Can anyone confirm Car Park status for me?

[Ste]

HI Guys.
My next trip north is going to be in the southern grampians. I've found 2 car parks near where we want to walk, neither in POI, but I'd really appreciate any info prior to going as they're both at the head of long valleys. First one is near Tarfside (56.911224,-2.910411), and the other is over the hill at Spittal of Glenmuick (56.952253,-3.136125). Both look great, and either would be ideal. Can anyone help?

 

[mumumum4]

Hi,
I don't know about the Tarfside one, but the car park at Loch Muick is pay and display. (money goes to upkeep of tracks) I haven't been there for a couple of years and i think it was £3 a day but I don't know the cost now. It is plenty big enough for even coaches. There was no phone signal there at all and we had to rescue two elderly ladies who were trying to call for a taxi back to Ballater (over 7 miles) after a walk. There are usually rangers around, but they go home at around 5pm. I've never stayed there overnight, as we haven't had the camper long, and I remember "no camping" signs on single track from Ballater to Loch Muick, with many backpackers camped just a few feet away!
The walks at Loch Muick are definitely worth the £3. My girls did a day walk from there which took in 5 Munros, including Lochnagar.
Not a lot of help really, sorry, but do have a great time. We are off ourselves to Ballater for the Easter week. Staying on the campsite though, as my inlaws are coming with their caravan. We shall definitely be visiting Loch Muick. Last time we were there we saw Charlie and Camilla out for a walk lol. That's true! We also saw several red squirrels which were much more interesting!
Alison
ps best time to go is actually autumn when the red deer are rutting. They are right beside you and are not the least bit interested in you. It's amazing, though the noise and violence is a bit scary.

 

[mumumum4]

I forgot to say that there is a toilet there which i think is always open, but the water is not drinkable. It is very peaty, brown, untreated water, but ok for toilet and handwash.