Activities near Ballater and Balmoral, Scotland

CRAIGARD LODGE
Abergeldie Road, Ballater, Aberdeenshire. AB35 5RR
Tel: 013397 53258

Member of "Scotland's Best B&Bs"

Activities

Tariff & Contact

Part of the Green at Ballater

Ballater offers lots of activities and facilities including numerous excellent restaurants The centre of the village surrounds a pretty green, only part of which is seen here

Ballater is beautifully situated on the banks of the River Dee in an area which is renowned for its splendid scenery. It is an excellent base from which to explore Royal Deeside, the Cairngorms National Park and the Grampian Highlands, to visit distilleries along the whisky trail and the also the many castles of Scotland's north-east.

Sightseeing and Outdoor Activities

Touring by car:
The roads in Aberdeenshire are relatively quiet, and motoring a pleasure. Ballater, being within the Cairngorms National Park, is ideally placed to tour the area, including Perth, Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee and the Moray Coast. We are happy to provide assistance in the planning of your outings.

Castles:
If you enjoy visiting castles, then you will be spoilt for choice in Royal Deeside. The National Trust for Scotland properties of Crathes (with its beautiful gardens), Craigievar (right), Fraser and Drum Castles are all within an easy drive. Balmoral Castle, the summer holiday home of the Royal family, is only 8 miles away, and the grounds are open from April to July inclusive. Braemar Castle (15 Miles) has a varied and interesting history.

Corgarff Castle and the ruins of Glenbuchat, Kildrummy and Dunnottar Castles are all within comfortable driving distance, and all worth a visit.

Craigievar Castle

Whisky Distilleries:
Eight of Scotland's most famous whisky distilleries are within a scenic drive, including Glenfiddich and Glenlivet. The nearest distillery to Ballater is Royal Lochnagar - only eight miles away. Why not visit some of the distilleries to see the whisky making process, then sample some of the most wonderful whiskies?

Golf:
There are eight golf courses within a twenty mile radius, the local ones being at Ballater (we overlook the 15th fairway), Aboyne and Braemar. These are all 18 hole courses and are in spectacular settings.

Walking:
For the serious walker there are 20 Munros in the area, but there are also many shorter and more gentle walks. A walk round Loch Muick is a "must" and is suitable for anyone of reasonable fitness. Glen Tanar Estate (9 miles) and Balmoral Estate (8 miles) have waymarked hill, river and woodland walks. Numerous lovely walks can be made from our door, including the Seven Bridges (make a slight detour and visit the ruins of Knock Castle), and the Old Railway Line to Dinnet. We have a wealth of knowledge on walking in the area, and are happy to share this with our guests and loan out Ordnance Survey maps.

A stroll around Loch Muick

Cycling:
Cycle hire is available in the village and there are many tracks and paths suitable for off-road cycling.

Fishing:
River/loch fishing for salmon and brown and rainbow trout is available in the area.

Bird-watching & wildlife:
There are buzzards, golden eagle, ospreys, capercaillie, heron, woodpeckers and crossbill in the area. Red and roe deer and red squirrels are also local inhabitants.

Red Squirrel