From Church Square in the centre of Ballater, turn right following the B976 South Deeside and Queen Victoria Trail signs. Cross the Royal Bridge over the River Dee and turn right for Braemar. After a further half-mile turn left, signposted ‘Glen Muick’. This single-track road follows the River Muick upstream for a further 6 miles. Parking, toilets and visitor centre facilities are available at the Spittal of Muick.

There is a parking fee £ 2.00

This car park area was upgraded in 2002 to cater for the popularity of this walk. It is a good example of a working partnership between the Upper Deeside Access Trust and Balmoral Estates to manage an access and recreation issue whilst increasing the quality of the infrastructure available for walkers and visitors.

From the Car park proceed left across the bridge. Dippers can often be seen from here with their amazing ability to feed along the bottom of the Allt Darrarie. Aberdeenshire Council and Balmoral Estate provide the toilets and Visitor Centre respectively.

The route passes the Visitor Centre and goes straight ahead. The large house on your left was a keeper’s house and from 1884 three generations of the Robertson family were employed as stalkers for the Royal Family.

Keep on this track, passing paths on your left and right and then pass under the crags of Creag Bhiorach, home to a population of Ring Ouzels, the mountain blackbird.

After 3 km from the car park you will come to a bridge, take the steep track uphill - this is not a walk in the park - cache is situated at the top, not far from the cairn.

Allow up to 2 hours to get to the cache location alone and be prepared - navigation skills may be needed in poor weather, as well as suitable clothing and equipment.