Best Walking Trails In and Around Ballater for Adventurous Travellers
Thinking of exploring Ballater’s many walks, hikes and trails? This picturesque Victorian village offers a wealth of natural beauty to explore, with scenic landscapes and hidden historic landmarks to discover off-the-beaten track.
Ballater is known for attracting hillwalkers of every level, with its very own walking festival held each May that includes guided walks tailored to both casual and experienced walkers alike.
If you’d prefer to set off on your own outdoor adventure, however, this guide details the best walking trails and hikes in Balloch that can be reached directly from our very own Balmoral Arms, offering a cosy and comforting retreat in the heart of Aberdeenshire.
Easy Walking Trails In and Around Ballater
Cambus O'May Pinewood Trail
Winding its way through a beautiful Scots pine forest, the Cambus O'May Pinewood Trail is one of the most scenic and tranquil walking routes to explore in the area.
It’s also relatively easy to undertake as a leisurely stroll, with plenty of opportunities to spot red squirrels and other wildlife along the way. Discover some majestic views up Deeside and stop for awhile to admire the trail’s many lochrans, or small lakes, that are nestled amongst various points of the waymarked path.
Loch an Eilein
If you’ve embarked upon a mission to discover Scotland’s many lochs, then you’ll want to stop by Loch an Eilein. Featuring an easy and well-maintained trail around the picturesque site, this 5.6km circular woodland trail takes around 1 hour 16 minutes to complete and includes views over to the 13th-century island castle upon its own island and a pleasant stroll through the scenic Rothiemurchus Forest.
Burn O’Vat
Formed by glacial meltwater over thousands of years, Burn O’Vat is a testament to nature's enduring force. Taking only around 20 minutes to complete, this easy route takes you through woodland paths, before leading you to this impressive natural spectacle. With its dramatic rock formations and the rushing waters of the Vat Burn, it's a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and geology buffs alike.
Moderate Walking Trails In and Around Ballater
Craigendarroch Summit
Offering one of the best views of Deeside, the Craigendarroch Summit is a circular trail from the village that takes around 1 hour and 2 minutes to complete.
Even though it’s fairly short to complete in terms of length, some walkers may find it a challenge due to the long and steep climb to the summit, not to mention it can prove rocky and slippery so good footwear is a must! Once at the top, though, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of the area and may even spot deep-score marks within the exposed rock, a geological feature leftover from the Ice Age.
Ballater Bridges and Knock Castle Circular
History buffs will enjoy this scenic walk across several bridges over the River Dee, passing by the ruins of Knock Castle, a ruined 16th century tower that sits upon a prominent hill just outside of Ballater.
Also known as ‘Seven Bridges’ to the locals, you can guess just how many crossovers you’ll need to make before reaching the end of the route! Look out for Mackenzie Monument too which commemorates Sir Allan Russell MacKenzie, the 2nd Baronet of Glen Muick who died in 1906.
Loch Muick Circular
This moderate trail takes just under 3 hours to complete and takes you around the scenic Loch Muick, an essential spot if you want to enjoy local wildlife and stunning views of the surrounding landscape including local deer if you’re lucky.
You’ll want to ensure you wear waterproof boots on your travels, however, as the trail can be a bit boggy in places with some rocky patches.
Balmoral Cairns
Explore the stunning historical cairns erected by the Royal Family on the Balmoral Estate using this moderate circuit. With stunning views of Balmoral Castle and the surrounding countryside, it’s a beautiful hike that includes a trail through a wooded area with fantastic payoff views of the castle towards the end of the route. Just note that the trail can be a bit steep in some places, so be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes.
Challenging Walking Trails and Hikes In and Around Ballater
Lochnagar and Loch Muick Circuit
If you’re an experienced adventurer looking to take on the munros of Ballater, consider the Lochnager route which takes you across a good number before following the length of Loch Muick.
Along the way you’ll see impressive rock basins, beautiful lakes, deep cutting valleys and scenic views, the route is generally split into two with the first area around Lochnager comprising of munros and the second part following from Auchallater a gravel road that’s about five kilometres to the Loch Callater Lodge.
Meikle Pap, Cac Carn Mor, Lochnagar and Loch Muick
Be prepared to do a fair share of ascent and descent over the day with this challenging route that takes just under 7 hours to complete. The trail offers stunning panoramic views but it can be tough going at certain points with loose rocks ensuring that good footwear is an absolute necessity. You’ll also want to download an offline map in the event of changeable weather and bring layers to cover up for use towards the top of the route.
An Socach
One of the longer walks near Ballater, An Socach takes around 5 hours to complete and is best tackled on a clear, bright day. The trail can take you across rough and boggy terrain so you’ll want to ensure you have good footwear, but if you’re prepared to tackle some tough terrain and are physically fit to take on some steep sections, you’ll find plenty of rewarding views on this scenic trail.
Càrn an Tuirc and Cairn of Claise
Càrn an Tuirc offers a challenging yet rewarding hike for experienced mountaineers. As the most northerly Munro in the Glenshee circuit, this summit boasts panoramic views of the surrounding Cairngorm mountains. The ascent is characterised by grassy slopes and a distinctive boulder field at the top, providing a unique and exhilarating experience. While the trail may be demanding, the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the peak is unparalleled, making it a coveted challenge for avid hikers.
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