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
- Grid ref
- NO 32869 91031
- Nearest city
- Aberdeen· 63km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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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: Good signal on summit; EE and Vodafone reliable. Fine Deeside and Lochnagar views.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:17
- Sunset
- 22:09
- Civil dawn
- 03:10
- Civil dusk
- 23:17
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 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?
- The Coyles of Muick is rated 2/5 (moderate) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. Terrain: Deep heather on the approach gives way to clean granite blocks at the summits.
- When is the best time to climb The Coyles of Muick?
- The standard good-weather months for The Coyles of Muick are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up The Coyles of Muick?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on The Coyles of Muick?
- Good signal on summit; EE and Vodafone reliable. 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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