Loch Muick lies in a deep trough of hills at the head of Glen Muick, about 12 km southwest of Ballater on the Balmoral estate. A lane runs up the glen to the car park at Spittal of Glenmuick. From there an easy track goes round the loch, which is about 3.5 km long, with steep slopes, birch and red deer on both sides.
It's also the standard start for Lochnagar (1,155 m), the mountain that dominates the Deeside skyline. The path to the summit is obvious. Reckon on 6–7 hours and about 19 km for the round trip. The top is a featureless plateau with cliffs on its north edge, so take care in mist.