The Deeside Way
Alert
The Deeside Way offers the opportunity to explore a beautiful area of Aberdeenshire, starting at the coast, taking in stunning views over the River Dee before arriving in Ballater surrounded by a majestic mountainous backdrop.
The Dinnet to Ballater section is the only part of this route that passes through the Cairngorms National Park, following the old Royal Deeside Railway that once carried Queen Victoria towards her Highland estate, Balmoral. As a result, the path is fairly level, meandering through areas of forest, farmland and moorland.
The attractive white suspension bridge at Cambus o'May is a lovely spot for a picnic, before arriving at the village of Ballater where, on a clear day, you can enjoy the impressive views of Lochnagar.
Most of the route is off-road with gradual gradients making for easy going, although there are some short steeper sections. Along the way there are many opportunities to see remains of old railway infrastructure or you could detour to other paths, such as historic drove roads like The Fungle and Firmounth.
Many sections of the Deeside Way can also be walked as shorter loops, such as Ballater to Cambus o’May suspension bridge - see Cambus o’May circular route.
The Deeside Way offers the opportunity to explore a beautiful area of Aberdeenshire, starting at the coast, taking in stunning views over the River Dee before arriving in Ballater surrounded by a majestic mountainous backdrop.
The Dinnet to Ballater section is the only part of this route that passes through the Cairngorms National Park, following the old Royal Deeside Railway that once carried Queen Victoria towards her Highland estate, Balmoral. As a result, the path is fairly level, meandering through areas of forest, farmland and moorland.
The attractive white suspension bridge at Cambus o'May is a lovely spot for a picnic, before arriving at the village of Ballater where, on a clear day, you can enjoy the impressive views of Lochnagar.
Most of the route is off-road with gradual gradients making for easy going, although there are some short steeper sections. Along the way there are many opportunities to see remains of old railway infrastructure or you could detour to other paths, such as historic drove roads like The Fungle and Firmounth.
Many sections of the Deeside Way can also be walked as shorter loops, such as Ballater to Cambus o’May suspension bridge - see Cambus o’May circular route.
Alert
Paths and trails
Towns and villages
Discover the Deeside Way
More information about the entire Deeside Way from Aberdeen to Ballater
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.
