Braemar - Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms, Scotland
Overlooked by the majestic Cairngorm Mountains, Braemar is one of the largest settlements in Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms. Best known for its Braemar Gathering – a traditional Highland Games that takes place annually - and as the gateway to Scotland’s largest ski centre, Glenshee, this rural town attracts visitors all year round.
Braemar has long been the playground of Kings and nobles. In 1059, King Malcolm III and his queen came to the area and according to legend, held a great gathering at the original settlement of Doldencha. He is also credited with having built a timber bridge across the River Clunie and the original Kindrochit Castle, which was used as a base for royal hunts. The ruins of Kindrochit Castle are considered to be largely of 14th century origin replacing the presumed timber-construction of the original castle.
Into the 20th century the village was almost completely owned and divided by the adjoining estates of Mar, with Auchendryne and Invercauld on one side, and Castleton on the other. Auchendryne belonged to a branch of the Farquharsons until it was forfeited in the aftermath of the Jacobite rising of 1745. Later that century it was acquired by William Duff, 1st Earl Fife.
Beautiful Braemar still has the royal seal of approval since it lures members of the British Royal Family every year to watch the Braemar Gathering. This family event, which takes place annually on the first Saturday in September, attracts thousand of visitors from all over the World, in particular the USA. As well as enjoying highland dancing and piping displays, spectators can watch international athletes battle it out in events such as tossing the caber, throwing the hammer and the tug of war.
On the edge of the village lies the Marrone Birkwood nature reserve, which teams with a rich and diverse wildlife.
As well as attracting winter sports enthusiasts with its snow-capped mountains, the rugged landscape of the surrounding estates of Mar, Invercauld and Balmoral play host to visitors from all over the world for walking, deer stalking, grouse hunting and fishing.
Golf enthusiasts that treat themselves to a round on Braemar Golf Club’s course can claim to have played on the highest 18-hole course in the UK. Although set well over 1000ft above sea level it is not a hilly course as it stretches along the banks of the Clunie Water which is mostly flat.
The village itself features charming gift shops selling locally grown produce and unique crafts. The diversity of eateries is excellent offering tasty pub grub as well as the opportunity to sample local game such as venison, pheasant and rabbit.
The village of Braemar in Royal Deeside is at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and acts as the eastern gateway to the Cairngorm Mountains. The village is surrounded by spectacular highland scenery and has welcomed travellers and visitors, from cattle drovers to Kings, throughout its long and colourful history.
Braemar is home to the world famous Braemar Gathering (www.braemargathering.org ) held annually on the first Saturday in September and is now also host to a Junior Highland Games (www.braemarjuniorgames.com ) as part of the annual Braemar Gala Week in July.
Braemar Castle, Mar Lodge and the Braemar Highland Heritage Centre are all open to the public and there are a variety of shops and restaurants in the village, including a Visitor Information Centre. The local network of paths makes Braemar the ideal base for walkers, mountain bikers and naturalists to explore from as well as those who wish to climb the hills or maybe bag some Munros. Braemar is also home to the highest 18 hole golf course in Britain and nearby Glenshee offers the largest ski and snowboard area in Scotland making Braemar a truly year round destination.
Fife Arms Hotel
Situated on the banks of the Clunie Water, The Fife Arms Hotel (originally called the “Hunters’ Fife Arms”) is believed to have been built in the 19th Century by the Duke of Fife for use as a hunting lodge. Over the years, the hotel has been sympathetically extended and now dominates the centre of the village.
The hotel has 78 bedrooms and boasts a fine lounge which has a magnificent open fire with the original coat of arms of the Duke of Fife above it. In addition to the restaurant, which overlooks The Clunie Water, the hotel also has a coffee shop (serving light lunches) and the bar also serves evening meals.
The hotel is also the centre of village life, having its only public bar which is open all year round and has Sky sports available.
Mar Road, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YL
Tel: 013397 41927
Walkdeeside Ltd
WalkDeeside Ltd offer a wide range of quality outdoor activities and walking holidays based on Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms. WalkDeeside offer qualified guides and instructors for their walking holidays, NNAS map reading and navigation courses, wildlife watching , trail cycling or guided walks. All their activities are based on providing an opportunity for customers to achieve, to be fulfilled, to be inspired and to experience the environment for personal development. 1 Balnastraid Cottages, Dinnet, Aberdeenshire, AB34 5NE
Tel: 013398 80081
Email: info@walkdeeside.com
Braemar Highland Safaris
Travel in a comfortable 4x4 into remote parts of the Cairngorms National Park where you are likely to see red and roe deer, mountain hares, red and black grouse, red squirrels, golden eagles and perhaps ospreys. Relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery. Your experienced guide will tell you about the local history, folklore and management of the mountain areas. Binoculars and a telescope are available in the vehicle. Tours last four hours and normally start at 1000 from Braemar Monday to Friday.
For further info call 013397 41420 or email neil@braemarhighlandsafaris.co.uk, download our brochure and browse through the photo gallery!
North View Hillside Drive, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YU
Tel: 013397 41420
Email: neil@braemarhighlandsafaris.co.uk
www.braemarhighlandsafaris.co.uk#http://www.braemarhighlandsafaris.co.uk#
Castleton Cottage
Enjoy the scenery and large range of outdoor activities of the Cairngorm National Park, from a home base of a fully equipped cottage situated in the highland village of Braemar. Five minutes walk from the village centre. The cottage sleeps 2 adults and upto 2 children, has private parking, washing machine, fridge/freezer, microwave, cooker, woodburning stove, central heating, shower, and a TV with Freeview, baby cot and highchair (hire of a 3 wheel pushchair £15/wk). Dogs (only one please) 20£/wk, to be kept under control and never left unattended. Garden is shared with owner. A welcome pack of groceries is provided on arrival and wood for the stove. Rate from £345/wk. £435/wk Summer peak.
2 School Road, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5ZR
Tel: 013397 41426
Invercauld Estate
Outstanding salmon and sea trout fishing on the River Dee in the heart of Royal Deeside. Walking in the heart of the Cairngorm Mountains as well as holiday lodges and cottages to let. 4 The Keiloch Invercauld, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5TW
Tel: 013397 41224
Email: office@invercauld.org
Glenshee Ski Centre
Glenshee Ski Centre offers the UK's most extensive skiing and snowboarding facilities - we hope you will enjoy our mountains of adventure. Glenshee - adventure in the making! Glenshee's impressive 20 lifts and 36 runs offer an amazing diversity of natural terrain for all standards of skiers and snowboarders. There are lots of options to choose from - you can join a class, go private, hire an instructor for your group, get into race training or simply take advantage of one of our great value package deals. Restaurant and Catering facilities.
Cairnwell, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, AB35 5XU
Tel: 01339 741320
Email: info@ski-glenshee.co.uk
Braemar Castle
Built in 1628 as a Highland Hunting Lodge, garrison for Hanoverian troops after Culloden, home to the Chiefs of Clan Farquharson, now Scotland's only community run Castle. Enjoy a tour of 12 furnished rooms and visit the Hill and River Exhibition. Open weekends, April to end October. Also Wednesdays July and August.
Braemar, AB35 5XR
Tel: 013397 41219
Email: info@braemarcastle.co.uk
Chris Hewitt Photomedia
Chris Hewitt has a life time’s experience of working with people in the countryside and rural communities. He started his photography in 1981 to help illustrate some of the lectures and presentations he gave at that time. Since then his photography has developed hand in glove with his work and his interests. He turned digital in 2001 and now not only presses the shutter but also works with images. This can be from a slight tweak to major manipulation of images, in a variety of forms and formats.His knowledge of estate and countryside management and the country’s wildlife and its conservation has meant that his photography in these areas often benefits from that deep knowledge of his subjects. He has also managed venues and events for the visiting public and has a wealth of experience of marketing venues for corporate or function uses along with all that is required to support this. Photomedia can help you whether your needs are commercial, function [including weddings], landscape or lifestyle photography give us a call to either talk through ideas or for photographic projects.
Garden Cottage Claybokie , Braemar, AB35 5YJ
Tel: 013397 41481
Taste Coffee Shop & Restaurant
Taste offers the yummiest homemade cakes, excellent rain forest alliance coffee and fairtrade teas throughout the day. At lunch we have fresh tasty soups, with local bread and homemade fillings.
We are open five days a week from 10:00 til 17:00, we are closed on tuesday and wednesday.
We incorporate the tastiest scottish produce in our food and combine it with friendly service, relaxed surroundings and excellent views. we cater for all ages and tastes and have full access for all levels of mobility. there's also a dedicated kiddy corner and our new childrens menu is proving a hit.
Airlie House Auchendryne Square, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5WS
Tel: 01339 741425
Email: info@taste-braemar.co.uk
Cyclehighlands
Cyclehighlands are based in Ballater and specialise in bike rental, guiding and corporate events from the biggest bike shop in Aberdeenshire. The shop is an official demo centre for many leading brands and during the winter months we open our ski and board hire in Braemar. All our staff are qualified mountain bike guides and members of the local mountain bike club so trail and route advice is always available and we can now offer a bike shuttle service to the Lecht Chairlift mountain bike trails. From family cyclist to expert on road or mountain, discover some of Scotland’s best cycling!
The Pavilion Victoria Road, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5QQ
Tel: 013397 55864
Email: info@cyclehighlands.com
Moorfield House Hotel - Braemar
This charming family run hotel sits in a secluded location in the historic village of Braemar and overlooks the famous ‘Braemar Highland Games Gathering’ arena. Recently refurbished to a high standard the hotel offers a warm and friendly welcome, comfortable accommodation, a first class dining experience and is the ideal base for outdoor activities all year round.There is ample parking in our private car park for cars, Mini Buses and motorcycles. We also have ample drying facilities for wet clothing and storage for bikes. Our fully licensed restaurant (open to the public) has been awarded 3* by Visit Scotland, why not discover why we have a growing reputation for the quality and exceptional value of our freshly cooked and locally sourced menu.
Chapel Brae , Braemar, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, AB35 5YT
Tel: 013397 41244
Email: hairhotels@btconnect.com
Running the Highlands
Local company, Running The Highlands, offers Training Weekends, Tailored Running Holidays and quickie Guided Runs lasting one hour upwards. The company has established a network of top quality running trails for all standards and staff include qualified running guides, sports physiotherapists and massage therapists, nutrition advisors and fitness instructors. Running The Highlands is the foremost company in its field in Scotland.
Craig Cottage, Lumphanan, Aberdeenshire, AB31 4SJ
Tel: 08451 577422
Email: info@runningthehighlands.com
Cranford Guest House
A relaxing and comfortable home in the heart of the stunning Cairngorms National Park. Located in the picturesque village of Braemar, Cranford is just 8 miles from Balmoral Castle and close to the start of the Whisky Trail.
We offer rooms suitable for couples, families or groups of friends each with en suite bathrooms and free WiFi access Cranford makes an excellent base for touring Scotland, walking or biking adventures.
We offer a range of hearty and wholesome breakfast options, prepared with ingredients from local suppliers, secure storage for bikes/skis/boards etc plus a drying room and laundry. There is also a detached self catering cottage available which sleeps two in a double bedroom and features a cosy woodburning stove in the lounge, a spacious kitchen/diner and an enclosed garden. Pets are welcome.
15 Glenshee Road, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YQ
Tel: 01339 741675
Skibraemar
The business is ideally located to provide equipment, advice and a friendly, flexible service for skiers who require in particular ski hire. Originally set up in the 1980's SKIBRAEMAR is owned and operated by local skier Richard Watts, who has over twenty years experience of The Lecht and Glenshee Ski Centres. The business is ideally located to provide equipment, advice and a friendly, flexible service for visitors to Royal Deeside.
The Pavilion Victoria Road , Ballater, Aberdeenshire,, AB35 5QQ
Tel: 013397 55864
Email: info@cyclehighlands.com
Clunie Lodge Guest House
Cluniebank Road, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5ZP
Tel: 01339 741330
Gathering Place
Invercauld Place, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YP
Tel: 01339 741234
Riverside Apartment
1 Clunie Bank Gardens, Braemar, AB35 5PY
Tel: 013398 80977
Braemar Lodge Hotel
Glenshee Road, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YQ
Tel: 01339 741627
Gordon's Tea Rooms & Restaurant
20 Mar Road, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YL
Tel: 013397 41247
Braemar Youth Hostel
21 Glenshee Road, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YQ
Tel: 08700 041105
Callater Lodge Guest House
9 Glenshee Road, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YQ
Tel: 013397 412 75