Scotland Off the Beaten Track

Aberdeenshire | Village | ★★★

Ballater is a well-kept, touristy village and former spa town on the banks of the River Dee, with historical links to the Royal Family and nearby Balmoral Castle. This is one of the best bases for exploring the quieter eastern side of the Cairngorms National Park; a car isn't necessary (though may still be useful), as several excellent walks begin right from the village centre and there's a good bus service accessing the other villages up and down the glen. One of Scotland's most iconic hills, Lochnagar, is a short drive away.


Location

📌 Ballater ★★★
Aberdeenshire, G.R.: NO 370958 ///flatten.tweed.fancied

🚌 Ballater is served by local buses on the Aberdeen to Braemar route.



See & do (<1 mi away)

>> The Snow Roads★★★★
>> Walk: Craggy Craigendarroch★★★ (map: A)
>> Walk: Mellow meanderings to the Yellow Peak★★★ (map: B)
>> Walk: The pain of Pannanich★★ (map: C)

Nearby (1-5 mi away)

>> Knock Castle★★ (1 mi ←)
>…

Aberdeenshire | Ballater | Short walk | ★★

Creag Coillich is the closest hill to the south side of Ballater. There are great views of the village from the top with Craigendarroch beyond, but this is a route fairly seldom climbed. Why? Perhaps it's because of the brutally steep paths through Pannanich Woods to get there, no matter which route you pick. But some people like a bit of suffering during their outdoor pursuits, and the reward's worth it in this writer's opinion. The monument passed on the way up commemorates the 2nd Baronet of Glenmuick.


📌 Walk: The pain of Pannanich ★★
Start / finish just north of the bridge over the River Dee (street parking) on Bridge Street, Ballater village centre, G.R.: NO 371957 ///sweat.fountain.emulating

▶ 3 km / 2 mi | ▲ 210 m | ⌚ Short | ⬤ Moderate
Summits: Craig Coillich (397 m) | Features: Mackenzie Memorial
Terrain: Clear paths and tracks through woodland to the summit, a little muddy at times and steep (especially on descent).

Route &…

Highland | Achnashellach | Full day walk | ★★★★★

Fuar Tholl (or Wellington's Nose) is a lowly Corbett jostling for space amongst the several higher hills surrounding Coire Làir. But don't judge this hill by height alone: its dramatic, craggy profile is riven by gullies, rock and ice climbing routes and amazing outcroppings such as Mainreachan Buttress. Views are tremendous throughout, from Beinn Liath Mor's shattered ridge to the north, to the graceful curves of Maol Chean-dearg in the west, and even Liathach's sawtooth ridge peeking over the top of Sgorr Ruadh from the summit. And not just hills - lovely Loch Carron gets a look in too, stretching away to the southwest. Save this one for a good weather day: Fuar Tholl seems to have a knack for retaining cloud even as higher surrounding summits clear, and missing out on these breathtaking panoramas would be a shame!


📌 Walk: Wellington's Nose - not to be sneezed at ★★★★★
Start / finish at car park on A890 near Achnas…