Longer Walks Top 10

The walks highlighted here will take at least 2 hours to complete and you should be properly equipped despite their moderate nature. You may find that you manage the routes more quickly which will give you a measure of your rate of completion relative to the generous time allowance given here. Generally there are good paths for these walks but please take care to read the full description courtesy of www.walkhighlands.co.uk , where mapping is provided as part of the explanation. Good footwear is imperative. The walks are ordered by approximate duration, starting with the shortest.

Glen Tanar pinewoods, near Aboyne [5 miles/8km - 2 to 2.5 hours] This easy, waymarked circuit explores part of Glen Tanar, clothed with the largest remnant of Caledonian Scots pinewoods on the south side of the Cairngorms. Watch out for wildlife such as red squirrels, crested tits, cross-bills - and if you are very lucky - Capercaillie. Full route Description.

Royal Cairns Walk [5.25 miles/8.5km - 2.5 hours] A circular walk with moderate ascents, which takes in 8 Royal cairns commemorating various royal marriages, the purchase of Balmoral and the memorial cairn to Albert. [It is respectfully requested that this walk is not undertaken when the royal family are in residence August & September] Full route Description. Route 66.

Around Craig Leek, near Braemar [5.25 miles/8.5 km - 2 to 2.5 hours] This pleasant waymarked walk makes a circuit around the prominent little hill of Craig Leek, on Invercauld Estate. There are excellent views up and down Deeside. Full route Description.

Seven Bridges and Knock Castle, Ballater [6.5 miles/10.5 km - 2.5 to 3 hours] A waymarked circular walk that explores some of the fine countryside around the town of Ballater. The route described includes an optional detour to the ruins of a sixteenth century tower house. Full route Description.

The Lion's Face and the Cromlins, Braemar [3.25 miles/5.5 km - 2 to 3 hours] This excellent circuit through the pinewoods and fields has some superb views and much of interest, including the opportunity to visit Braemar Castle. Check opening. Full route Description. 

Derry Lodge and the Linn of Dee, Braemar [6.75 miles/11 km - 2.5 to 3.5 hours] This walk from the Linn of Dee follows Glen Lui as far as Derry Lodge, an imposing but disused shooting lodge in a beautiful pinewood with great views of the Cairngorm mountains. A walk with open vistas and a wilderness feel yet with the ease and safety of a clear vehicle track to follow. Full route Description.

Loch Callater near Braemar [7 miles/11.5 km - 3 to 3.5 hours] This walk, from just south of Braemar, follows a good track to Callater Loch, a high loch, hemmed in by mountains and with good views. It is possible to lengthen the walk by going round the loch and wading the inflow river which makes a pleasant but more demanding circuit. Full route Description.

Loch Muick Circuit [7.75 miles/12.5km - 3 to 3.5 hours] This fairly level circuit of grand Loch Muick on the Balmoral Estate provides good views of the surrounding hills and pleasant stopping places. The walk takes in the impressive Glas-allt Shiel house built by Queen Victoria from where there is an optional detour to see some waterfalls. Full route Description.

Glenbuchat ridge, near Strathdon. [8 miles/13 km - 3 to 4 hours] The atmospheric ruins of Glenbuchat Castle provide the starting point for a walk along the ridge above the glen, right on the boundary of the Cairngorms National Park. There are good views across this quiet landscape. Full route description.

Clais Fhearnaig circuit, Braemar [9.5 miles/15.5 km - 3.5 to 4.5 hours] This circular walk starts by visiting the impressive Linn of Quoich, then heads up the hidden Glen Quoich before crossing the Clais Fhearnaig pass to descend into Glen Lui and the walk down the Glen and back along the road to the starting point. Full route description.