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Crathie

The Royal’s castle, Balmoral, is in the small hamlet of Crathie and is a fantastic visitor attraction.  Also you can take a peak inside the church the royals attend when they are in the area, Crathie Kirk.  Look out for red squirrels and other wildlife in the surrounding forests.

The mountainous village of Braemar, part of Royal Deeside, is a great base for adventure or relaxation on the SnowRoads. There’s an abundance of well-signposted, low-level walking which makes it a wonderful place for ramblers, who can look out at the many hills which surround the village and enjoy some sustenance in the cafes and restaurants.

It’s a wildlife hot spot and views are often accompanied by the sound of roaring deer stag or sightings of deer, red squirrels and golden eagles.


There is the opportunity to take part in many sporting activities such as playing on Scotland’s highest 18-hole golf course, pony trekking, mountain biking, hang gliding and climbing.  Nearby Glenshee offers the largest ski and snowboard area in Scotland making Braemar a truly year-round destination.


Braemar is rich in history and heritage.  There are two castles in the village - Braemar Castle and the ruins of Kindrochit Castle - built by a medieval king.


On the first week of September each year, the village hosts the Braemar Gathering, widely regarded as the most famous event of its kind in the world.  Members of the royal family regularly attend and can be spotted laughing and enjoying the traditional Scottish games and clapping along to the pipe band and highland dancers.  The Queen’s castle, Balmoral, is in the small hamlet of Crathie and is a fantastic visitor attraction as well as the church the royals attend when they are in the area, Crathie Kirk.

Gallery

Area map

Places of interest

Glas Allt Waterfall

These picturesque falls can be found flowing into Loch Muick on Balmoral Estate. Take the circular route around the loch to see the waterfall and Glas Allt Shiel House built by Queen Victoria.

Loch Muick
Balmoral Estate

Crathie Kirk

The Kirk is situated across the River Dee from Balmoral Castle on a raised elevation. 

There have been places of worship in Crathie since the 6th Century. You can still see the remains of the 14th Century Church... read more

Crathie Kirk

Crathie Kirk is a Church of Scotland place of worship most well known for regular visits by the Queen and Royal Family when they are in residence at Balmoral Castle.

http://braemarandcrathieparish.org.uk/crathie-kirk/

01339 742208

Crathie Kirk
Crathie
Ballater
AB35 5UL

Braemar and Crathie

It’s a wildlife hot spot and views are often accompanied by the sound of roaring deer stag or sightings of deer, red squirrels and golden eagles.

There is the opportunity to take part in many sporting activities such as... read more

Braemar and Crathie

The mountainous village of Braemar, part of Royal Deeside, is a great base for adventure or relaxation on the SnowRoads. There’s an abundance of well-signposted, low-level walking which makes it a wonderful place for ramblers, who can look out at the many hills which surround the village and enjoy some sustenance in the cafes and restaurants.

http://braemarscotland.co.uk/

Shop at Royal Lochnagar Distillery

https://www.discovering-distilleries.com

Email

013397 42700

Royal Lochnagar Distillery
Crathie
AB35 5TB

Accommodation

Tomidhu

Full of character and charm, Tomidhu is a modernised traditional farmhouse providing self-catering accommodation for 6-8 people. It is located in the hamlet of Crathie less than one mile from Balmoral Castle and on the doorstep to a wealth of... read more

Tomidhu

Full of character and charm, Tomidhu is a modernised traditional farmhouse providing self-catering accommodation for 6-8 people. It is located in the hamlet of Crathie less than one mile from Balmoral Castle and on the doorstep to a wealth of outdoor activities. The house is set within a fenced garden with it's own parking and has beautiful open views from all rooms. The living rooms are fitted with wood burning stoves making this a cosy home at all times of the year. Please visit our website for further information and availability.

https://www.cairngormlight.co.uk

Email

07814 233316

Tomidhu, AB35 5UL
Crathie
AB35 5UL

Activities & Attractions

Balmoral Estate Ranger Service

Balmoral Estate is a Highland estate with a long association with Royalty. Its rugged beauty first attracted Queen Victoria who bought the estate in 1852 and since then it has provided a home for successive generations of the Royal Family. Today... read more

Balmoral Estate Ranger Service

Balmoral Estate is a Highland estate with a long association with Royalty. Its rugged beauty first attracted Queen Victoria who bought the estate in 1852 and since then it has provided a home for successive generations of the Royal Family. Today the estate attracts 180,000 people per year, many of whom come to enjoy Loch Muick and Lochnagar. There is a Visitor Centre at Loch Muick, with free entrance.

http://www.balmoralcastle.com/balmoral_rangers.htm

Email

01339 742534

The Estates Office, Balmoral, Royal Deeside, AB35 5TB
Balmoral, Royal Deeside
Crathie
AB35 5TB

Activities & Attractions

Balmoral Luxury Landrover Safaris

Accompany one of our guides on a fascinating tour of Balmoral Estate. The safari tour takes you through the manicured parkland and gardens in front of Balmoral Castle. You then travel through the Estate farm to enter the old Caledonian Pine... read more

Balmoral Luxury Landrover Safaris

Accompany one of our guides on a fascinating tour of Balmoral Estate. The safari tour takes you through the manicured parkland and gardens in front of Balmoral Castle. You then travel through the Estate farm to enter the old Caledonian Pine Forest. This is one of the country's most important habitats and home to the elusive capercaillie. After spending some time exploring this pristine area we head out of the woods onto the open hillside. The views soon start to open up as we travel through the heather high up the flanks of Lochnagar, one of Scotland’s most famous mountains. The safari then heads back to civilisation via the monuments and historical buildings of Easter Balmoral. Discover the intriguing life stories of the resident wildlife and learn about the conservation management that is currently underway to help protect some of the United Kingdom’s rarest species. Although there are no guarantees, wildlife species which are regularly encountered, include birds of prey, red squirrels, red deer, red grouse, black grouse, snow bunting and salmon. The safari tours are available on a daily basis during April, May, June and July. If weather conditions are suitable thye will also be available on weekdays in late October, November and early December. Safaris run for three hours and cost £60 per person. Minimum group size of two and maximum group size of six. Binoculars are provided.

https://www.balmoralcastle.com

Email

013397 42534

Balmoral Castle, AB36 5BT
Crathie
AB36 5BT

Accommodation

Souter's Cottage

Self-catering cottage set in a secluded location just east of Balmoral. Furnished to a high standard, sleeping 4/6 (2 doubles, 1 small twin room). Large woodland garden, great for children. Large deck area with garden furniture. A new log... read more

Souter's Cottage

Self-catering cottage set in a secluded location just east of Balmoral. Furnished to a high standard, sleeping 4/6 (2 doubles, 1 small twin room). Large woodland garden, great for children. Large deck area with garden furniture. A new log cabin in the garden overlooking the River Dee.

https://www.souterscottage.co.uk

Email

07720 843353

Easter Balmoral, AB35 5TB
Crathie

Accommodation

Crathie Opportunity Holidays

We have four specially designed and equipped self-catering holiday cottages situated in a beautifully paved courtyard looking over the River Dee in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. It is the perfect destination for people with... read more

Crathie Opportunity Holidays

We have four specially designed and equipped self-catering holiday cottages situated in a beautifully paved courtyard looking over the River Dee in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. It is the perfect destination for people with disabilities as each cottage comes equipped with wheel-in shower, clos-o-mat toilet and height-adjustable sink in the bathroom and a ceiling track hoist (except Gairn cottage), the main bedroom has an electric height-adjustable bed and ceiling track hoist. The kitchen surfaces and appliances are all wheelchair accessible with room to manoeuvre. There is also a range of special equipment available, at no extra cost, such as mobile hoist, monkey pole, shower chairs, pressure relief mattress etc. The furniture and fittings are of extremely high quality and design, and each cottage has recently been refurbished and has its own individual style. Other on-site facilities include a fully-equipped laundry room, a glazed Garden Room for lazy days, a children’s play area and riverside patio. We also have a rustic log cabin where you can relax and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding you. The warmth of the welcome is fantastic; the staff are all fully committed to ensuring that their guests enjoy a peaceful and relaxing holiday among the splendour of Royal Deeside. Royal Deeside is renowned for its spectacular scenery, variety of wildlife, castles and whisky distilleries. If you want to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing holiday without worrying about access and facilities Crathie Opportunity Holidays is the place for you.

http://www.crathieholidays.org.uk/

Email

+44 (0) 13397 42100

The Manse Courtyard, Royal Deeside, AB35 5UL
Royal Deeside
Crathie
AB35 5UL

Activities & Attractions

Wild Discovery

Wild Discovery is a pioneering wildlife watching company with sustainability and conservation at its core. Experience remarkable wildlife with experts by your side: travel with purpose, tread lightly and experience more. Founded by husband and... read more

Wild Discovery

Wild Discovery is a pioneering wildlife watching company with sustainability and conservation at its core. Experience remarkable wildlife with experts by your side: travel with purpose, tread lightly and experience more. Founded by husband and wife team Dan & Rachael Brown, they bring passion and expertise to every expedition.  Let them take you behind the scenes on their fully inclusive tours, bringing you amazing wildlife and meeting conservation heros to see and hear first-hand about the incredible work being undertaken on species and habitats.  Do you only 3 or 4 days to spare? Wild Discovery Short Tours are a perfect option bringing you the BEST VALUE birding and wildlife experiences.  Wild Discovery also run tailor-made days exploring the best of the Cairngorms National Park and Royal Deeside. With so much wildlfie to choose from in this area let Dan and Rachael help you experience the best bits over half, full or multiple days. Or let us curate your very own private tour across Scotland or further afield on dates and budget to suit you. Add a shot of adrenaline to your experience and join us on an eSafari - wildlife watching from mountain eBikes through the impressive Cairngorms National Park and Highland mountains. We run tailored half or full days. This is the perfect reason to get together and share an adventure with your friends.  For a water-based, wildlife adventure, enjoy the Hebrides and the west coast of Scotland from your own private vessel. Wild Discovery offers tailor-made, guided small group cruises around the spectacular West Coast of Scotland - a perfect option for small groups. Build your field skills on a Wild Discovery Identification Workshop for birds, moths, mammals and plants. 

https://wild-discovery.com/

Email

07434 709646

Crathie Aberdeenshire AB35 5UL
Crathie