Marilyn · Cairngorms
The Coyles of Muick
A trio of distinctive 599m granite tors on the southern shore of Glen Muick, instantly recognisable from the popular Lochnagar approach. The Coyles are a Royal Deeside favourite, paid the rare compliment of having been climbed regularly by Queen Victoria during her summers at Balmoral.
Quick facts
- Height
- 599.2m/ 1966ft
- Prominence
- 234 m
- Grid ref
- NO 32869 91031
- Nearest city
- Aberdeen· 63km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
Height and prominence cross-checked against the Database of British and Irish Hills (CC BY).
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Standard route
heather moorland 60% · grass slopes 25% · rocky summit 15%
Park at the Spittal of Glenmuick visitor centre and follow the southbound estate path before peeling off to ascend the eastern tor directly. A traverse of all three rocky tops is feasible — around 9km in 3 to 4 hours.
Terrain
Deep heather on the approach gives way to clean granite blocks at the summits. A short scrambly step links the central and western tors but can be avoided on the south side.
In winter
The Coyles often hold a useful covering of snow well into April thanks to their north-facing aspect. Crampons help on the tor blocks once verglas forms; the connecting cols can be wind-scoured and icy.
This hill is in the Northern Cairngorms SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 11m
- Edinburgh3h 44m
OS maps: OS Landranger 44, OS Explorer 053N, OS Explorer 388N
Mobile signal: Signal is good; EE and Vodafone both fine. Fine Deeside and Lochnagar views.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:07
- Sunset
- 21:31
- Civil dawn
- 04:15
- Civil dusk
- 22:23
NOAA Solar Calculator · 30 July 2026
Around The Coyles of Muick on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Aviemore station
Cairngorm plateau; Lairig Ghru; Speyside Way; Glenmore
48km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Ballater
Eastern Cairngorms / Royal Deeside
6km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Royal Lochnagar
Balmoral — Queen Victoria's favourite; eastern Cairngorms setting
5km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
The Coyles of Muick — common questions
- How hard is The Coyles of Muick?
- We grade The Coyles of Muick at 2/5, which puts it in moderate territory. Ground conditions: Deep heather on the approach gives way to clean granite blocks at the summits.
- How much drop does The Coyles of Muick have?
- The drop is 234m: measured from the summit of The Coyles of Muick down to the saddle joining it to higher terrain. Passing the 150m-drop threshold on all sides is exactly what makes it a Marilyn.
- What's the best month to climb The Coyles of Muick?
- Aim for March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October on The Coyles of Muick. In the remaining months treat it as a winter hill — full kit, solid navigation, and a look at the relevant SAIS avalanche forecast before you go.
- Can dogs go up The Coyles of Muick?
- Dogs are fine on a lead. The route passes livestock or ground-nesting bird habitat, so keep them close throughout.
- Will I get phone signal on The Coyles of Muick?
- Signal is good; EE and Vodafone both fine. Fine Deeside and Lochnagar views.
- Is The Coyles of Muick safe in winter?
- The Coyles often hold a useful covering of snow well into April thanks to their north-facing aspect. Crampons help on the tor blocks once verglas forms; the connecting cols can be wind-scoured and icy.
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