Find your Light, and be enlivened and energised in the East Cairngorms with mountain hiking and walking trails for all abilities.
Enjoy low level walks such as the Birk Wood in Braemar or the Cambus O’May in Ballater, perfect for families where opportunities for spotting wildlife are boundless.
Be more intrepid and aim for the lower summits or find hidden swimming spots around the Linn of Dee, Braemar, or the Seven Bridges, Balllater.
The adventurous, suitably prepared, can explore higher grades including Morrone, Morven and even Lochnagar.
Explore many more of our walking routes in and around the East Cairngorms on Walk Highlands, whilst also enjoying the best of our highland hospitality in Ballater and Braemar. We offer a range of accommodation and places to eat and drink so you can rest and recuperate after an energetic day
Find your light in the East Cairngorms where our light inspires the walker and climber to adventure further.
Find Mountain Hiking routes for all abilities to enliven and energise.
List of Walking Routes
Morrone Birkwood – Mostly level walk amongst birches with views to Cairngorms. Great for families. 1.5 – 2hrs. Take a break for coffee and cake or visit the Highland Games Centre.
Loch Callater – Low level glen walk to Loch Callater. Visit a Scottish bothy near the lochside. Great chance to see red deer and red grouse. 3 – 3.5 hours.
Linn O’ Dee – Popular picnic and wild swimming spot beside a rocky gorge. Numerous options for walks. Try the Glen Lui trail for a walk amongst ancient pines including river scenery and a salmon ladder. 1 hour.
Morrone – Hill walk above Braemar with an ascent of 500 metres. The best panoramic view of the Cairngorms, within the National Park, from the summit. Good chance of seeing mountain hare and ptarmigan. 4- 5 hours. At the end of the day treat yourself at the patisserie or a 5* experience at The Fife Arms.
Cairns Walk – Visit the historic cairns erected by the Royal Family in a beautiful pine wood setting including an iconic granite pyramid. 2- 2.5 hours. (Access might be restricted when the Royal Family is in residence at Balmoral Castle). After a good walk head to the Tarmachan Café for fresh coffee.
Seven Bridges – A circular walk from Ballater including a crossing of one of the famous white suspension bridges over the River Dee. 2.5 hours.
Craigendarroch – Steep climb through oak woods to the summit of a small hill overlooking Ballater. 1.5 – 2 hours.
Lochnagar – A high mountain walk featuring a steep north facing corrie. A circuit of the mountain includes a plunging waterfall, loch and magnificent views. Good opportunities for viewing red deer, golden eagle, mountain hare and ptarmigan. 6 – 8 hours.
Loch Muick Circuit – Follow in the footsteps of the Royal Family on this low level circuit of a Highland loch. Good chance to see red deer. 3.5 hours.
List of Walking Routes
- Morrone Birkwood – Mostly level walk amongst birches with views to Cairngorms. Great for families. 1.5 – 2hrs.
- https://www.hazelnut-braemar.com/
- https://www.highlandgamescentre.org/
- Loch Callater – Low level glen walk to Loch Callater. Visit a Scottish bothy near the lochside. Great chance to see red deer and red grouse. 3 – 3.5 hours
- Linn O’ Dee – Popular picnic and wild swimming spot beside a rocky gorge. Numerous options for walks. Try the Glen Lui trail for a walk amongst ancient pines including river scenery and a salmon ladder. 1 hour.
- https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/mar-lodge-estate
- Morrone – Hill walk above Braemar with an ascent of 500 metres. The best panoramic view of the Cairngorms, within the National Park, from the summit. Good chance of seeing mountain hare and ptarmigan. 4- 5 hours
- https://www.hazelnut-braemar.com/
- https://thefifearms.com/
- Cairns Walk – Visit the historic cairns erected by the Royal Family in a beautiful pine wood setting including an iconic granite pyramid. 2- 2.5 hours (Access might be restricted when the Royal Family is in residence).
- https://www.balmoralcastle.com/
- https://www.tarmachancafe.com/
- Seven Bridges – A circular walk from Ballater including a crossing of one of the famous white suspension bridges over the River Dee. 2.5 hours
- Link to ……
- Craigendarroch – Steep climb through oak woods to the summit of a small hill overlooking Ballater. 1.5 – 2 hours
- Link to……..
- Lochnagar – A high mountain walk featuring a steep north facing corrie. A circuit of the mountain includes a plunging waterfall, loch and magnificent views. Good opportunities for viewing red deer, golden eagle, mountain hare and ptarmigan. 6 – 8 hours.
- Loch Muick Circuit – Follow in the footsteps of the Royal Family on this low level circuit of a Highland loch. Good chance to see red deer. 3.5 hours
Explore pathways alongside our rivers; through our Caledonian Forests and Birch Woods; and across the Cairngorm mountains offering spectacular scenery and glimpses of our wildlife.
Plan your trip through our ‘Mountain Hiking and Walking Trail’.
Talk with our local experts at Braemar Mountain Sports or arrange a walk with Braemar Highland Experience who can guide and coach you as you develop your skills from beginner to advanced.
Book your accommodation at the walker friendly hotels, hostels and self -catering providers.
Rest your feet up in one of the local cafes and enjoy a drink or two at the end of your day in our bars, bistros and restaurants.