Hiking to Bachnagairn and Davy’s Bourach: A Wild Loop from Glen Doll

Route Summary

Start point: Glen Doll car park
Distance: 10 miles
Elevation gain: 640 m
Route map: OS Maps plotted route
Terrain: Mostly clear track and path. One boggy, faint section
Navigation notes: Pay particular attention between climbing out of Bachnagairn and joining Jock’s Road; it is easy to stray in poor visibility

A note on planning
This route description reflects my own experience and is not intended as instruction. Planning should take into account the conditions on the day and the current access information.

Why This Route Is Worth Considering

This one’s a great route if you’re building hill legs or just want a mix of scenery without full-on Munro bagging. It gives varied views and one of the quietest loops you can do starting from Glen Doll. Davy’s Bourach is also such an interesting place to visit; the hike is worth considering just for that.

Glen Doll works well as a hiking base for a wide range of routes in the Angus Glens. A dedicated Glen Doll guide brings these walks together and explores how the area can be used for repeat visits.

Start Point And Facilities

The walk starts at Glen Doll car park (£3 charge). There are toilets on site, a Cairngorms National Park Ranger station and information boards with route options and weather info.

Out Through The Glen

From the car park, head back the way you drove in and take the first left just after the small bridge. This leads onto an initially wide track that follows the glen upstream. It’s a steady warm-up, with a clear ongoing trail past Moulzie and beyond.

A person walking along a grassy path in a mountainous landscape under a cloudy sky. — Pass to the right of houses at Moulzie, then along the open glen

A hiker standing on a wooden bridge over a riverside, holding a map, with misty hills and autumnal landscape in the background. — Pass to the right of houses at Moulzie, then along the open glen

Towards The Forest

The trail passes over a bridge and climbs gradually into Bachnagairn Forest. It is a great break spot. It’s sheltered and you can listen to the cascading water from the nearby waterfalls.

A hiking selfie featuring two individuals smiling in a forested area. One person wears a blue jacket and the other a black jacket with green accents. Both appear to be enjoying their outdoor adventure. — We decided the forest offered the perfectly sheltered spot for a tea break

Eventually, the path leads out the back of the forest and curves uphill onto open ground.

A hiker in a bright blue jacket and red beanie stands on a rocky outcrop, overlooking a scenic valley with rolling hills and autumn foliage. — The path climbing out the back of Bachnagairn

The Boggy Bit

Once you’re out of the trees, the path becomes less obvious. This section across the open moor is boggy, especially after rain. After the path levels off for a while, there is a faint section NW of the Craigs of Loch Esk. You can pick it out if you keep focused, but expect some slower, squelchy going.

Eventually, you’ll meet Jock’s Road at a T-junction. Turn left.

Down To Davy’s Bourach

A hiker in a blue jacket and red hat walking on a trail surrounded by heather-covered hills and mountains in the background.

The walking improves again here. The path contours gently left down the side of the glen with big open views and a real sense of remoteness. After a while descending, you’ll come across Davy’s Bourach. This small, rough stone shelter is tucked into the hillside and has a fascinating, but tragic history (see below). We stopped here for another break. It’s basic, but solid, and well-placed if the weather turns.

Davy’s Bourach nestled into the glen
Dad enjoying his well earned sandwich

A bit of history: Davy’s Bourach was built by Davie Glen. He was a hill walker and dry stane dyker from Tealing. A tragic New Year’s Day storm in 1959 claimed the lives of five members of the Universal Hiking Club from Glasgow. Davie had helped in the search efforts and personally found two of the victims. It wasn’t until April that the final body was recovered. He constructed the small stone shelter as a place of refuge for others caught out in the hills. A nearby plaque honours those who lost their lives.

Back To Glen Doll

A woman and a man standing on a hiking trail surrounded by rocky terrain and mountains in the background.

The trail continues downhill, staying clear and distinct all of the way. There’s a signed detour down along the glen floor due to storm-damaged trees. It’s easy to follow and links back onto the wide forestry track. At the next junction, take a left, and you’re on the final stretch back to the car park.

Kit Notes

Dad and I both wore Keela Outdoors kit for this hike, which performed really well in the mixed conditions. I had on the women’s Stratus jacket and Nevis trousers, provided by Keela for testing.

Dad was in the Keela Pinnacle jacket and Nevis trousers. I bought these for him as a treat after he admired my Keela pieces.

Two hikers standing on a wooden bridge over a stream in a mountainous landscape, wearing outdoor clothing and smiling. — Dad and I in our Keela Outdoors kit

Ciss Outdoors is an independent outdoor and travel publication exploring places through time spent outside. Writing draws on personal experience and regional familiarity, with an emphasis on practical judgement.

Related reading:
Glen Doll: A Hiking Base in the Angus Glens

Glen Doll to Corrie Fee: A Scenic, Accessible Hike in the Angus Glens

Ciss Outdoors