In reply to Gawyllie:
Agree odd route choice avoiding viewing the impressive vista of Lochnagars corrie. Effort wise going clockwise always feels easier, but for a first time visit anti-clockwise aiming to see the corrie lit up in early morning light from the Meikle Pap, or MP Col, with the rays catching the corrie rim and picking out the intricacies of the buttresses, would be my recommendation; even if it does mean an early start.
Post edited at 18:07