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Castles

United Kingdom

Scotland

Aberdeenshire

Ballater And Crathie

Balmoral Castle

Discover

Places to see

Castles

United Kingdom

Scotland

Aberdeenshire

Ballater And Crathie

Balmoral Castle

Recommended by 50 hikers out of 52

This Highlight is in 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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Best Hikes to Balmoral Castle

4.2

(13)

250

hikers

1. Balmoral Castle – Princess Beatrice's Cairn loop from Crathie

6.40km

01:53

170m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

5.0

(6)

hikers

2. Balmoral Castle – Balmoral Bridge loop from Crathie

3.32km

00:53

30m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.3

(3)

hikers

3. Balmoral Castle – Balmoral Bridge loop from Crathie

8.21km

02:18

160m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

Tips

Timber

August 11, 2019

The castle was built in the 14th century as the seat of Sir William Drummond. The area had previously served King Robert II as a hunting ground. In the aftermath, the castle, which was much smaller than today, changed hands several times until it was acquired by James Duff, 2nd Earl Fife. This rented it in 1848 to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as a vacation home. Since both were fascinated by the Scottish countryside, Albert Balmoral Castle purchased from the Earl as a private property (while the official residence of the respective monarch in Scotland to this day is Holyrood Palace in the capital Edinburgh, which inhabits the Queen every year for about a week).

The estate covers about 243 km², including several small villages. About 50 employees work all year round on Balmoral, more than the same number in addition to the season.

Translated by Google •

erwinsikkens_com

August 4, 2025

This famous summer residence of the British royal family can only be visited during spring and early summer with an entrance ticket through the main entrance. This provides access to the castle gardens and the castle ballroom, where a different exhibition is held each year. There is also a café and a gift shop.

Since 2025, a few tickets per day have also been available for enthusiasts to visit the castle's private apartments in small groups, including the room where Queen Elizabeth II's last photograph was taken. Very special, but also highly sought-after and expensive.

Translated by Google •

Daniela

January 29, 2015

One of the residences of the Royal Family since 1852, the castle is built in the Scottish Baronial style. The castle gardens and the ballroom are open to the public between April and July.

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

Balmoral Castle

1. Balmoral Castle – Princess Beatrice's Cairn loop from Crathie

2. Balmoral Castle – Balmoral Bridge loop from Crathie

3. Balmoral Castle – Balmoral Bridge loop from Crathie

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