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 Walks

Balmoral Children’s Events

Join the Rangers on the first Monday of every month from April to July, for exciting nature activities, pond dipping, games etc. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Meeting  point: Balmoral Carriage Exhibition at 2.00 p.m. and should finish at 4.00 p.m. There is no charge for this - however the Estate admission fee must be paid.

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 2008 there will be the following special guided walks:-

Monday 5th May – Celebrate the dawn chorus.
Join a Ranger for an early morning stroll around the woods listening to and learning about birdsong, which is at its peak at this time of year. All birds recorded will be used to help compile the new British Trust for Ornithology National Bird Atlas.
Meeting point: Alltcailleach woods, Glen Muick.
Time: 6.00 a.m. – 8.00 a.m.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential.

Monday 26th May – Watch the birdie.
Assist the rangers as they undertake a survey of the birds in Glen Muick. The results of the survey will be used to help compile the new National Bird Atlas. Training provided.
Event run as part of Scottish Biodiversity Week. Easy three mile walk.
Meeting point: The Spittal of Glen Muick Visitor Centre.
Time: 1.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential.

Saturday 7th 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 scenery. All tools and training provided.
Meeting point: Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.
Time: 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential.

Saturday 28th June – 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 required.
Meeting point: Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.
Time: 9.30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Cost: £10 per person.
Booking essential.

Saturday 5th July – The three Lochs walk.
Visit Loch Muick, the Dubh Loch and Loch Buidhe all in one spectacular mountain day.
Meeting point: The Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.
Time: 9.30 a.m - 5:00 p.m.
Cost: £10 per person.
Booking essential.

Saturday 19th July – Butterfly and dragonfly walk.
Discover the jewels of the air that inhabit our moorlands & bogs during Butterfly Conservation's ‘Save Our Butterflies Week’. Take part in this easy three mile walk during Butterfly Conservations ‘Save Our Butterflies Week’. Joint event with Aberdeenshire Ranger Service.
Meeting point: The Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.
Time: 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential.  

Monday 4th August (bank holiday) – Spectacular summer scrambles.
Join the rangers on an exposed rocky route up one of the local munroes. A good level of fitness and a head for heights are required for this strenuous but rewarding hill day.
Meeting point: The Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.
Time: 9.30 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Cost: £10 per person.
Booking essential.

Friday 15th 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. Joint event with Aberdeenshire Ranger Service for Ballater Victoria Week.
Meeting point: The Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.
Time: 8:00 p.m. until late.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential.

Saturday 27th September - Unravelling the riddles of the past.
Help us to understand the history of the Spittal of Glen Muick. Take part in a day of hands on archaeological recording at the lost township.
Meeting point: The Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.
Time: 10.00 a.m. – 3.00 p.m.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential.

Saturday 18th October – Aspen Conservation Day.
In conjunction with Butterfly Conservation, help the rangers to create aspen habitat for important butterfly and moth species.
Joint event with Aberdeenshire Ranger Service.
Meeting point: Crathie car park.
Time: 10.30 a.m. – 2.30 p.m.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential.

Saturday 8th November – Salmon safari.
A vehicle tour to search for evidence of migrating and breeding salmon. Learn about the lifecycle of this fascinating river runner.
Meeting point: Crathie car park.
Time: 1.00 p.m. – 3.00 p.m.
Cost: £5 per person.
Booking essential.
 
Thursday 11th December – International Mountain Day ascent.
Climb a local mountain to celebrate International Mountain Day.
Meeting point: The Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.
Time: 9.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. 
Cost: £5 per person.
Booking essential.
 

For further details please contact the Ranger Service

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







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