Aberdeen Royal Deeside Forest and Castle Tour

Deep in the Ballochbuie Forest (part of the Kings’ Balmoral Estate) lies the “Honka House”. This log cabin was a gift from Finland for the Queens silver wedding anniversary and has been a favourite picnic spot for the Royal's ever since.
Near the retreat are the stunning Falls of Garbh Allt, over which Queen Victoria had a beautiful iron bridge installed in 1878 and it is still in use today.

The tour will be set at your own pace and there will opportunities to stop and admire the views.

Our tour also takes us over the famous Invercauld Bridge, which dates back to the 18thC.

We can also visit a castle or the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, depending on timings. Distillery Tours are subject to availability and seasonal opening times. Most castle grounds are free to visit (except Balmoral), but charge for tours inside the actual castle. Contact us for details.

Please note the walk is an approx 5 miles long on well maintained and mostly gentle paths and a degree of fitness is required.

What's included:

• Guide
• Pick up

Not included:

• Distilleries charge for their tours but have free access to their shops. Prices start at £17.50pp.
• All castles have free to access to their grounds except Balmoral Castle. Prices start a £21pp.
• Please bring your own suitable walking shoes and clothing to match the weather.
• Pick up surcharges - Hotels more that 10mls from Aberdeen city-£20. 40-60mls-£40.

What to expect:

Duration: 9 hours

Aberdeen

Aberdeen

We will collect you from your accommodation in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and take you the tour.

1 hour

Invercauld Suspension Bridge

River Dee, Braemar

We cross the world famous 18th century Invercauld Bridge into the Ballochbuie Forest to start our walk.

30 minutes

Ballochbuie Forest

Ballochbuie Forest, Ballater AB35, UK

Walk to the Queens Retreat. Buried deep in the Ballochbuie Forest (a magnificent example of an ancient Caledonian Pine Forest and part of the Queens’ Balmoral Estate in Royal Deeside) lies the “Honka House”. This building, complete with sauna, was a gift from the people of Finland for the Queens silver wedding anniversary and has been a favourite picnic and BBQ spot for the Royal Family ever since.

2 hours

Ballochbuie Forest

Ballochbuie Forest, Ballater AB35, UK

The walk continues to the stunning Falls of Garbh Allt. Queen Victoria (who loved to sketch there) had a beautiful iron bridge installed in 1878 and it is still in use today.

1 hour

Ballater

Ballater

We can stop for a traditional Scottish lunch

1 hour

Royal Lochnagar Distillery

Royal Lochnagar Distillery, Ballater, AB35 5TB

After the walk/lunch and depending on our route back and timings we can stop and marvel and one of the many historical castles in the area which include Knock, Balmoral, Crathes, Drum and Dunnotter. Each castle is unique and they all have many a tale to tell.
The famous Royal Lochnagar Distillery which produces a beautiful malt which is fit for a Queen or King. The distillery is located in the estate of the Queens Castle, Balmoral and during a tour you will learn the secrets of how the whisky is distilled. The distillery tour will be booked for you by Time Exposure Travel and the entrance fee payable in advance. Distillery Tour subject to availability and seasonal opening times.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included

Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate

Banchory, AB31 5QJ

On our way back we can also visit a castle or the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, depending on timings and route.
Some castle options are:
- Dunnottar Castle- One of the worlds most iconic castles impregnably built on a sheer headland.
- Drum Castle - A stunning 13th Century Castle dating back to Robert The Bruce.
- Crathes Castle - A 16th Century masterpiece on Royal Deeside.
- Knock Castle - A well preserved ruin near Ballater that dates back to the 1600's.
Distillery Tour subject to availability and seasonal opening times.

1 hour

Aberdeen

Aberdeen

Return to your accommodation

1 hour, 30 minutes