Are you considering a holiday in the Aberdeenshire area of Braemar, nestled deep within the Cairngorms National Park? If so, you’re in for a treat. In this post, we explore the charming village itself, its clan history, deep-rooted royal traditions, and the surrounding Highland landscapes. By the end, you’ll have all of the information you’ll need for planning your trip, whether you want to go hiking through Caledonian pine forests or hit the local ski slopes.
Take a step back in time at Braemar Castle
One of the most impressive historical structures in the Braemar area is Braemar Castle, among the finest castles in Scotland. This castle dates back to 1628, though it has undergone significant structural changes, including renovations after the Jacobite Risings.
Over the years, its character has developed, and it’s now home to a host of ghost stories and Jacobite rebellions. Braemar Castle stands out compared to other castles in the area because of its architectural silhouettes. The backdrop to the castle is a beautiful, dense woodland, and the castle itself features many attractive turrets and crenellations with spiral staircases inside. It’s well worth visiting some of its 12 history-steeped and furnished rooms and climbing to the top of the tower to see views over the surrounding farmland.
Soak in Highland culture with the Braemar Highland Games Centre
Another option is to soak in Highland culture at the Braemar Highland Games Centre. This location, housed inside the Duke of Rothesay Highland Games Pavilion, is where you can experience the living tradition of these games. The exhibition has piping and dancing, and various heavy events, all done in full costume and regalia.
Braemar is also famous for the Braemar Gathering, which you might be able to catch if you go to the village in September. It’s often frequented by members of the royal family and features a host of traditional games that you can watch and enjoy.
Make sure while you are spending time at the Braemar Highland Games Centre that you go for coffee at the Pavilion Cafe. It has some of the most delicious traditional British scones you’ve ever tasted!
Hike through the untamed Linn of Dee and Mar Lodge Estate
If you’re the sort of person who loves being outside, then you might want to take a jaunt through the Linn of Dee, with its dramatic river valley views and the surrounding Mar Lodge Estate. These areas are close to the village of Braemar and comprise around 7% of the entire Cairngorms National Park, featuring some of the wildest and remotest lands in Britain, including four of Britain’s five tallest mountains.
We recommend going on the Linn of Dee walk first. This is a flat favourite for beginner walkers who simply want to soak in the majesty and glory of the surrounding landscape. Cars can be parked at the nearby National Trust Linn of Dee car park, with paths leading directly from the car park up the glen and into the wild country. The best time of year to go is autumn, when the leaves are changing colour.
Go to Braemar Bridge and Kindrochit Castle
For those of you who love culture, you may want to pay a visit to Braemar Bridge. This bridge, right in the heart of the village, is the reason for its existence. The small community grew around the bridge, which spans the Clunie Water, a peat-coloured waterway.
In this area, you’ll find the fragmented remains of the 14th-century Kindrochit Castle. Originally commissioned by King Robert III, it is believed to be built on top of an even older 11th-century timber fort built by King Malcolm III himself to protect the river crossing in the area.
Nearby, you can find several war memorials and a Celtic cross made from granite, dedicated to local soldiers while also honouring the fallen Wellington Bomber air crew.
Hit the ski slopes at Glenshee Ski Centre
You don’t have to travel all the way to Austria or Switzerland to go skiing. You can also go to the Glenshee Ski Centre if you’re travelling to Braemar during the winter months.
This area is a fantastic playground for people who want to put on their skis but don’t want to travel abroad for the experience. Skiers can spend the day mastering the green runs, while more experienced skiers can head for the red or black runs.
It’s worth noting that Glenshee Ski Centre’s pistes are known for their rugged, natural terrain and exposure to the elements, which can result in varied snow conditions. Even so, you can still take a chairlift up the mountain for panoramic views and get delicious food to eat at the nearby mountain cafe. It is also a good location to get ski instruction. There are multiple trainers in the area who can show you the basics and perhaps make you feel more confident if you are planning a bigger ski trip overseas.
Play a round of golf at the historic Braemar Golf Club
Lastly, you might want to visit Braemar Golf Club if you’re the type of person who loves spending a relaxed morning on the putting green. The club is around 1,200 ft. above sea level, and it is considered the highest 18-hole golf course in Scotland. It is a challenging course that rewards accuracy and is framed by various imposing pine trees, rolling heather hills, and the Clunie River.
Many golfers love going to this part of the world because it’s a scenic wildlife area. You can see deer, birds of prey, and other protected species while playing your favourite sport.
Is it time you visited Braemar?
Is it time you visited Braemar? If so, explore our accommodation in the Braemar area. We look forward to welcoming you to the heart of the Cairngorms soon. It’s one of the most exciting but least explored parts of the country.