Walking Holidays & Outdoor Adventures in Deeside

Royal Landscapes, Highland Trails, and the Heart of the Cairngorms

Deeside lies on the eastern edge of the Cairngorms National Park, following the River Dee from its mountain source to the foothills of Aberdeenshire. It’s a region where pine forests, open moorland, and royal estates meet — a perfect setting for walking holidays and outdoor adventures in the Scottish Highlands.

The area combines grandeur and tranquillity. From the wild upper glens around Braemar and Glen Lui to the gentler countryside of Ballater and Banchory, Deeside captures the beauty and heritage of Scotland’s great outdoors. Trails range from high mountain routes and forest circuits to historic estate walks where red deer roam and rivers shimmer under vast Highland skies.

Trails & Routes

• Lochnagar & Glen Muick – Classic mountain and lochside walks in Royal Deeside, with dramatic scenery and wildlife.
• Ballater to Balmoral Trails – Forest and riverside paths connecting historic estates and viewpoints.
• Linn of Dee & Glen Lui – Peaceful glen walks near Braemar, where the Cairngorm mountains rise in every direction.
• Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve – Easy trails around lochs and granite crags at the eastern gateway to the park.
• Jock’s Road – A historic mountain route linking Glen Doll in Angus with Braemar, once Scotland’s oldest right-of-way.

Adventure Highlights

• Explore Lochnagar and its surrounding corries, one of Scotland’s best mountain walks.
• Visit Balmoral Castle and the wider Royal Deeside area, rich in history and scenery.
• Walk along the River Dee, from alpine beginnings to wooded glens and villages.
• Enjoy wildlife watching — golden eagles, red squirrels, and stags in their natural habitat.
• Cycle or drive sections of the SnowRoads Scenic Route, linking Deeside with Speyside and Highland Perthshire.

Explore the Area

• Braemar – Highland village surrounded by mountains and glens, gateway to high-level walks and winter adventures.
• Ballater – Characterful town near Balmoral Castle, ideal for exploring forest and riverside paths.
• Banchory – Eastern Deeside hub with access to waterfalls, hill walks, and the Muir of Dinnet.
• Glen Muick – Wild lochside landscape beneath Lochnagar, offering classic Highland hiking.
• Crathie – Historic village near Balmoral, with short walks and cultural landmarks.