The beautiful countryside surrounding Ballater is bursting with opportunities for adventure and scenic walks. Our skyline is filled with mountain scenes, including the stunning Lochnagar, giving you plenty to tick off your walking list. It doesn’t stop up high; there are plenty of paths and trails waiting for you!
The high mountains are set back behind rolling foothills clad luxuriantly in Scots pine, and the mighty river sweeps past Balmoral Castle en route to Ballater. As well as the pinewoods there are stunning lochs. Amongst them is Loch Muick, stern and majestic, whilst Loch Kinord is more intimate, fringed by the beautiful birchwoods of the Muir of Dinnet. To the south is the Mounth, a range of plateaux almost as extensive as the Cairngorms themselves, all presided over by the grand peak of Lochnagar.
You’re guaranteed that, no matter the season, a country walk will be just around the corner. Take a leisurely stroll along meandering river banks, make steps through captivating forests and tread on exposed paths with a hidden incline to challenge, our countryside is packed with routes of escapism and adventure. The 41 mile long Deeside way is a popular route which follows the line of the Old Royal Deeside Railway and takes walkers on a scenic route from Aberdeen to Ballater. You can download a copy of our Ballater Paths Leaflet Here.
walking links
Ballater Walking For Health Group
Cairngorm National Park Health Walks
Loch Muick
Freshwater loch south of ballater
Muir of Dinnet
National nature reserve near Dinnet
Ballater Walking Festival
Ballater Walking Festival
Hillgoers
Mountain leaders offer guided walks
Tullich Kirkyard
Ruins of Tullich Kirk
Cambus O May
Woodlands with several walks some waymarked
Craigendarroch Hill
Enjoyable walk with superb views
Burn O’ Vat
A walk along the burn
Deeside Way
Path from Aberdeen to Ballater