The best walks and hikes in Deeside And Lochnagar

You can explore over 140 different hiking routes in the Deeside and Lochnagar region. The trails range from easy riverside walks to difficult mountain ascents, with the majority being rated as moderate, offering plenty of choice for most fitness levels.

Yes, the region has many trails suitable for families. For a walk that combines history and scenery, consider The Balmoral Cairns loop from Crathie. It's a moderate walk of about 10 km that takes you past historic cairns on the Balmoral Estate. Another great option is exploring the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, which has several well-marked, gentle trails.

Dogs are welcome on most trails, but it's important to keep them under control, especially near livestock and during bird nesting season (typically April-July). The area is part of the Cairngorms National Park, so always follow local guidance. The expansive trails around Glen Tanar and the Deeside Way offer excellent long walks for you and your dog.

For a challenging day out that bags two Munros, the Mayar & Driesh loop from Glen Doll is an excellent choice. This difficult 14.8 km route involves a significant ascent of over 760 meters and offers fantastic views from the summits.

The region is full of rewarding circular routes. For a moderately challenging loop with panoramic views over Braemar, the Morrone & Carn na Drochaide loop is a great option. This 15.7 km hike ascends over 560 meters, providing a real sense of the vast mountain landscape.

The walk around Loch Muick features a notable detour to the picturesque waterfalls at Glas-allt Shiel, a lodge built by Queen Victoria. Additionally, the Linn of Dee and Linn of Quoich are dramatic gorges on the River Dee and River Quoich, both featuring powerful water flows and are accessible via short walks.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning mountain scenery, the sense of royal history on the Balmoral Estate, and the variety of trails that range from gentle woodland paths to the challenging high plateaus of the Cairngorms.

Climbing Lochnagar is considered a strenuous and challenging mountain walk, typically taking 6-7 hours. The popular circular route covers around 19 km with over 900 meters of ascent. The path includes a steep boulder field known as 'The Ladder' and requires a good level of fitness and navigation skills, especially as weather on the plateau can change rapidly.

For any mountain hike like Lochnagar, you should be prepared for all weather conditions, even in summer. Essential items include waterproof and windproof clothing, extra warm layers, sturdy hiking boots, a map and compass (and a GPS device as backup), and plenty of food and water. For lower-level walks, comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof jacket are still recommended.

Yes, the Deeside Way is a popular long-distance route that runs for 66 km (41 miles) from Aberdeen to Ballater. It follows the line of the old Royal Deeside Railway and offers a relatively flat and accessible way to experience the changing scenery of the valley. You can walk or cycle sections of it as shorter day trips.

The Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve is a must-visit. It's home to the Burn O'Vat, a giant pothole carved by glacial meltwater that you can walk inside. The reserve also contains ancient Caledonian pinewood remnants, similar to those found in the wider Caledonian Forest, offering a glimpse into Scotland's ancient landscape.

Buses, primarily operated by Stagecoach Bluebird, connect Aberdeen with towns along Deeside like Banchory, Aboyne, Ballater, and Braemar. From these towns, you can access many local trailheads on foot. However, reaching more remote trailheads, such as the car park for Lochnagar at Spittal of Glen Muick or Glen Doll, can be difficult without a car or taxi, so it's best to plan your transport in advance.