Winter Breaks ABDN: Extreme, luxury, cosy, and super cool.
20 October 2016
Winter is one of the perfect times to visit our region, with close proximity to ski runs, snowsports centres and many indoor activities there is no better time to take a trip. Part of our region runs through the magnificent Cairngorm National Park, a must-see on any cold weather lover’s bucket list.
Lecht 2090 is based 2090 feet (645m) above sea level amid the beauty of the Eastern Cairngorms. The Lecht Activity Centre is situated in the heart of Scotland’s largest National Park at the top of the pass between Tomintoul and Strathdon.
The previously infamous road between Tomintoul and Cockbridge is one of the highest main roads in the UK and the hills around rise up to 2,700ft (775m). This natural playground offers exciting outdoor activities for both the summer and winter seasons and the local staff are keen to make sure you have an enjoyable day out on the hills.
Glenshee Ski Centre offers the UK's most extensive skiing and snowboarding facilities - we hope you will enjoy our mountains of adventure.
Glenshee's impressive 22 lifts and 36 runs offer an amazing diversity of natural terrain for all standards of skiers and snowboarders.
There are lots of options to choose from - you can join a class, go private, hire an instructor for your group, get into race training or simply take advantage of one of great value package deals.
Ballater
Ballater is the nearest town to Balmoral Castle, which explains the many “By Royal Appointment” signs that you’ll see on local shops and businesses. It is an attractive village, surrounded by hills and mountains, and enjoys a warm climate over the summer months, but is still a fantastic visitor spot in winter. It lies within the famous Cairngorm National Park.
Ballater Winter Festival takes place on November 25th & 26th 2016, perfect excuse for a visit!
Balmoral Estate Luxury Landrover Safari Tours
These fantastic safari tours are excellent opportunity to experience the stunning mountain scenery of Balmoral Estate. Accompanied by a guide, the safari tour takes you through the manicured parkland and gardens in front of Balmoral Castle. You then travel through the Estate farm to enter the old Caledonian Pine Forest. This is one of the country's most important habitats and home to the elusive capercaillie.
After spending some time exploring this pristine area we head out of the woods onto the open hillside. The views soon start to open up as we travel through the heather high up the flanks of Lochnagar, one of Scotland’s most famous mountains.
The safari then heads back to civilisation via the monuments and historical buildings of Easter Balmoral. Discover the intriguing life stories of the resident wildlife and learn about the conservation management that is currently underway to help protect some of the United Kingdoms rarest species.
Although there are no guarantees, wildlife species which are regularly encountered, include birds of prey, red squirrels, red deer, red grouse, black grouse, snow bunting and salmon.
If weather conditions are suitable safaris will also be available on weekdays in late October, November and early December. Safaris run for three hours and cost £60 per person. Minimum group size of two and maximum group size of six. Binoculars are provided.
To enquire about availability or to book a safari please contact the estate office on 013397 42534 or info@balmoralcastle.com
Crathie
The tiny village of Crathie sits on the very edge of the Balmoral estate with views of Lochnagar, the largest mountain in this area, as its backdrop. It is the entrance point for visitors to Balmoral Castle, summer home of the Royal Family.
Midway between the neighbouring villages of Braemar and Ballater, Crathie has become a mini tourist hub thanks to its proximity to Balmoral Castle; however its breath-taking location in the Eastern Cairngorms National Park is what really makes it a ‘not to be missed’ attraction in Deeside.
McDougall Mountaineering aims to give you the best Scottish Mountain experience of your life. That sounds like quite a task, but one that is achievable with their many winter activities from winter walks, navigation, skiing tours and more!
Overlooked by the impressive Cairngorm mountain range, Braemar is one of the larger settlements in Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms. The gateway to Scotland’s largest ski centre, Glenshee, this rural town attracts visitors all year round.
A simply stunning town, home to Braemar Castle, built by the Earls of Mar in 1628 as a grand Highland hunting lodge. The castle was then converted to a British Army garrison after the Jacobite Uprising of 1745. Finally the building became a family home for the Farquharson family in the 1830s and a crucial stop for Queen Victoria on her visits to Royal Deeside.
Visitors can hear all of the castle's stories and history by taking a tour with one of our local volunteers or by taking an audio guide. Twelve fully furnished rooms are open to the public.
Aberdeen Snowsports Centre is committed to providing activities for everyone. No matter what your age or experience, they'll have something exciting for you to try from ski-ing to snowboarding and tubing.
Curling is one of Scotland's growing sports and a most enjoyable way to get your exercise and meet new people at the same time.
Curl Aberdeen offers a world class venue and is open to all. The club offers excellent facilities and the sport is accessible to young and older alike. Disabled people are totally catered for with the latest in assistance.