Beinn a' Chaorainn and Beinn Bhreac

From Braemar, drive west along its main street, veer right at the Braemar Brewery and Patisserie. Continue onwards on an unclassified road for 9km to the bridge at the Linn of Dee.

Cross the bridge over the River Dee, turn sharp right, uphill slightly and you'll come to a large, well sign-posted car-park on your left.

There is a one-way system around this car-park which is operated by the National Trust for Scotland and there is a charge to park (£3 at time of writing).

Cycling up to Derry Lodge

From the Linn of Dee car-park, head northwards up an obvious path (sign-posted) through the forest. The path climbs gently, crosses some bog via a wooden walkway, then meets up with the track travelling up the west side of Lui Water.

However, if you'd prefer to cycle from the start (which I'd recommend), it's easier to go out of the main park entrance, head east along the road to the start of the track by the bridge over Lui Water, then turn north on the track. Either way head up the track, cross the bridge over Lui Water , and reach Derry Lodge some 5km from the car-park. Leave bikes here.

Beinn a'Chaorainn's summit cairn with Ben Macdui beyond

Keeping on the south and east side of Derry Burn, follow an obvious track through delightful Scot's Pine forests northwards for around 3km. The track climbs gradually, then descends as the forest is left behind and views begin to open up. Now walking on the floor of Glen Derry, hike another 3km or so following the track to reach the burn coming down from the Moine Bealaidh . Cross the burn, which can be problematic in spate, then head directly uphill north-east through heather to the flat area south of Beinn a' Chaorainn. Cross the ground, wet in patches and ascend Beinn a' Chaorainn, picking up a developing path on the way.

There's a large cairn on Beinn a' Chaorainn's summit from where fine views are to be had on clear days to the surrounding higher peaks.

The Moine Bhealaidh and Beinn Bhreac from Beinn a'Chaorainn

Just 5km of grass-covered moorland separates Beinn a' Chaorainn from Beinn Bhreac, but crossing this can feel a bit of a slog !

Initially on a worn path through scree, descend from Beinn a' Chaorainn's cairn, aiming southwards. As the path becomes more indistinct, begin turning west-south-west and drop to the flat Moine Bhealaidh.

The terrain now grassy, is interspersed with occasional wet peat hags and burns that can be rough underfoot, testing ankles. Beyond the peat hags, you should be able to trace a faint path to follow southwards.

As this path begins uphill, it becomes more obvious and ends up on the stoney ground between the two tops on Beinn Bhreac. Turn east over a minor rise to reach the cairn on Beinn Bhreac's main summit . Nice views south !

View south to Lochnagar from Beinn Bhreac

From Beinn Bhreac's summit, aim south-west-south to a narrow gap between it and Meall an Lundain. Turn west, and pick up a faint path making a route through heather back to the path in Glen Derry . Retrace your steps to Derry Lodge, pick up your bike and return to Linn of Dee.