So, my brother tells me it’s just a short walk with a little bit of uphill. Nothing too taxing, he says. Should be some great views at the end. Only this latter fact – given in part my lack of fitness – turned out to be wholly accurate, but we’ll come to that in a moment.
I shouldn’t complain as my brother had been kind enough to take the wheel for a most scenic drive along rather lively roads to Ballater, passing by the Lecht ski station and some quite splendid views en route. Though something of a tourist trap, Ballater is an attractive little town situated in a meander of the River Dee. Its stone-built houses nestle below densely forested hillsides which lend the town a pleasant, almost Alpine, atmosphere.
After a pitstop for coffee we headed along to Balmoral. As the King was in residence for his summer holiday, the castle and estate were closed but parts of the surrounding area were still accessible for walking and the Royal Lochnagar distillery was open for visitors.
We enjoyed our picnic on a rocky beach below the Crathie foot bridge, before wandering into the trees to find the beginning of the trail up to Prince Albert’s Cairn. Other trails leading to cairns commemorating various members of Queen Victoria’s family can be accessed around the estate. However, on the day of our visit, this was the only one open to the public due to security restrictions when the King is present at Balmoral.
Starting the ascent of the path, I was initially fooled into thinking that this wasn’t too much of a step. It certainly doesn’t look far on a map, as the crow flies at least. In fact the route is deceptive. It’s hard to see the ultimate destination as the path follows the contours of the hill, curving its way around the slopes through the tress.
It was most disconcerting to be overtaken by children who were bounding up the hill as though it was absolutely nothing. However, there are parts where the going is rather tricky for even the most sure-footed of walkers, particularly when descending this route.
Prince Albert’s cairn is rather more than the typical pile of stones on a peak. It’s an appropriately substantial piece of stonework, akin to a pyramid commanding the hilltop and the marvellous views of Royal Deeside. I’ll let the attached photos speak for themselves.
After a good break, it was time to head back down. There is another path to the Cairn which connects to the south-western end of the same estate road upon which we found the first path. It’s further away from where we started the walk at Easter Balmoral but much easier on creaky knees. I would tend to recommend this – slightly further to walk, perhaps, but a gentler gradient.
Time of Visit
August 2024
Useful Links
Balmoral Castle
Royal Lochnagar Distillery
Visit Scotland – Distilleries
Visit Scotland – Royal Deeside