A holiday at Balmoral is like no other. Here you are treated as our guests, staying in our warm and comfortable accommodation you will be struck by the friendliness of our staff, quality of our catering and above all the wonderful peace and quiet.

On Saturday 7th November you can arrive any time during the afternoon and settle into your room before getting together with the other guests for an evening meal in the Queen’s Buildings.

After dinner Alan Melrose of WalkDeeside Ltd, your guide, will give a short introductory talk.

The holiday finishes after breakfast on Wednesday 11th November when we say our good byes. If required we can collect you and take you back to the airport or railway station in Aberdeen.

Your Accommodation

You will be staying in the Queen’s Buildings accommodation. The style of the accommodation is simple but comfortable.

Each single room has a television / DVD, tea and coffee making facilities, a wash basin and wardrobe with shared use of toilet, bath and shower facilities. There is also a shared lounge with television and easy chairs.

All meals will be provided for on site. The menu is locally based, varied and suits the activity level of the week.

If you have special dietary requirements we will be only to happy to provide for your needs.

Itinerary

Saturday 7th November
Arrival

Arrive and settle in at Balmoral. A short introductory evening will take place to introduce you to your fellow guests.

Sunday 8th November
Brig o’ Dee to Balmoral Castle

A majestic start to our wildlife walking holiday through the Ballochbuie Forest with remnants of ancient Caledonian Pinewood, passing the Gargh Allt falls, across the moor and then the Gelder Burn before dropping down to the various Royal Cairns that overlook the Castle.

(12 km and 220 m of ascent)

Monday 9th November
Loch Muick Circuit and Dubh Loch

This walk, weather permitting, explores the remote lochs of Muick and the Dubh Loch, offering the visitor fantastic mountain landscapes home to red and black grouse as well as red deer.         
(15 km and 250 m of ascent)
           
Tuesday 10th November
Arctic Inhabitants  

This walk will take us to look at some of the wildlife species that inhabit Balmorals arctic habitats; snow buntings, ptarmigan and mountain hare.      

(12 km and 350 m of ascent)

Wednesday 11th November
Departure

Leave after a hearty breakfast. Haste ye back.

These walks are covered in the 1:50,000 Landranger Series; Sheet 44 Ballater and Glen Clova.

As with all walking holidays they are dependant on daily weather conditions, estate activities and other factors. We reserve the right to amend this programme.

The above itinerary is graded 2 Moderate ie suitable for fit novices or anyone who takes regular aerobic exercise, regular walkers and hikers and may involve some short sections of ascent, no more than 450m in one day.

Participants should ensure they have an appropriate level of fitness to complete 3 days walking.

Your Guide

This holiday is being run in partnership with WalkDeeside Ltd., a family business run by Alan Melrose, who will lead these walks.

Alan is a mountaineer, and has led Leadership Development Expeditions with young people to the Himalayas, Rajasthan, Mongolia, Kilimanjaro and the Andes. An experienced Mountain Leader and First Aider, you can be assured you will be looked after.

Both WalkDeeside Ltd and Balmoral Estate are members of Wild Scotland, an Association of Wildlife Tourism Operators, you can be assured that we operate to the highest environmental standards.

Sample Menu

For further details please contact the Visitor Enterprise Manager

Telephone: 013397 42534
Fax: 013397 42034
E-mail: info@balmoralcastle.com