Braemar - Local Information
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Generations of the Royal Family have chosen the area as their summer home for the majestic mountains, wooded glens, riverside picnic spots and a climate that is drier (and has less midgie) than the West. This makes it the perfect escape from the noise, crowds and hassle of modern living.
Local Attractions
The Braemar Gathering
The biggest and best highland games takes place on the first Saturday of September every year. With the skirl of the pipes, tossing the caber, the Highland fling and kilts aplenty, it is Scottish heritage, culture and traditions at their best.
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Mar Lodge Estate
A traditional Highland Estate which encompasses 4 of the 5 highest peaks in the Cairngorms. In the care of the National Trust for Scotland .Mar Lodge, Braemar AB35 5YJ
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Braemar Castle
A charming building built in 1628 with a unique star shaped wall. Ran by the local community. Currently open weekends May to October
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Braemar Highland Heritage Centre
Permanent exhibiton of local history and interest. Situated in the Mews in Braemar
Braemar Junior Highland Games
Held annually in July to encourage, promote and provide opportunity for children to participate in traditional Highland games
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Braemar Gala Week
Packed programme of events especially suited to families and children. Normally held in the second week of July
Balmoral Castle
Scottish home of the Royal Family, open Easter to late July
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Eating & Drinking
Moorfield House Hotel
Chapel Brae, Braemar AB35 5YP
Taste
Airlie House, Braemar AB35 5WS
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Gathering Place Bistro
Invercauld Road, Braemar AB35 5YP
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Gordon's Restaurant
20 Mar Road, Braemar, AB35 5YL
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Braemar Lodge Restaurant
Braemar Lodge Hotel, Glenshee Road, Braemar, AB35 5YQ
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Walkers
With dozens of Munro’s, easy village strolls, winter walking in the Cairngorms, multi-day expeditions or evening walks there is a wealth of possibilities for all abilities and ages in stunningly beautiful scenery.
Need Advice ?
Our Hostel Manager has lived and worked in the Cairngorms National Park for the past 15 years where he regularly runs, skis, canoes and bikes in his spare time. He also has a young family and is a member of the local mountain rescue team so can help advise you of places to visit and things to do whatever you want to get up to!
Creag Choinnich, Braemar
A short steep route up Creag Choinnich, with great views of Glen Clunie and the Cairngorms. Distance: 3.2 kms/2 miles, Duration: 1.5hrs, Height Gain: 200 metres/660 feet
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Lion's Face & Cromlin's Walk, Braemar
A walk combining historic interest with fine views and wildlife. Distance: 6.5 kms/4 miles, Duration: 3hrs, Height Gain: 60 metres/198 feet
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Queen's Drive Walk, Braemar
The walk follows part of a favourtite carriage drive used by Queen Victoria. Distance: 3.8 kms/2.4miles, Duration: 2hrs, Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet
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River Dee Walk, Braemar
A low level walk alongside the River Dee and the Clunie Water. Distance: 4.8 kms/3miles, Duration: 1.5hrs, Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet
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The Seven Bridges Walk, Ballater
This walk in the wooded Dee Valley offers fine views with seven bridge crossings. Distance: 9kms/5.6miles, Duration: 3hrs, Height Gain: 60 metres/198 feet
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Morrone Birkwood Walk
An easy walk through Morrone Birkwood Nature Reserve with views of the Cairngorms. Distance: 3.8 kms/2.4 miles Duration: 2hrs, Height Gain: 60 metres/198 feet
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Morrone Walk - Cairned Route
A hill walk with good views of the surrounding area. Distance: 9.6 kms/6 miles, Duration: 4hrs, Height Gain: 500 metres/1650 feet
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Glenshee Ski Centre - Carn Aosda - The Cairnwell
The Cairnwell and Carn Aosda offers summit panoramas of the Grampians and Cairngorms. Distance: 5.5 kms/3.4 miles, Duration: 2hrs, Height Gain: 430 metres/1419 feet
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Lairig Ghru Northwards
Possibly Scotland's best known high level pass cuts a dramatic path through the Cairngorms. Distance: 32 km/20 miles, Duration: 9hrs, Height Gain: 455 metres/1500 feet
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Loch Kinord and Burn o'Vat
A walk around Loch Kinord to the Burn o'Vat and by way of the old Deeside railway line. Distance: 11.27 kms/7 miles, Duration: 2.8hrs, Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet
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Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve and Burn o'Vat
There are two stages to this walk incorporating Burn o'Vat and Loch Davan.Distance: 7 kms/4.4miles, Duration: 2hrs, Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet
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Disclaimer: All walking routes are hosted on external sites, therefore SYHA can hold no responsibility towards their accuracy. SYHA would also like to acknowledge the British Mountaineering Council Participation Statement: "The BMC recognises that climbing and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions".
Families
- Excellent self-catering facilities
- Family and Private Rooms
- TV lounge with pool table, board games and internet kiosk
- Garden and grounds extending to five acres
We understand better than anyone the implications of travelling with young children. That is why we are doing all we can to make your hostelling experience memorable for all the right reasons.
Children and families are welcome at all our hostels, although we have highlighted a number of hostels within our network as being “Family Hostels” as they are particularly well-suited to travelling with and entertaining younger children.
Family hostels not only have private rooms available, many with en-suite facilities, they also carry practical items such as travel cots, high chairs, microwaves and toys. In addition there is normally a TV and games room as well as extensive private gardens on site where the kids can let off some steam. Close to great attractions and activities, these family hostels offer a great base from which to explore the area. Our helpful staff are a great source of knowledge on places to visit and things to see and do.
Hostelling is a very friendly and relaxed way to travel and our ethos actively involves children.
Active & Adventure
Remember when winters used to be winters? Sledging, snowballing, building snowmen and frostnip - OK so we can’t always guarantee snow, but Braemar boasts the UK’s lowest recorded temperature so you’re as likely to find it here as anywhere! Which is why there are two ski centres close by too!
Glenshee Ski Centre
Cairnwell, By Braemar, AB35 5XU
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Glenshee Centre Snowsport School
Glenshee Ski Centre, Braemar, AB35 5XU
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Lecht 2090 Ski Centre
Also open in the summer for multi-activities. Strathdon, AB36 8YP
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Mountain Biking
Mountain Bike hire and route maps or route suggestions are available from:
Braemar Mountain Sports
Invercauld Road, Braemar AB35 5YP
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Cycle Highlands
Victoria Road, Ballater, AB35 5QQ
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Wildlife
Red squirrels
Stronghold of the delightful red squirrel, seen regularly on the hostel bird feeders.
Deer
Still one of the best places in the UK to see large herds of wild deer
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Birdlife
The Cairngorms are home to many rare native and migrant visitors such as golden eagle, dotterel, capercaillie, crossbill and snow bunting
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Butterfly
NTS Mar Lodge Estate
Part of the core area of the Cairngorms and contains four of the five highest mountains in the UK. Regular activities organised by Ranger Service. 5 Miles west of Braemar, 013397 41433
Sarah, Hostel Assistant
"On a summers evening take a walk from Braemar village along the banks of the River Dee. You’ll perhaps see an otter, almost certainly see red deer and definitely return feeling refreshed and rejuvenated"