Beinn Iutharn Mhòr and Càrn Bhac Loop

Beinn Iutharn Mhòr and Càrn Bhac is a remote 20-mile loop from Inverey, usually a 9–10 hour day with about 983 m of climbing. The route climbs Càrn Bhac first, crosses high peat-hagged ground, then ascends Beinn Iutharn Mhòr before descending back into Glen Ey. Do it for two Munros and the quiet, broad upland between them; choose it only if you are comfortable with an all-day outing and route-finding away from clear paths. The 20 miles covers the complete Inverey loop.

From the small hillwalkers’ parking area at Meikle Inverey, follow the southwest track past Inverey House. At about a kilometre, where the track and Ey Burn fork, take the left branch, cross the burn and climb the zigzag to the glen-side track. It crosses the burn several times on the long approach. Near the lower track, Colonel’s Bed is a separate short detour to a gorge below the path; its edges are loose and slippery, so there is no reason to go down into it. The route passes the scant ruins of Auchelie and fenced Piper’s Wood before reaching Altanour Lodge, a roofless former shooting lodge sheltered among trees. Beyond the lodge, muddy vehicle ruts and faint paths replace the clearer track.

Keep right at the first fork above Altanour. A maze of wet tracks crosses Alltan Odhar and climbs an ill-defined ridge with grouse butts before the final pull over damp ground to Càrn Bhac’s stony cairn. It is a broad, shapeless summit rather than a dramatic point, but its open top gives a wide look across the southern Cairngorms. The route-finding gets harder here: the tracks fade, and several lines across the hillside can look equally plausible.

Follow the ridge toward a 920 m top, then descend over extensive peat hags at the bealachs before climbing toward Beinn Iutharn Mhòr. This is the roughest part of the day. The northeast flank is very steep and mostly loose scree; only traces of a path may show on its left side in summer. Take time choosing secure footing. Once on the summit ridge, the ground becomes pebbly and easier to follow. The crest curves around to the large cairn at the 1,045 m summit.

From Beinn Iutharn Mhòr, retrace the ridge northeast, then descend steeply onto rough moorland. Faint paths above the west side of Allt Beinn Iutharn lead toward a bridge over Alltan Odhar and back to Altanour Lodge; the bridge is not shown on some maps. From the lodge, retrace the long Glen Ey track to Inverey. The return is not a shortcut: save enough daylight and energy for the walk out after the summits.

The small parking area is in Meikle Inverey; there is no bus to the start, and the nearest bus stop is in Braemar. No food or water point has been verified along the route, so carry enough for the whole day. Use a map and compass as well as a device, and be ready to navigate in poor visibility. The route crosses Mar Estate land where stalking can take place; check the estate’s current arrangements before a weekday walk in late summer or winter. Dogs are allowed under Scotland’s responsible-access rules; keep them under close control, especially near livestock and on open moorland during the ground-nesting season.