- Nature & Wildlife
Walking and hiking around Braemar
Standing on top of Creag Choinnich, the small but beautiful hill above Braemar, it is easy to see why this area is such a draw for walkers and hikers. Laid out below you is the pretty village of Braemar at the T- junction of two picturesque glens - the Clunie and the Upper Dee, above them a myriad of hills, some rounded and heathery, some rocky with deep craggy coires and some swathed in old Caledonian pine forest. It is hard to know which direction to look, as one swivels one head to take in the 360 panorama. There must be a lifetime of different routes and places to explore.
We’ll hear from Ali Hubbard – owner of Cranford Guest House and member of the local Mountain Rescue Team - who has been doing just that for the past 25 years.
Creag Choinnich
Let’s begin with Creag Choinnich itself, a short but steep hike which starts through pine woods. The path winds up onto heather slopes where the pines become increasing stunted and gnarled as they always do with increasing altitude before breaking out of the trees to provide the first views below to the village. It is then a final climb over some rocky steps to reach the summit cairn. The views are a real crowd pleaser and it is a popular walk with locals and visitor alike though it could never be described as busy! Back in the village perhaps heading for coffee and cake in a local cafe, look back to the summit of Creag Choinnich, it’s hard to believe that half an hour ago you were standing on the top, it is only a climb of 500ft but it takes you to a different world.
Return walk from Braemar village centre 1-2 hours.
Take in a few refreshments at the end of the walk at Farquarsons Bar and Kitchen for some locally sourced venison and cuts of Scotch beef and lamb or The Bothy for a fine piece - both in the heart of Braemar.
Image credit: @chasingthelongroad / Instagram
Linn o' Dee
Six miles to the west of Braemar is the Linn o’ Dee, an impressive rocky gorge, which has sheltered pools further downstream which are popular with paddlers and picnickers in the summer. This area is the largest National Nature Reserve in Britain and is the starting point for Ben MacDui which is the UK’s second highest mountain. From the Linn o’ Dee it is about a 20 mile round trip into the heart of the Cairngorms National Park - a remote and wild landscape whose climate is often described as sub arctic! – to the summit of MacDui. This is therefore an outing for the more experienced and well equipped. However, the initial part of the hike, is through the glens to an old Victorian hunting lodge at Derry Lodge. Along the route see conservation in action as the area is owned by the National Trust for Scotland whose management policy is reversing centuries of deforestation and a native Caledonian pinewood is being reborn. There is a good chance of spotting iconic Scottish wildlife en route as golden eagles, otters, black grouse and red squirrels are regularly seen here.
Return walk from Linn o’ Dee car park to Derry Lodge 3 hours
Image credit: @peakdistrict_lady / Instagram
Loch Callater
Loch Callater is an enjoyable walk which is suitable for families and is also great location for seeing red deer, red grouse and other ground nesting birds. A car park at Auchallater, two miles south of Braemar, is the starting point and a good Land Rover track is followed for three miles to the loch. Beside the loch is a shooting lodge and a bothy. The bothy can be used for overnight stays but also provides a sheltered picnic spot for those rare wet days!! It is possible extend the route by completing a circuit of the loch which is a rewarding extension to the day as the glen walls close in and the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. A word of caution, you will need to ford a river, so the loch circuit is best reserved for drier days!
Return walk from Auchcallater car park to the loch 2.5hours plus an additional 1 hour for loch circuit.
Image credit: @melinamry / Instagram
By now a trip to the Invercauld Bar in Braemar to share memories of your walk is a must visit.
Plan your routes at WalkHighlands or pick up a local walks leaflet at the Visitor Cabin in Braemar Mews.
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