Ballater paths
Alert
Ballater, renowned for its royal connections, lies on a meander of the River Dee under the shelter of Craigendarroch. Ballater is a very attractive village that has helped put the ‘royal’ into Royal Deeside, and is the nearest settlement to, and was the railhead for, Balmoral Castle which lies eight miles along the River Dee to the west.
The Deeside Way runs from Aberdeen to Ballater and is suitable for walking and cycling. Between Aboyne and Ballater it follows the line of the old Royal Deeside railway offering fine views of the river Dee and surrounding hills.
The countryside around Ballater offers a wide variety of paths with fine views, a rich local history and abundant wildlife. These are seven mainly low-level routes that are waymarked and signposted from Station Square in the heart of the village.
Ballater, renowned for its royal connections, lies on a meander of the River Dee under the shelter of Craigendarroch. Ballater is a very attractive village that has helped put the ‘royal’ into Royal Deeside, and is the nearest settlement to, and was the railhead for, Balmoral Castle which lies eight miles along the River Dee to the west.
The Deeside Way runs from Aberdeen to Ballater and is suitable for walking and cycling. Between Aboyne and Ballater it follows the line of the old Royal Deeside railway offering fine views of the river Dee and surrounding hills.
The countryside around Ballater offers a wide variety of paths with fine views, a rich local history and abundant wildlife. These are seven mainly low-level routes that are waymarked and signposted from Station Square in the heart of the village.
Alert
Quick resources
Paths and trails
Need to know
We hope you enjoy exploring the trails around Ballater, but please do so responsibly. The National Park is a special place with rare wildlife, some of which is sensitive to disturbance. You can help protect the local wildlife by following all signs and keeping dogs close by (on a lead where requested).
Please help conserve capercaillie in Pannanich Woods by keeping your dog on a lead / close at heel and on the path from April to mid-August.
Towns and villages
Relevant alerts
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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a wildfire warning impacting parts of the National Park from Wednesday 13 August until Tuesday 19 August. If you are out and about in the Cairngorms National Park please observe the following guidance:
- Do not light any fire or barbecue.
- Always ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and take your litter (including glass) away with you.
- Enjoy the outdoors responsibly - most wildfires are caused by human activity.
- Stay alert - with dry vegetation and warm weather, fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and burn intensely.
- If you see a wildfire, dial 999.
For further updates on wildfire risk across Scotland, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website.
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The footbridge over the Water of Tanar at Coirebhruach is closed for safety due to bank undermining. This is the bridge on the Mounth Road at the top of Glen Tanar, at the foot of the northern approach to Mount Keen (NO 406 896).
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The riverside loop on the Seven Bridges Walk, between Bridge of Gairn and the junction near Polhollick Bridge is closed due to a section washing away in flooding. An alternate route is already shown as part of the walk route, please use this alternate high route parallel to the A93 instead.
