Guided Walks

When Balmoral is open to the Public the Ranger Service are pleased to offer a series of guided walks. Each Wednesday afternoon during April, May, June and July they provide a guided woodland walk, which starts from the Carriage Exhibition at 2.00 p.m.

This walk will take you through the grounds and gardens of Balmoral, passing by some of the monuments and cairns. Your guide will explain about the history of Balmoral as well as the woodland, wildlife, flora and fauna.

The walk last approximately two hours and covers between two and three miles. There is no charge for the guided tour - however the Estate admission fee must be paid.
Guided Walk

Balmoral Children’s Events

Join the Rangers on the 1st and 3rd Monday during July and August, for exciting nature activities and games. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Dates: 5th & 19th of July, 2nd & 16th August.
Meeting point: Spittal of Glen Muick Visitor Centre.
Time: 2.00 p.m. until 4.00 p.m.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential– 013397 55059

Balmoral Luxury Land Rover Tours - Daily vehicle tours.

Explore the hills and forests of Balmoral Estate in the company of an experienced guide. Enjoy a ‘behind the scenes look’ at the wildlife and management of one of Scotland’s most famous estates.
Meeting point: Balmoral Estate Office.
Cost: £50 per person - cost includes entry into the grounds, gardens and exhibitions at Balmoral. Tours last for approximately three hours.
Booking essential – 013397 42534.
See www.balmoralcastle.com for further details.

Themed Guided Walks

The Ranger Service also provide a programme of special themed guided walks during the spring, summer, autumn and winter months.  

To book a place on one of these guided walks please give the Ranger Service a call on 013397 55059.

In 2010 there will be the following special guided walks:-

Saturday 6th of March – Tree Planting Day. Offset your carbon footprint for 2010!

Come and assist the rangers planting native trees in Glen Muick. Tools and training provided. Organised to celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity.

Meeting point: Spittal of Glen Muick Visitor Centre.
Time: 11.00 a.m. until 3.00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Booking essential – 013397 55059.

Saturday 10th of April – Learn to Read or Get Lost!

A practical guide to basic navigation, including taking bearings, grid references and mountain safety. Bring a map and compass if you have one. Distance 10kms, ascent 350m.

Meeting point: Spittal of Glen Muick Visitor Centre.
Time: 10.00 a.m. until 3.00 p.m.
Cost: £5.00 per person
Booking essential– 013397 55059.

Friday 23rd of April – Birds B4 Breakfast.

An excellent opportunity to observe the courtship rituals of black grouse from the luxury of a Land Rover Discovery. Organised to celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity.

Meeting point: Spittal of Glen Muick Visitor Centre.
Time: 6.00 a.m. until 8.30 a.m.
Cost: £5.00 per person
Booking essential, limited places available– 013397 55059.

Monday 3rd of May – Red Deer Ramble.

Discover the intriguing lifestyle and learn about the management of the majestic red deer of Glen Muick. Organised to celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity. Distance 4.5kms, ascent 50m.

Meeting point: Spittal of Glen Muick Visitor Centre.
Time: 10.00 a.m. until 4.30 p.m.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential– 013397 55059.

Saturday 12th of June – Mending Our Ways.

Come and join the rangers as they repair the damage caused by hundreds of thousands of trampling feet on some of Scotland’s most popular paths. Take part in a day of practical conservation action in spectacular mountain scenery. All tools and training provided.

Meeting point: Spittal of Glen Muick Visitor Centre.
Time: 10.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential – 013397 55059.

Saturday 3rd of July – Lochnagar Ascent.

Enjoy a full day on one of Scotland’s highest peak, looking at the natural history and management of ‘Dark Lochnagar’. A full mountain day. Hill-walking gear and a good level of fitness required.Distance: 19kms, ascent 1050m.

Meeting point: Spittal of Glen Muick Visitor Centre.
Time: 9.30 a.m. until 5.00 p.m.
Cost: £10.00 per person.
Booking essential– 013397 55059.

Friday 9th of July – Wildflower Wander.

Identify the wonderful array of wild flowers in Glen Muick and learn more about their habitat and uses. Organised to celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity.

Meeting point: Spittal of Glen Muick Visitor Centre.
Time: 2.00 p.m. until 4.00 p.m.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential – 013397 55059.

Friday 30th of July – Spectacular Summer Scrambles.

Join the rangers on an exposed rocky route up one of the local munros. A good level of fitness and a head for heights are required for this strenuous but rewarding hill day.
Distance: 12kms, ascent 750m.

Meeting point: Spittal of Glen Muick Visitor Centre.
Time: 9.30 a.m. until -5.00 p.m.
Cost: £10.00 per person.
Booking essential, limited places available. – 013397 55059.

Saturday 7th of August - Glen Girnock Circuit.

This low level circuit will travel up Glen Girnock passing the abandoned houses of Loinveg, Camlet and Bovaglie. We will visit one of Queen Victorias favourite little houses at the Genechal before a short walk along the South Deeside Road leads us to the path around Creag Ghubais and back to where we started. Distance 16kms, ascent 350m.

Meeting point: Crathie Tourist Information Centre.
Time: 10.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m.
Cost: £5.00 per person
Booking essential – 013397 55059.

Friday 13th of August – Night Hunters and their Prey.

Get up close and personal with bats and moths. Come and dispel all your fears of these intriguing animals. If weather allows we will also take the opportunity to do some star gazing at this event. Joint event with Aberdeenshire Ranger Service for Ballater Victoria Week.

Meeting point: Spittal of Glen Muick Visitor Centre.
Time: 8.00 p.m. until late.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential– 013397 55059.

Monday 30th of August – Meet Your Ancestors.

A guided tour around the Spittal of Glen Muick Township. Meet the township residents along the way and hear some of their tales and find out how they live. Organised as part of Scottish Archaeology month. Distance 1km, ascent 30m.

Meeting point: Spittal of Glen Muick Visitor Centre.
Time: 2.00 p.m. until 4.00 p.m.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential– 013397 55059.

Saturday 25th of September - A Cycle Through Time.

Join the rangers during Scottish Archaeology Month on a guided bike ride through Glen Muick. Discover the fascinating history of the old inhabitants of the Glen. Distance 30kms, Ascent 450m.

Meeting point: Ballater car park, next to the Glenaden Hotel.
Time: 10.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential – 013397 55059.

Saturday 30th of October – Caledonian Pine Forest Walk.

A guided walk through pristine native pinewoods in the company of a ranger. Experience the autumn splendor of one of the UKs finest habitats. Learn how these ancient woods are being managed for wildlife. Organised to celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity.
Distance 10kms, Ascent 250m.

Meeting point: Keiloch Car Park.
Time: 10.00 a.m. until 3.00 p.m.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential – 013397 55059.

Saturday 13th of November – Riverside Walk.

Follow the River Muick during the peak salmon run. Learn more about the fascinating wildlife and management of this pristine mountain river. Bring a packed lunch. Distance 11kms, ascent 230m.

Meeting point: Mill of Sterin, Glen Muick.
Time: 10.00 a.m. until 1.30 p.m.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential – 01339755059.

Saturday 11th of December - International Mountain Day Winter Ascent.

Climb a winter peak with the Balmoral Rangers. A high winter walk, the exact route will be decided on the morning of the walk and will mainly depend on weather conditions. A good level of fitness required.

Meeting point: Spittal of Glen Muick Visitor Centre.
Time: 9.30 a.m. until 3.30 p.m.
Cost: £5.00 per person
Booking essential– 013397 55059.

 

Guided Walk

 

 







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