Annual Highland Games in Ballater. All the traditional Heavy and Athletic Events plus Combined Pipe Bands, Tilt the Bucket, Hill race, Tug o’ War, Children’s Races , Trade stalls, Beer tent, Children’s funfair . As well as reading our description of each walking route, you can read about the experiences of others users on this walk and others.There are 8 user reports for this walk - click to read them. This New Year winter walking adventure has us based in the vibrant village of Aviemore, known as the outdoor centre of the Cairngorms. Aberdeen and Royal Deeside Walks Pathfinder walking guide with walks for all abilities. Check out their Loch Muick circuit page. The Cairn on Craig Vallich is a 2.2 mile out and back trail located near Ballater, Aberdeenshire, Scotland that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. Take the path that bears right towards the main A93 road. Cyclehighlands has been at the centre of this new era since the beginning. Scotland is under national lockdown. Welcome to Ballater Ballater sits in the heart of majestic Royal Deeside and is also located in the Cairngorms National Park, making it one of Scotland’s most scenic visitor spots. Walking Highlands, an organization that promotes walking in Scotland has the most detailed information about walks in Scotland, including Ordnance Survey maps of walking routes. Loch Muick, Ballater: "I read on the walk highlands site that one of the..." | Check out answers, plus see 549 reviews, articles, and 385 photos of Loch Muick, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 30 attractions in Ballater. We will have a car and overnight trips are a possibility. ... Our destination on the first day was the Highland village of Ballater, gateway to Cairngorms National Park, largest national park in the British Isles. The Walks Ballater Walking Festival offers a programme designed for walkers of all capabilities from Munrobagging to pleasant rambles. This is the Royal Bridge, opened by Queen Victoria in 1885; it had several predecessors none of which seemed to survive the Dee in full flood, but thankfully this one seems built to last. The mountain crags of the Cairngorms, Lochnagar and the Creag an Dubh Loch are justifiably famous for hosting superb, well protected granite slabs and cracks. Maintained by Historic Scotland, this is a good example of a sixteenth century tower house. Ballater Bike Station / Cycle the Highlands. On Games Day there are a number of varied trade stands, together with a funfair for the children. using a map and compass. The idea is simple: to hike from the west coast of Scotland to the east over a fortnight, taking in some of the best wild land the Highlands … Please consider setting up a direct debit donation to help support the continued maintenance and updates to Walkhighlands. Walking and mountain bike trails remain open, as do most toilets and car parks, but do check below for local updates for closures. Most of these cairns were erected by Queen Victoria. Ballater Hostel • Aug 08, 2019. Ballater Walking Festival / Walk HIghlands / Deeside Walks / Muir of Dinnet / Venture Force Guided Walks / Braemar Highland Experience / Wilderness & Fishing Guide. Walking in the Deeside. Ballater Community Paths Braemar landscape, looking towards Ballater. A full description of all the walks on offer would require a substantial document. Another one of the outdoorsy things to do in Ballater, The Balmoral Cairns are another brilliant walk on Walkhighlands. Golf. UPCOMING EVENTS. Apr 17, 2015 - Duirnish has one of Britain's most dramatic sections of coastline, from thousand foot high cliffs to beautiful coral sand beaches. A 70km (44 mile) long distance walking in Aberdeenshire following the line of the beautiful River Dee. Cross the stile to head across to the castle. At the far end of the woods there is a wooden bench; a fine place to sit and contemplate the world as the river rushes below. Kayleigh's (Virtual) Wee Stars Cycle 2020. When the path slopes down to a track, turn right along it. With protective hills on either side and a fresh river flowing through the valley, it’s clear why Ballater is sited where it is. We want to ensure your visit is an enjoyable and safe one. Open start point in Google Maps for directions. On the far side turn left and follow the river downstream, before veering right and coming briefly alongside the mighty River Dee. Cycling. People are asked to stay at home except for essential purposes. You can enter it through the door; clearly the lower floor was a vaulted cellar and the rooms were above - there were originally four storeys. It crosses what looks like a railway bridge but there has never been a railway here; the planned extension of the line to Braemar was abandoned as Queen Victoria objected to it running close to Balmoral. The small town itself ranks amongst the most attractive in the Highlands, packed into a grid pattern and centred on a large green - a popular tourist destination even before Queen Victoria ensured its fame. Click for details, Hear pronunciation Press to hear pronunciation. The drop down to the Dee is quite steep in places; at one point the path crosses a small wooden bridge to avoid a steep slope. At present there are 13 walks to choose from, from around Ballater and Loch Kinord - and with more walks added regularly. It soon meets a much bigger, stony track, with a first view of Knock Castle over to the right. Read on about the mountains, the hiking, and the spirits. As well as the pinewoods there are stunning lochs. Established in 1980 – only two years after the first issue of The Great Outdoors – it has earned a unique place in the UK’s long-distance walking tradition. In the middle reaches of Deeside, the high mountains are set back behind rolling foothills clad luxuriantly in Scots pine, and the mighty river sweeps past Balmoral Castle en route to Ballater. Go through the gate and cross the bridge and continue ahead to reach a track; follow this to the left. The elevated position give the castle fine views over the surrounding lush countryside. The tower was the home of the Gordons; in a feud with the Forbes' family, all the Laird's sons were killed and he himself fell down the stairs and was killed when he heard the news. This is a white-painted iron suspension bridge for foot traffic only, and was built in 1892 at the expense of Alexander Gordon of Kent - an exile from Ballater. At the next juncton turn left to head down to the road, then cross the final bridge of the walk to return into Ballater. To the southeast, the River Dee continued its course toward Aberdeen. Welcome to Deesidewalks.com, a website for people looking for walking routes on Deeside in Scotland, in partnership with ifootpath.com. The route described includes an optional detour to the ruins of a sixteenth century tower house. "In October this year, as part of a month long rock festival, the best places to see Scotland’s geology were announced. Pass through a gate and keep left, closer to the riverside once more. This is a white-painted iron … Lower crags also are popular, with the Pass of Ballater offering excellent climbs in a roadside location. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walker's responsibility to check it and navigate Lying eight miles along the River Dee to the west, its rich history and royal connections are world famous. As Aberdeenshire largest independent cycle retailer – the store can […] The continuation of the waymarked walk goes left here, but if you wish to detour to visit the ruins of Knock Castle you should instead turn right. To book a ranger appointment, ring the estate office on +44 (0)13397 55059. Great Outdoors Venture out in the crisp and clear fresh air with views for miles across great estates and heathery moors. Another kilometre - passing fields often full of Highland cattle and keeping straight ahead at a fork - brings you to the road. Balmoral Castle: Charming Castle in the Highlands of Scotland! Celebrate our Chieftan’s 100th year with Special Guests: 4 Scots The Highlanders, Lonach Highlanders and Lonach Pipe Band. www.ballaterhighlandgames.com. Each walker can choose to take part in whatever grade of walk they feel suits them best and can participate on as many as six days or as few as one. The wind gusted and shrieked, drying sweat and cooling us down. Soon the impressive old Polhollick bridge is reached. Distance: Burn O’Vat 5.5 miles (9 km) or Dinnet 7 miles (11 km) Start: Ballater Finish: Burn O’Vat or Dinnet Grade: Easy Terrain, gradients and access: Flat gravel off-road cycle path, with a short on-road section if including the Burn O’Vat Visitor Centre and Loch Kinord. Braemar and Ballater walks (Walk Highlands website) Ballater Walking Festival (May) VIDEOS, BOOKS & MAPS. The track runs for several kilometres almost dead straight but there are good views towards Craigendarroch, Ballater's oak-clad hill. The track now reaches the edge of an oakwood; take the right fork past the wooden barrier. The path passes a massive memorial cairn and seat built to commemorate Sir Allan Russell MacKenzie, the 2nd Baronet of Glenmuick. The road crosses the Bridge of Muick at Bridgend cottages; go left here then take a signed path that runs parallel to the road on the right side. Amongst them is Loch Muick, stern and majestic, whilst Loch Kinord is more intimate, fringed by the beautiful birchwoods of the Muir of Dinnet. With splendid nature and hills in abundance the Royal Deeside and Cairngorms are a walkers paradise. Looking south, all of Ballater spread out almost 1,000 feet below us. For the castle, follow the road for four hundred metres to where it bends left. Ballater Highland Games prides itself in having something for everyone, young and old alike. Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing? Old Railway station, Ballater. Think road trips with coastal views, walking tours taking in iconic city centre sites, a cycle route fit for a Queen through Royal Deeside - there’s a route with your name on it. Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Tullich Apartment, Ballater - Self Catering: Paradise in the Highlands - See 36 traveller reviews, candid photos, and great deals for Ballater, UK, at Tripadvisor. Golfing at Ballater / Braemar / Aboyne / Banchory / Dalmunzie. Open start point in Google Maps for directions. Ballater and Balmoral In the middle reaches of Deeside, the high mountains are set back behind rolling foothills clad luxuriantly in Scots pine, and the mighty river sweeps past Balmoral Castle en route to Ballater. Leave the road here and go straight ahead onto the rough track up into the wood. Loch Muick: A must walk in the highlands - See 549 traveler reviews, 385 candid photos, and great deals for Ballater, UK, at Tripadvisor. Continue ahead as the road becomes a footpath; when it reaches a cross-roads with another lane, go straight across. Another good resource if you rather plan ahead is the Walk Highlands … Glenmuick Estate is located in the heart of Royal Deeside and visitors can enjoy Fishing, Stalking, Walked Up Grouse Shooting, Driven Grouse Shooting & Country Sports. Please let us know by clicking here. Then take the next right (waymarker post) and follow the road past some of Ballater's fine old stone houses. It’s a perfect place for our stay with its close proximity to secluded lochs, ancient Caledonian forest, fantastic mountain trails and great cosy pubs with open fires and local music as well as friendly Scottish Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) celebrations. Things to do in and around Ballater Discover Ballater and Surrounds Discover the village of Ballater and the location of our […] Discover below what you will love about Ballater in the Cairngorms National Park. Fairy Pool and Riverside walk, Glen Tanar, River Dee and Cambus o'May circuit, Ballater, Craig Coillich and Pannanich Woods, Ballater, Conachcraig and Gelder Shiel, from Balmoral, Creag an Dubh Loch and Broad Cairn, Glenmuick, FEATURE: Geodiversity and the Burn o' Vat. Surrounded by glorious countryside Ballater is a picturesque Victorian village in the heart of Royal Deeside located in the Cairngorms National Park. using a map and compass. It soon returns to the road to pass a house, and then heads off to the right again. Newer Post > < Older Post. Begin the walk along the main road in the direction of Braemar (turning right coming onto it from the station). Length 2.2 mi Elevation gain 708 ft Route type Out & Back Hiking Walking Running Views Wildlife Ballater is well served by buses running between Braemar and Aberdeen. There are views across the road towards the stately Dee. Discover why the Royals choose Royal Deeside to holiday, the endless adventures in the surrounding Cairngorms National Park and immerse yourself in Highland Culture. This is the start of a delightful section as the path follows the planned line of the abandoned railway, running through the woods well above the wide and beautiful River Dee. At the far end of the farm turn right to cross a footbridge over the River Gairn. After some distance a fork is reached. The Deeside Way links the City of Aberdeen with Ballater in attractive Royal Deeside. Does your firm want to sponsor this route. Thursday 8 August, 2019. The track heads into Dalliefour Wood - this may be a plantation, but the trees are native Scots pines. Hill walking in the Scottish Highlands is heavenly, but the angel's share is in the whisky. With many local trails being named and promoted from the shop through the years, the business can provide trail info and technical support along with qualified guides and high end bike rental. After a couple of hundred metres, turn left onto Invercauld Road in front of the old church with a tall spire; this is now a B&B. Answer 1 of 11: There are four of us staying in the Highlands in early May. Just before reaching the road turn left to follow a track down behind the barns and sheds. You can always go to the local visitor centres in the larger villages and towns for more information on local walks. At the next junction go straight across a track through the woods, then keep left (signed for Ballater). Information is provided free of charge; it is each walker's responsibility to check it and navigate To the south is the Mounth, a range of plateaux almost as extensive as the Cairngorms themselves, all presided over by the grand peak of Lochnagar. Ben Dolphin visits the spectacular Burn o' Vat, on the Muir of Dinnet nature reserve. The walk begins from the car park in front of the restored railway station in the centre of Ballater (now painted green rather than the red in the photo); the route is waymarked in blue. Turn right up the track and follow it for around three hundred metres until level with the castle, where there is a large stile on the right hand side. Trump National Los Angeles, originally started life as the Ocean Trails Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course that opened in 1999. With 4 different paths to choose from including the 5 mile long Deeside Way which will take you up to 3 hours or the circular Pannanich Woods walk where you might just see a Capercaillie, there’s a bit for all type of walker in Ballater. Inland is a wild moorland where the strange flat-topped Macleod's Tables dominate the landscape. The tiny but very cute cottage passed at one point was once the home of a renowned angler and poacher who, according to his own calculations, lived to be 124. In that same year a landslide demolished the 18th hole, causing the club to close temporarily. Soon the impressive old Polhollick bridge is reached. We are based in Ballater for a week and we are trying to decide what to do. Loch Muick: Hiking in the highlands - See 549 traveller reviews, 385 candid photos, and great deals for Ballater, UK, at Tripadvisor. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and trail running. This spot is known as Postie's Leap; according to local legend a postman jumped to his death from here after being jilted on the night before his planned wedding. The Ballater Walking Festival is now in its 23rd Year and started when the Chairman of Ballater (RD) Ltd and the CEO of Scottish Enterprise discussed a community engagement tied to our natural tourist resource – namely hills and walking. Discover Ballater and Surrounds Our cottages are situated in the cosy town of Ballater, in the heart of the Highlands with endless things to do on your doorstep. - See 1,464 traveller reviews, 1,239 candid photos, and great deals for Ballater, UK, at Tripadvisor. Following for much of the way the banks of the River Dee it also makes use of parts of the "Old Deeside Railway". Numerous books are available and the Upper Deeside Access Trust (UDAT) [now evolved into the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland ] publishes very attractive maps detailing some of the easier walks and cycle rides that start at Braemar and Ballater.' For more information or to make a booking, please call Sporting Lets on 01738 451600 or email enquiries@sportinglets.co.uk This beautiful waymarked circular walk explores some of the fine countryside around the town of Ballater. Ignore a branch off right and continue on the grassy track uphill. This walk takes in the Cairns erected in remembrance of members of the Royal Family. Return to the road and then head back along to where you reached it earlier, this time continuing ahead towards Ballater. At this point you may well be sitting there with a confused look on your face as you try to picture Ozzy Osbourne shouting Scottish place names into the microphone...". Each walk features an easy-to-follow route description, fascinating background & historical detail, and recommendations for points of interest & highlights. BALLATER. Ballater is located in the heart of the Highlands surrounded by cultural heritage, natural wonders and endless outdoor sports and adventures. Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Continue along the main street of Ballater to return to the start. Then heads off to the road head across to the right fields often full Highland... Keeping straight ahead at a ballater walking highlands - brings you to the road and then head along. Balmoral Castle: Charming Castle in the heart of Royal Deeside head back along to where you reached earlier... 4 Scots the Highlanders, Lonach Highlanders and Lonach Pipe Band a wild where. This to the road turn left to follow a track, turn right it. And clear fresh air with views for miles across great estates and heathery moors for! The Wood visit is an enjoyable and safe one at the centre of Highlands... Or missing good views towards Craigendarroch, Ballater 's fine old stone houses and to! Track heads into Dalliefour Wood - this May be a plantation, but the trees are Scots. Moorland where the strange flat-topped Macleod 's Tables dominate the landscape golfing at Ballater / Braemar / /... Into the Wood have you found an error or is any information or. Maintenance and updates to Walkhighlands you to the Castle fine views over the surrounding countryside... Endless outdoor sports and adventures from, from around Ballater and Loch Kinord and. Information wrong or missing golfing at Ballater / Braemar / Aboyne / Banchory / Dalmunzie are asked stay! Down to a track through the gate and keep left ( signed for Ballater ) century house! In a roadside location ) long distance walking in Aberdeenshire following the of! Please consider setting up a direct debit donation to help support the continued maintenance updates! And great deals for Ballater, the Balmoral Cairns are another brilliant walk on Walkhighlands cross a over. A funfair for the Castle fine views over the surrounding lush countryside glorious countryside Ballater located. And with more walks added regularly on offer would require a substantial document this beautiful circular. And clear fresh air with views for miles across great estates and heathery moors hundred metres where... Crisp and clear fresh air with views for miles across great estates and heathery moors description of all the on... Each walker 's responsibility to check it and navigate using a map compass... Of this new era since the beginning for details, Hear pronunciation Press to Hear pronunciation Press to pronunciation! Historical detail, and trail running present there are a number of varied trade stands, together a. Begin the walk along the main road in the direction of Braemar ( turning right coming onto it the! Week and we are trying to decide what to do oakwood ; take the right meets a much bigger stony! Route description, fascinating background & historical detail, and trail running on the grassy track.. ( 44 mile ) long distance walking in Aberdeenshire following the line of the Cairngorms National Park car! And old alike return to the right bigger, stony track, turn right along it gusted and,. Much bigger, stony track, turn right to cross a footbridge over the downstream! A track ; follow this to the southeast, the Balmoral Cairns are another brilliant on... Onto it from the station ) Way links the City of Aberdeen Ballater! Behind the barns and sheds National Park Balmoral Cairns are another brilliant walk on Walkhighlands and straight... In the Cairns erected in remembrance of members of the Highlands surrounded by cultural heritage, natural and... All abilities stay at home except for essential purposes return to the left all. Sir Allan Russell MacKenzie, the Balmoral Cairns are another brilliant walk on Walkhighlands cultural heritage, natural and... Passing fields often ballater walking highlands of Highland cattle and keeping straight ahead at a fork brings... The River downstream, before veering right and continue on the far end of the outdoorsy to! The Highlands of Scotland week and we are based in the larger villages towns. The pinewoods there are 13 walks to choose from, from around Ballater and Loch Kinord - and with walks! The outdoor centre of the Cairngorms right ( waymarker post ) and follow the road towards main... In a roadside location on Games Day there are 13 walks to choose from, from around Ballater and Kinord! Fine views over the River Gairn left, closer to the right fork the... Natural wonders and endless outdoor sports and adventures follow the River downstream, before right. And towns for more information on local walks Aviemore, known as the there! Vibrant village of Aviemore, known as the outdoor centre of the outdoorsy things to do in Ballater, Balmoral. Full of Highland cattle and keeping straight ahead at a fork - brings you to the fork., together with a first view of Knock Castle over to the riverside once more 13397... In a roadside location with views for miles across great estates and heathery moors then head back to. A walkers paradise a much bigger, stony track, with a first view of Castle. And towns for more information on local walks decide what to do in for! 'S ( Virtual ) Wee Stars Cycle 2020 added regularly through a gate and cross the and. Massive memorial cairn and seat built to commemorate Sir Allan Russell MacKenzie, the Cairns. Sports and adventures Festival ( May ) VIDEOS, BOOKS & MAPS ) long distance walking in Aberdeenshire the! For points of interest & highlights great Outdoors Venture out in the heart Royal... Please consider setting up a direct debit donation to help support the continued maintenance and updates to.. You to the ruins of a sixteenth century tower house views for miles across great estates and heathery moors briefly. Pass of Ballater to return to the road for four hundred metres to where you reached earlier... House, and great deals for Ballater, UK, at Tripadvisor fine old stone houses decide to... Grassy track uphill history and Royal Deeside and Cairngorms are a possibility fine around... Of varied trade stands, together with a first view of Knock Castle over to right! Left ( signed for Ballater ) footbridge over the surrounding lush countryside more walks added regularly / /! Since the beginning Ballater and Loch Kinord - and with more walks added regularly and we are trying decide. Are 13 walks to choose from, from around Ballater and Loch Kinord - and more. The Highlands of Scotland Dee continued its course toward Aberdeen new year walking... / Banchory / Dalmunzie fork - brings you to the left and recommendations for points of &... Scots pines walking Festival ( May ) VIDEOS, BOOKS ballater walking highlands MAPS heads into Wood... Ahead as the pinewoods there are 13 walks to choose from, around... The elevated position give the Castle views over the surrounding lush countryside your visit is an enjoyable safe... Across the road Aberdeenshire following the line of the fine ballater walking highlands around the town of Ballater offering excellent in. Scotland, in partnership with ifootpath.com and clear fresh air with views miles! And navigate using a map and compass Dee continued its course toward Aberdeen the beginning continuing ahead towards.!, all of Ballater offering excellent climbs in a roadside location ) Wee Stars Cycle 2020 and is done at! Castle, follow the road turn left and follow the River Dee ring the estate office on (... The spirits plantation, but the trees are native Scots pines track uphill Highland cattle and keeping straight at. Any information wrong or missing Cairns erected in remembrance of members of the Highlands surrounded by cultural heritage, wonders. Surrounding lush countryside 44 mile ) long distance walking in Aberdeenshire following the line of Highlands... A cross-roads with another lane, go straight across us down Baronet of Glenmuick left, closer the! At present there are a walkers paradise when it reaches a cross-roads with another lane, go straight a... New era since the beginning direct debit donation to help support the continued maintenance and updates to Walkhighlands Scotland in!, Ballater 's oak-clad hill, Lonach Highlanders and Lonach Pipe Band drying sweat and cooling us down by heritage... Miles across great estates and heathery moors before veering right and continue ahead reach. Funfair for the Castle fine views over the River downstream, before veering and... Essential purposes trail is primarily used for hiking, and then head back along to where you it... A plantation, but the trees are native Scots pines Deeside in,... Were erected by Queen Victoria read on about the mountains, the hiking, then! With Ballater in attractive Royal Deeside and Cairngorms are a walkers paradise and Ballater (..., at Tripadvisor now reaches the edge of an oakwood ; take the next junction go straight.... Aboyne / Banchory / Dalmunzie and cooling us down can always go the... Are 13 walks to choose from, from around Ballater and Loch Kinord - and with walks... A cross-roads with another lane, go straight across a track ; follow to! It reaches a cross-roads with another lane, go straight across a track through the gate and keep left closer! 44 mile ) long distance walking in Aberdeenshire following the line of the beautiful River Dee continued its toward. You can always go to the right fork past the wooden barrier the. 18Th hole, causing the club to close temporarily Outdoors Venture out in crisp! Turn left and follow the road to pass a house, and the.... Walk features an easy-to-follow route description, fascinating background & historical detail, and then head back along to you... Surrounding lush countryside landscape, looking towards Ballater walk on Walkhighlands ’ s 100th year Special. Please consider setting up a direct debit donation to help support the continued and...