Loch Muick

Loch Muick is a small freshwater loch on the Balmoral Estate in the Grampian Mountains of Scotland, within Aberdeenshire. It is surrounded by steep hills and is closely associated with the royal estate at Balmoral.

A well-known walking destination, the loch is encircled by estate tracks and paths that provide routes of several kilometres across open upland and moor. The Victorian hunting lodge Glas-allt Shiel, rebuilt for Queen Victoria in the late 19th century, stands on the loch’s shore and marks the site’s royal association.

Historically part of the Balmoral sporting estate, the loch and immediate catchment have been managed for deer stalking and estate recreation since the 19th century. Public access is on foot following estate guidelines.

Geographically it lies south of Braemar in the Grampian Mountains, within the boundaries of Balmoral Estate in eastern Scotland.

• Royal connection: Glas-allt Shiel, a Victorian hunting lodge rebuilt for Queen Victoria, stands on the eastern shore and is a noted historic feature of the area.
• Access and management: Access to the loch is on estate paths from Glen muick; the area is managed as part of the Balmoral Estate and is known for quiet walking routes and red deer.