 miles to the lodge. There is no need to cross the river (unless you want to in which case follow the path to the lodge crossing the river twice), the railway line zig zags at the first ford, so go up to your right and you will meet the railway line again. From here follow path all the way to the Lodge. It was lived in until 1930's and was used for hunting parties as a base, it marks a spectacular point where two burns tumble into one. The railway was built into the hillside in the 1920’s and offers amazing views as you return along its length including an old bridge across a waterfall.

3) Gleann Taitneach
Distance: 7 miles
Time: 2½-3 hours

A truly spectacular walk up a glaciated glen. Starting at the Spittal of Glenshee, walk over humped back bridge towards the church and turn left just before the church. Follow the track all the way up the glen (the river will be on your left), it turns round the bottom of a big hill called Ben Gulabin, keep following the track which curves round to the right up Glen Taitneach, you can go as far as you like up the Glen but towards the end it becomes steep and rises to Loch Nan Eun (this walk does not include the steep part!). To get home just retrace your tracks. However for a round trip just cross the bridge half way back down Glen Taitneach and follow the track back to Dalmunzie driveway, go left on the driveway and walk back down to the Spittal of Glenshee. There is plenty of evidence of cottage footings along this route and keep your eyes open for mountain hares, deer and eagles.

4) Forest Walk
Distance: 3½ miles
Time: 2-2½  hours

Follow the Glenbeag Mountain Lodges sign up the forestry track through and past the Lodges, go through the gate and continue towards the forestry. Go through the second gate and continue through the forest until you reach its end. Here you will have magnificent views of Glenshee and the glens beyond. Continue along the road until it forks right. Go downhill passing sheep buildings until you reach the golf course. From here it is a short stroll back down the Dalmunzie driveway. Note: You do have the option of continuing along the high road through the second forest until you reach the river, where you turn back along the dirt road to the driveway, this would be another couple of miles.

SERIOUS

5) Ben Gulabin (806 metres)
Distance: 3-4 miles
Time: Minimum 4 hours

Easily the most recognisable mountain at the Spittal of Glenshee, Ben Gulabin towers above the glen and offers as a reward magnificent views of the Cairngorms to the West & North. Ben Gulabin can be reached either from the Spittal of Glenshee side or Gleann Taitneach side.  For a circular walk ascending the ridge from the Gleann Taitneach side is a good option. Follow walk 3 up track with river on your left. From here you can choose your ascent, you can go right round the base of Ben Gulabin and climb from the Gleann Taitneach side, but it is going to be steep and hard work which ever way you climb. A possible alternative is to simply make for the first clearly defined ledge. From here you can still enjoy wonderful views of the glen. For those keen to reach the summit, you simply continue upwards until you reach the highest point marked by a cairn. Then continue following the ridge back to the Spittal, choosing a safe descent route. 

6) Ben Earb (801 metres)
Distance: 3-4 miles
Time: Minimum 3 hours

Ben Earb is the delightful peak to the south west of Dalmunzie Hotel. Follow the Cateran trail from the Spittal heading south west until you reach the top of the ridge. From here you can choose to meander into our neighbouring glen towards Enochdhu and Kirkmicheal or make for the summit for which you need to follow the fenceline to the right for a mile and a half to the summit which is marked by a cairn and provides extensive views back to Glenshee and south to Strathardle.  Retrace your steps back or return by heading north via Dalmunzie Golf Course and Driveway.

7) Glas Tulaichean (1051 metres)
Distance: 15 miles
Time: 6-8 hours

Glas Tulaichean is a serious day walk that links walks 2 & 3 and is very popular with experienced hillwalkers. It can be walked in either direction, but generally most people complete it in a clockwise manner travelling up Glenlochsie and returning via Gleann Taitneach. Follow walk 2 to Glenlochsie lodge which makes a good spot for a rest before a steep ascent. The four wheel drive road behind the lodge can be followed all the way to the top of the mountain marked by a cairn/trig point. This is a long section and steep to start with. It eventually flattens out with glorious views to the west. From the summit you follow the ridgeline north to north-east until you reach Loch nan Eun (visible for parts of the walk). This is another nice spot to have a rest and enjoy the peace and quiet. The loch marks the start of the Taitneach burn so cross over to the north eastern side and descend along a path enjoying the waterfalls until you reach the glen below. From here simply follow the path/road as for walk 3 back to the Spittal of Glenshee.
Gleann Taitneach from Gulabin
Gleann Taitneach from Gulabin


Below Ben Gulabin
Below Ben Gulabin


Winter Stroll up Glenlochsie
Winter Stroll up Glenlochsie


Cairn at the head of Glenlochsie
Cairn at the head of Glenlochsie


Glenlochsie Walk to the Old Hunting Lodge
Glenlochsie Walk to the Old Hunting Lodge


Atop Gulabin looking over Glenshee
Atop Gulabin looking over Glenshee


A peaceful rest on Ben Earb
A peaceful rest on Ben Earb


Atop Glas Tulaichean
Atop Glas Tulaichean


© 2010 Plexus Media LtdGlenshee Tourist Association invite you to experience the Glen of the Fairies, Perthshire, Scotland