Shadow of Lochnagar Two options in the

LYING at the very heart of Deeside and in the Cairngorms National Park, Ballater is an ideal base for the enthusiastic walker. With a wide range of both low-level walks and high-level Munro-bagging expeditions close at hand Ballater offers a range of accommodation, great restaurants and cafés.

In days gone by the Royal Family would sail to Aberdeen en route to their summer residence at Balmoral.

From Aberdeen they would catch a train to Ballater from where they were driven the remaining miles to Balmoral.

Ballater railway station was closed in 1966 but remained in use as a visitor centre, which is shut at moment.

The station is the western terminus of the Deeside Way path, which runs from here to Aberdeen, mostly using the old railway line.

Many buildings in the village date from the Victorian era and the centre of the village is a conservation area.

Three years ago devastating floods brought turmoil to the village but you’d never know it today, such has been the community spirit and effort put into the widespread repairs and replacements.

The village is very much the prim and proper auntie of Deeside villages and is a delightful place to stay for a short or a longer break.

BALLATER WALK ONE MOUNT KEEN

The bridge over the Dee at Ballater; and Mount Keen and Conachcraig route maps