Braemar
Nine miles west of Balmoral, is Braemar, the final town on Deeside, lying at the foot of the awesome, brooding Cairngorm massif, which dominates the Eastern Highlands.
Even at the height of summer you can see a dab of snow still lying in a hollow in the surrounding mountains, and Braemar is an excellent base for hiking, and winter skiing at Glenshee. Braemar is officially the coldest place in Britain and is well known for its mountains and Scottish wildlife.
It's an attractive little place, much loved by Queen Victoria and much visited during its annual Braemar Gathering (or games), which attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, amongst them members of the royal family. The games are held on the first Saturday in September. Booking is essential and tickets can be bought in advance from the Booking Secretary, BRHS, Coilacreich, Ballater, AB35 5UH, Tel. 755377
The Tourist Information Centre in Braemar is in Balmoral Mews, on Mar Rd. It's open daily Jan-May and Sep-Dec 1000-1700, Jun 0930-1800, Jul-Aug 0930-1900. Tel. 741600.
The Braemar Highland Heritage Centre, in Balmoral Mews by the tourist office, includes informative talks (in several languages) on the area, an exhibition and shops. Daily Apr-Sep 0900-1800 (Jul-Aug till 2000), Oct-Mar 1000-1700. Free. Tel. 741944. For rental of ski equipment, try The Braemar Ski School Hire, in Victoria Hall on Glenshee Rd.
Just north of the village, and well signposted, is Braemar Castle, dating from 1628. This impressive fortress was used by Hanoverian troops after the Jacobite Rising of 1745. It is L-shaped, with a star-shaped defensive wall and a central round tower with a spiral stair. There are barrel-vaulted ceilings and an underground prison. The world's largest cairngorm (a semi-precious stone, a variety of quartz, which is yellow, grey or brown in colour) weighing 52lbs is on display in the morning room. There's also a piece of tartan worn by Prince Charles Edward, Bonnie Prince Charlie. See below for opening times. Tel. 741219.
A very scenic side trip from Braemar is to the Linn of Dee, six miles west of the village, at the end of the road. Here, the river thunders through a narrow gorge to spectacular effect. There are numerous walks from here along the river, or for the more adventurous, the famous Lairig Ghru, which runs through the Cairngorms to Aviemore (see below).
Phone code: +44 (0)1339
Eating Out
The only decent places to eat are the bars of the larger hotels, which are a bit on the expensive side. Braemar Lodge serves meals 1200-1400 and 1800-2100.
Useful Websites
Region
AberdeenshireTravel Directions to Braemar
Local Sights & Activities for Braemar
Braemar has an array of outdoor leisure activities too. The 18-hole golf course attracts golfers all year round. There are plenty of climbing and walking opportunities. Other attractions on offer include Braemar Castle which dates back to 1628; the Cairngorms National Park, Highland Safari tours and the Glenshee Snow-sport School and Ski Centre- tel:(013397) 41320.
Festivals
Braemar is home to the world famous Braemar Gathering held annually on the first Saturday in September. The Junior Highland Games is held as part of the annual Braemar Gala Week in July.
Castles Nearby
Walks
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Loch Morlich to Lairig Ghru walk
The famous Lairig Ghru is an ancient route through the Cairngorms which passes between Ben Macdui and Braeriach. It is a very strenuous walk and only for fit and experienced hikers. An easier proposition is a 12-mile loop which leads to the start of the Lairig Ghru pass, starting from Loch Morlich.
Nearby Distilleries
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Royal Lochnagar Distillery
1845 Ballater based distillery made famous by children's books by Prince Charles
Braemar Hotels & Accommodation
Check out the best deals with LateRooms for Hotels in the Braemar area.
Accommodation is hard to find before and during the Braemar Gathering, but at other times of the year there's plenty to choose from.
Best of all is the Braemar Lodge Hotel, Tel. 741627, on the outskirts of the village on the road south to Glenshee and Blairgowrie. Book through the LateRooms link above for the best prices.
There's also the Invercauld Arms Hotel, Tel. 741605, and the Callater Lodge Hotel, Glenshee Rd, Tel. 741275, www. hotel-braemar.co.uk Small and comfortable.
There are plenty of guesthouses and B&Bs, including Schiehallion House, Tel. 741679, open Jan-Oct on Glenshee Rd; and Clunie Lodge, Tel. 741330, on Cluniebank Rd.
There's a SYHA Youth Hostel, Tel. 741659, open all year, at Corrie Feragie on Glenshee Rd; and also Rucksacks, 15 Mar Rd, Tel. 741517, a cheap and friendly bunkhouse that's popular with hikers and also rents out mountain bikes.
Between the Linn of Dee and the tiny settlement of Inverey, a mile to the east, there's a very basic youth hostel (open mid-May to early October), which has no phone, so book through Braemar hostel. A postbus runs in the afternoon (Monday-Saturday) from Braemar to the Linn of Dee, via the hostel.
There's camping at Invercauld Caravan Site, Tel. 741373, open Dec-Oct, on Glenshee Rd.
Braemar Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
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Castleton Holiday Cottage near Braemar - Sleeps 2
Very sweet little Semi-detached cottage in centre of Braemar on quiet street. Sleeps two people in one bedroom. -
The Old School House, Braemar - Sleeps 5
Totally renovated, traditionally spacious, detached holiday cottage set in the small hamlet of Inverey, 4 miles out of Braemar on the road to the Linn of Dee. Wide open expansive views to the rear of the h... -
Horsechestnut Cottage, Braemar, sleeps 8
This is one of a delightful group of four houses set on the fringe of this Royal village with the River Clunie gently flowing past at the rear. Very well furnished and equipped to a good standard offering ... -
Mar House, nr Braemar, sleeps 8
Nestling in a secluded, wooded position overlooking the River Dee valley, this superior stone house has been totally renovated to offer the finest facilities. Winter sports are also catered for with skiing at Glenshee 20 minutes away. -
Meall Darroch, Braemar - sleeps 4
This traditional cottage sits on the banks of the River Dee. Meall Darroch looks pretty as a picture and has the welcoming warmth of an open fire. The holiday cottage has been fully modernised, carefully f... -
Stuffers Cottage, Braemar - Sleeps 2
Overlooking the gentle meandering bends of the River Dee where wild red deer roam, this former taxidermist’s workshop and cottage has been completely rebuilt under the ‘Mar Estate Golden Jubile... -
The Knock, nr Braemar - Sleeps 8
A spacious and very well-equipped traditional stone house, sitting in a woodland area on Mar Estate at Inverey. Offering Magnificent views across the Upper Dee Valley to Ben Macdui, the heart of the Cairng...