Viewpoints Top 10 in Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms, Scotland

The viewpoints below are listed in ease of access starting with the easiest, which can be accessed by car. Some but not all are included in our Great Days Out itineraries, which can be downloaded free of charge.

Queen’s View This majestic viewpoint over the Howe of Cromar features in our Deeside Rocks itinerary and is fully accessible by car. There is a layby with viewfinder for the skyline which looks toward Mount Keen, Lochnagar and Morvern. It is to the east of the village of Tarland on the B9119 and is best approached from the east since the vista opens up as you round a bend.

Corgarff This elevated viewpoint gives panoramic views across the Cairngorm massif and features in our Soldiers and Stills itinerary. It sits above Corgarff Castle, 16th century tower house which is located at a junction of valleys, one containing the upper reaches of the mighty river Don, which exits to the North Sea at Aberdeen. Location is on the A939 to Tomintoul road, after Cockbridge.

Cairn O Mount At close to 1500 ft above sea level, you will be grateful that the road carries you directly to the viewpoint here. Situated south of Strachan on the B974, the 360 degree views can be enjoyed by all. The coastline to Montrose can be viewed when clear and views to the north over Royal Deeside allow appreciation of the luxurious woodlands, mountain scapes and open moorland, the varied habitat needed for the diverse wildlife we enjoy.

Tomnaverie Stone Circle Situated to the south of the village of Tarland, it is worth taking the short if steep walk from the car park for panoramic views with stone circle to frame them. The idea of location, location, location was not lost on the early peoples of Scotland and the many stone circles in Aberdeenshire, typically have south facing, prominent positions. Car park is situated on B9094 north of Aboyne. There is also a way marked walk from the village as described in Deeside Rocks itinerary.

Glentanar Estate Access to Glentanar Estate is decribed in our Glentanar and Aboyne itinerary. A short walk from the estate’s main car park at Braeloine on road or way marked path opposite Tanar Bridge will lead you to a view point over the estate. Walk back in the direction you arrived and turn left on the road, which takes a long curved sweep. Viewpoint is looking south at the start of the tree line. There are many other walks on the estate but if mobility is an issue this particular viewpoint will afford you a great open view with little effort.

Burn O Vat view to Loch Kinord The car park for Burn O Vat is situated on the B9119 and the route to it is described in Deeside Rocks. Take the way marked walk towards the Vat but turn right at the junction up a slope. The path is well trodden and is fairly level after the initial slope. A view point over Loch Kinord is obvious after about 10 minutes and is a nice place to stop for a while especially if there is the added bonus of gliders in the sky!

Morrone Birkwood The full walk for this is described here but it is possible to curtail at the viewpoint which occurs early in the walk, and then retrace your footsteps to Braemar. This makes a shorter walk [30m mins max] with the reward of the views. 

Creag Choinnich viewpoint Braemar has a number of way marked walks and there are a series of routes to Creag Choinnich including the summit. We suggest here a lower viewpoint which will be about a 2km round trip walk from the village. 

Craigendarroch Undertaking the full walk is the only way to enjoy the views from Craigendarroch, since the ascent is wooded. [2.5 miles/4 km - 1.5 to 2 hours] The footpath is good although the ascent is steep. Take your time and enjoy the old oaks that give the hill its name and rest on the way, there are a number of benches to take a seat and enjoy the peace. Full route description.

Scolty Hill The summit is best for views but it is possible to clear the tree line and enjoy a view to the north across Royal Deeside. [Full walk: 2 miles/3.5km - 1 to 1.5 hours] The summit offers 360 degree views in addition to an extra few metres elevation by ascending the spiral stairs inside the hill's monument to General Burnett, opened by Prince Charles. Scolty can be seen in the routes in and out of Banchory. Access to the car park is described fully in our Golf and Game itinerary.