Ballater Royal Deeside Walking Festival -
Three organised walks a day for all ages & abilities, evening entertainment and a ceilidh to finish.
Walk Deeside
Guided walking holidays in Royal Deeside. Contact Alan Melrose at: www.walkdeeside.com
Or http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/cairngorms/braemar.shtml
Running Holidays
http://runningthehighlands.com/
Our Local Walks
Ballater is the start of a number of great walks for all ages and of varying degrees of exertion. Added to which there are some other excellent walks in the immediate vicinity from an easy stroll to the summit of mighty Lochnagar.
Walk 1 -
Go out of the back gate of the garden and turn right on to the path. This is the ‘old line’. Carry on passing the entrance to the Balgonie hotel on your left until you come to the entrance to the woods. Follow the path as it curves to the left and walk down to the river. At the river path turn left and follow the path along the river with the golf course on your left hand side. This path takes you all the way round the golf course to the caravan park with some magnificent mountain views along the way. When you reach the caravan park you can either take the path through the park which brings you out near the Bridge that you see when you come into Ballater. You can then walk back through the village just following the main road. Alternatively, (and for a slightly shorter walk), turn sharp left at the entrance to the caravan park and follow the enclosed path which brings you out in Salisbury Court and pass the tennis courts on your left Turn right onto Victoria Road and continue on until you reach the main road. Turn left again and after 5 minutes or so you will be back at the main entrance to the Hotel.
Walk 2 -
Go out of the main entrance of the Hotel and turn right onto the Braemar Road. Cross the road and take the first left. Keep to the left and as you reach a bend in the road you will see a way marker which takes you into the woods at the bottom of the hill. Follow these signs and the walk is clearly marked. When you reach about half way up to you see a sign that says ‘To the top’ on your right hand side. Take this path to go to the summit. It is narrow and rocky in parts but the path is clear . At the top there is a seat and it is worth taking the camera for the views of Lochnagar. Then head across the hill and you will soon see where the path starts again to take you down the other side. When you reach the bottom you will find that the path takes you out onto a different exit from that where you came in. Turn right onto Craigendarroch walk which brings you out onto the Braemar road. Turn right to head back to the Hotel. You can also go round the Hill but following the path straight on instead of going to the top. This is a lovely, scenic walk round the hill but do be aware that it is a narrow path and not suitable for young children as there are some quite steep drops.
Walk 3 -
Go out of the back gate of the garden and turn right on to the old line path. Carry on passing the entrance to the Balgonie hotel on your left until you come to the entrance to the woods. You will see signs for the walk on a path that heads straight on rising above the river which is on your left. Follow this well marked path until you come to a fork just before a farm where the walk signs lead you up a narrow track on the right which brings you out onto the A93 Follow the blue markers which take you alongside the road. This brings you back on to and across the road leading on to a track on the left. Follow the track towards a white suspension bridge (Polhillick Bridge). Cross the bridge and turn left. Follow the well marked path through the woods to join the South Deeside road. When you reach the junction turn left and follow the road, keeping to the left, back to Ballater.
Walk 4 – Glen Muick (lots of walks from 30 minute ambles to serious hill walking)
You will need to drive (about 7 miles) to reach Spittal of Muick but it is well worth it for the fabulous scenery and splendid isolation. There are many well marked routes across the Balmoral estate. The climb to the summit of Lochnagar also starts from here. Drive through the village toward Aberdeen but, instead of forking left before the bridge, cross over the river and turn right. Follow the road until you see a turning to Spittal of Muick just before Muick Bridge. Take this single track road for about 7 miles and park in the car park at the end (£2.00 per day). Many walks are marked when you get there.
Other Walks
Glen Tanar
The Glen Tanar estate has some well marked walks in the charming river valley. http://www.glentanar.co.uk/
Balmoral
The Balmoral estate has a range of walking and guided tours. http://www.balmoralcastle.com/
Linn o'Dee
This is an area of outstanding beauty and scene of many sightings of birds. There are a number of routes from short to 20+ miles. Follow the signs to Braemar, turn right into the village and drive through following the road past the Mar Lodge turning until the car park on the left. There is a map and visitor information there, although an OS map of the area will allow for more exploring. This is the start of the route to Aviemore for those seeking adventure.
Burn o'Vat
The vat is a natural depression with steep sides and interesting rock formations. There is a visitor centre and short circular walk with a viewpoint over the loch. There are links on the walk to the Cambus o'May route and the old railway line to Dinnet/Ballater. The centre is clearly marked from the A93 and is halfway to Dinnet from Ballater.
Mount Keen
A less well known walk but worth the effort. Off the South Deeside road heading to Glen Muick there is a private road just before the military plaque on the left where the road takes a sharp right turn. It is possible to park just before the private road, being mindful of other users. Follow the private road then path, with sheep on the right, up the hill curving gently left. The path comes out of the tree line to open hills giving marvellous views. In winter especially, many deer are to be found and are a breathtaking sight, moving in herds through the hills.
Walking