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Gelder Shiel Bothy

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Gelder Shiel Bothy

Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Hut

Gelder Shiel Bothy

Name: Gelder Shiel Bothy
Rating: 2

Recommended by 4 cyclists

This Highlight goes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Cairngorms National Park

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Location: Ballater And Crathie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, United Kingdom

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Top cycling routes to Gelder Shiel Bothy

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1. Spittal of Glen Muick – Royal Lochnagar Distillery loop from Braemar

74.7km

06:00

870m

Expert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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2. Falls of Garbh Allt – View of Balmoral Castle loop from Crathie

50.8km

05:04

1,230m

Expert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3. Gelder Shiel Bothy – Falls of Garbh Allt loop from Crathie

36.6km

03:33

640m

Expert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Tips

erwinsikkens_com

August 4, 2025

A beautiful gravel path up to the Gelder Shiel Bothy, suitable for gravel bikes. The 'Royal Bothy' itself may not be as regal as you might expect, but it remains one of the most beautiful bothies I've ever stayed in in Scotland. The former stables of the royal lodge in front of it have been converted into a bothy by the MBA and have everything you need: bunk beds, a table and chairs, and a stove for warmth. Because logging or collecting fallen wood around the bothy is prohibited, the estate provides its own firewood. You can find the wood at the back of the bothy, but you still have to saw it yourself. Fortunately, there's also a saw in the bothy—thanks King Charles! The location is also fantastic, with beautiful views, and the small wood has a cozy and inviting feel. A stream with fresh water flows through it. I would love to return here someday.

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Details

Informations

Distance 6.71 km

Uphill 180 m

Downhill 10 m

Weather

Today

Thursday 23 October

7°C

2°C

0 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 4.0 km/h

See rides here

Take Me There

Location: Ballater And Crathie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Princess Beatrice's Cairn

Cac Carn Beag (Lochnagar Summit)

Crathie Kirk

Prince Albert's Pyramid (Balmoral Cairn)

Gairnshiel Pass (A939), Cairngorms National Park

Royal Lochnagar Distillery

Crathie War Memorial

Old Gairnshiel Bridge

Balmoral Castle

Allt Darrarie

Balmoral Bridge

Garbh Allt Shiel Waterfalls

Gelder Shiel Bothy

1. Spittal of Glen Muick – Royal Lochnagar Distillery loop from Braemar

2. Falls of Garbh Allt – View of Balmoral Castle loop from Crathie

3. Gelder Shiel Bothy – Falls of Garbh Allt loop from Crathie

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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