• Ballater Walking Festival 2023

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  • It is important that you complete an ICE (In Case of Emergency) card prior to starting your first walk, and that you keep this at the top of your rucksack on every walk, so that it is accessible should it be required.

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    Saturday 3rd June - 7pm - Welcome Reception Product Image
    Saturday 3rd June - 7pm - Welcome ReceptionFestival Reception in the Albert Hall (opposite the Station)Come and meet other walkers, friends from other years and the leaders and helpers who will be guiding you throughout the week. Perhaps arrange shared transport.
     £ Free  
      
    Walk 1 - Sunday 4th June - Strong - Sgor Mor (Corbett) Product Image
    Walk 1 - Sunday 4th June - Strong - Sgor Mor (Corbett)Sunday 4th June Walk 1 – Sunday 4th June – Strong – Sgör Mor (Corbett) Circular. 18km. 5-7 hours. Ascent 500mtrs. Own Transport/Car Share £35pp. 11 Max Spaces MEET AT THE HUT ON THE GREEN AT 8am Overlooked in favour of its illustrious higher neighbours, Sgor Mor’s position at the centre of Mar Lodge Estate offers unrivalled views into Glen Derry and the Lairig Ghru. Our route is initially steep, rough and pathless through deep heather, but both the slope and the vegetation ease with height. We aim first for the eastern top, Sgor Dubh and then, via surprisingly good walking across the high moorland, make our way to the summit proper with its strange rocky outcrops. Descent is direct and steep into Glen Dee, where the Chest o’ Dee is the perfect place to soak our feet before the walk back to Linn o’Dee. Hosted/led by National Trust for Scotland (Mar Lodge Estate).
    £35.00
      
    Walk 2 - Sunday 4th June - Medium -  Peter’s Hill, Lary & Abergairn Product Image
    Walk 2 - Sunday 4th June - Medium -  Peter’s Hill, Lary & AbergairnWalk 2 – Sunday 4th June – Medium –  Peter’s Hill, Lary & Abergairn Circular 18.5km. Approx 6 hrs. Ascent 625mtrs. No Transport £15 pp. 20 Max Spaces MEET AT THE HUT ON THE GREEN AT 9am  We leave Ballater and follow the cinder path to the Pass of Ballater. We quickly reach a good track leading in a northerly direction under Sgor Buidhe and on to Creag Riabhach. The climb is steady for 4 km or so before reaching the track from Balmenach. This is open country with extensive views. Our route skirts Peter’s Hill, after which we head northwesterly. We descend a steep spur before crossing the Lary Burn. On reaching Lary we join a quiet road which we follow for about 2 km, before skirting Prony Hill and the remains of an old silver mine. Soon we reach Abergairn and the Pass of Ballater, leading us back, via the Hilton Timeshare Complex to the village.
    £15.00
      
    Walk 3 - Sunday 4th June - Medium -  Linn of Muick to Ballater Via Creag Dearg Product Image
    Walk 3 - Sunday 4th June - Medium -  Linn of Muick to Ballater Via Creag DeargWalk 3 – Sunday 4th June – Medium –  Linn of Muick to Ballater Via Creag DeargLinear.  15k. Approx 5 hours.  Ascent: 510m. Ascent: 510m. One Way Bus£18pp. 14 Max SpacesRepeated on Thursday (Walk 16)MEET AT THE HUT ON THE GREEN AT 9am We start from a layby on the road to the Linn of Muick. This is a high level route with excellent views over the hills around Ballater. We immediately start climbing, following a land rover track up onto Creag Dearg, passing an old ruined settlement on the way. The tracks continue along the plateau past Cairn Hillock and Cairn Leuchan before dropping down the Pollagach Road to Balintober and hence back to Ballater.
    £18.00
      
    Walk 4 – Sunday 4th June – Easy – Around Lumphanan Product Image
    Walk 4 – Sunday 4th June – Easy – Around LumphananWalk 4 – Sunday 4th June – Easy – Around Lumphanan  Circular. 11km. Approx 5 hrs. Ascent 90m Bus Both Ways £20pp. 16 Max Spaces MEET AT THE HUT ON THE GREEN AT 10am Starting from Station Square in Lumphanan, which has connections to Macbeth, we follow a circular route to the north of the village. We then continue on the old military road to the south of the village, walking through historic farmland and taking in further splendid views of the Cairngorms. After a loop around varied terrain we retrace our steps back to the village.
    £20.00
      
    Walk 5 - Monday 5th June - Strong - Glas Tulaichean (Munro) Product Image
    Walk 5 - Monday 5th June - Strong - Glas Tulaichean (Munro)Monday 5th June Walk 5 – Monday 5th June – Strong – Glas Tulaichean (Munro) Circular  15 km  Approx. 6 hours. Ascent 700m. Own Transport/Car Share £35pp 11 Max Spaces MEET AT THE HUT ON THE GREEN AT 8am. (Dalmunzie 9am) This is an opportunity to summit a remote West Glenshee Munro. Our approach is the more gentle southerly one from Dalmunzie House Hotel up Glenlochsie to the ruined lodge. Scotland’s “first mountain railway” is still in evidence here. This route whilst gentle, is rich in social history. A track goes most of the way and brings you to the summit with fantastic open views. The summit of Glas Tulaichean, the green hillock, has a contrasting vista northwards towards the rough glaciated Glas Choire Beag and the remote Loch nan Eun . Our return route takes a different ridge line back to Dalmunzie House Hotel. Rough ground.
    £35.00
      
    Walk 6 - Monday 5th June - Medium - Ballater to Glen Tanar Product Image
    Walk 6 - Monday 5th June - Medium - Ballater to Glen TanarWalk 6 – Monday 5th June – Medium – Ballater to Glen Tanar Linear 18km. Approx 6 hours. Ascent 670m. One Way Bus (on return) £18. 20 Max Spaces MEET AT THE HUT ON THE GREEN AT 9am We start at Ballater and end at Greystone/ Tombae. This route takes us over a historic drove road and past a haunt of Lord Byron’s.   We start from Church Green crossing the Dee and on to Balintober where we join the Pollagach road and follow it to the shoulder of Carn Leuchan. It’s then out onto a heathery and possibly wet “path” over into Glen Tanar at the foot of Mount Keen. From here we follow another track back over the ridge above Etnach towards the Dee, passing the path to Ballaterach where Byron used to spend holidays in his youth. The walk ends at Greystone / Tombae on the South Deeside Road.
    £18.00
      
    Walk 7 - Monday 5th June - Easy - Bellabeg and Lost Farm Product Image
    Walk 7 - Monday 5th June - Easy - Bellabeg and Lost FarmWalk 7 – Monday 5th June – Easy – Bellabeg and Lost Farm Circular  11km. Approx 5 hours. Ascent 150m. Bus Both Ways £20. 20 Max Spaces MEET AT THE HUT ON THE GREEN AT 10am We start at Bellabeg near the war memorial and walk up past the church. We turn right to walk above the River Dee, before taking a track down to the Poldullie bridge – used in the filming of the Mary Queen of Scots film. We then walk up to the A944 and turn right. Just before Strathdon Primary School we take the path up beside the school and then turn left to walk towards Roughpark Village.  We head then in a NW direction on a good track to Fairy Hillock before descending to a track by the Nochty Burn which, on taking a right turn, takes us back down Glen Nochty to Bellabeg. This walk has lots of historical interest and good views.
    £20.00
      
    Walk 8A - Tuesday 6th June - Medium - Mar Lodge 2 (Same as Walk 20) Product Image
    Walk 8A - Tuesday 6th June - Medium - Mar Lodge 2 (Same as Walk 20)Walk 8A - Tuesday 6th June – Medium - Mar Lodge Regeneration. Circular. 13km. Approx 4hrs. Ascent 250m.   Own Transport/Car Share £25pp. 20 Max Spaces. (This walk is repeated on Fri – Walk 20) MEET AT THE HUT ON THE GREEN AT 9am. (Mar Lodge 10am) A beautiful circuit taking-in the best examples of landscape-scale woodland restoration at Mar Lodge Estate. Starting at the lodge itself, we first walk through the resurgent pine and birch woodlands of Doire Bhraghad, past one of the biggest scots pines in Scotland. After a short walk up Glen Lui we cut through the spectacular glacial meltwater channel of Clais Fhearnaig, and then walk out via Glen Quoich. Hosted/led by National Trust for Scotland rangers, this is a great chance to spend the day with estate staff and learn about the history and conservation work at Mar Lodge Estate. Good estate tracks. Mostly low level but a few steeper sections. Clais Fhearnaig can be exposed/windy.
    £25.00
      
    Walk 9 - Tuesday 6th June - Medium - Cairn Liath Circular 15km Product Image
    Walk 9 - Tuesday 6th June - Medium - Cairn Liath Circular 15kmWalk 9 – Tuesday 6th June – Medium – Cairn Liath Circular. 15km. Approx 6 hours. Ascent 500m. Bus both ways £22pp. 20 Max Spaces MEET AT THE HUT ON THE GREEN AT 9am Start and end at Inverey. From the car park at Inverey we cross the Water of Eye then follow it upstream to its junction with the Allt Cristie, which we then follow westward on the mile ascent to the end of the track. A short excursion from here should take us to the grave of Sgt Davies and then it’s on to the summit of Cairn Liath where the view of the entire Cairngorm range is breath-taking. The return is down the ridge to Carn na Moine and on to Inverey – a stunning walk on a clear day.
    £22.00
      
    Walk 9A - Tuesday 6th June - Medium - Cairn Liath Circular 16 Product Image
    Walk 9A - Tuesday 6th June - Medium - Cairn Liath Circular 16Walk 9A – Tuesday 6th June – Medium – Cairn Liath Repeat of Walk 9 1 hr later with Own Transport. Circular. 15km. Approx 6 hours. Ascent 500m. Own Transport/Car Share £15pp. 20 Max Spaces MEET AT THE HUT ON THE GREEN AT 10am (Inverey 11am) Start and end at Inverey. From the car park at Inverey we cross the Water of Eye then follow it upstream to its junction with the Allt Cristie, which we then follow westward on the mile ascent to the end of the track. A short excursion from here should take us to the grave of Sgt Davies and then it’s on to the summit of Cairn Liath where the view of the entire Cairngorm range is breath-taking. The return is down the ridge to Carn na Moine and on to Inverey – a stunning walk on a clear day.
    £15.00
      
    Walk 10 – Tuesday 6th June – Easy – Tarland - Archaeology & Music Product Image
    Walk 10 – Tuesday 6th June – Easy – Tarland - Archaeology & MusicWalk 10 – Tuesday 6th June – Easy – Tarland - Archaeology & Music Circular. 10.5km. Approx 4.5 hours. Ascent 200m. Bus both ways £20pp. 20 Max Spaces MEET AT THE HUT ON THE GREEN AT 10am This walk focusses on the cultural heritage of the Howe of Cromar around Tarland. We will visit some points on the Music Trail. From Tarland Square we take the green waymarked route anticlockwise along the Coull road past the wetland bird hide, then join the black route across the Tarland Burn to Tomnaverie Stone Circle built by Bronze Age Farmers. From here we follow the brown route clockwise to Drummy Wood with evidence of ancient settlements, where we cut across to the yellow route and follow this clockwise including the spur up to Knockargety fort, and down the same way. We then continue past Corrachree House and back into the village centre and square. The walk includes two gentle, moderately steep but gradual climbs and a few step stiles.
    £20.00
      
    Walk 11 - Wednesday 7th June - Strong - Jock’s Road Product Image
    Walk 11 - Wednesday 7th June - Strong - Jock’s RoadWednesday 7th June Walk 11 – Wednesday 7th June – Strong – Jock’s Road Linear 21.5km. Approx. 8 hours. Ascent 700m. Bus both ways. £45pp. 13 Max Spaces MEET AT THE HUT ON THE GREEN AT 7am (Glen Doll 9am) We start Glendoll and end at Auchallater-a long bus transfer before we begin! This was one of the well known drove roads of old and the scene of a famous legal case in the 1880s. We start at the Glendoll Lodge car park and head up Glendoll on a good track. We soon start climbing up to the high plateau and the scene of more than one winter tragedy. We continue on high ground until the drop into Glen Callater. Thereafter, it’s an easy walk to the bus at Auchallater.
    £45.00
      
    Walk 12 – Wednesday 7th June – Medium – The Coyles of Muick Product Image
    Walk 12 – Wednesday 7th June – Medium – The Coyles of Muick Walk 12 – Wednesday 7th June – Medium – The Coyles of Muick  Linear  16km. Approx 6 hrs. Ascent 480m. One way bus. (To start - walk back) £18pp. 20 Max Spaces. MEET AT THE HUT ON THE GREEN AT 9am. (Loch Ullachie 9.15) Starting at Loch Ullachie we head up to the moorland, skirting Creag Liath and along the tree line over Meall Dubh to the Coyles and the cairn. We then turn onto Loinmuie and head down through the Alltcailleach Forest back to Loch Ullachie. Here we return through the Dallyfour Woods, over the Polhollick Bridge and along the popular ‘7 Bridges Trail’ back to Ballater.
    £18.00
      
    Walk 13 - Wednesday 7th June - Easy - Ballogie to Birse. Product Image
    Walk 13 - Wednesday 7th June - Easy - Ballogie to Birse.Walk 13 – Wednesday 7th June – Easy – Ballogie to Birse. Linear. 9km. Approx 3hrs. Ascent 390m. Bus both ways. £20pp. 14 Max Spaces MEET AT THE HUT ON THE GREEN AT 10am   This walk showcases the beautiful scenery and peacefulness of Ballogie Estate. It starts with a climb through the forest and is quickly rewarded with panoramic views as you walk on tracks through the Caledonian forest and heathery slopes. A short climb to the summit of Lamahip for a coffee with more views is very worthwhile! The path levels out and continues throught the forest giving views of the Angus mountains until we reach the farms at Glencat where we follow the track as it descends to the remote Forest of Birse church. There has been a church on the site since 1790. The current granite church, rebuilt in 1891, is still used for ecclesiastical purposes. The church sits on a grassy clearing above the River Feugh. It’s immaculate interior with stained glass windows end the walk with great photo opportunities.
    £20.00
      
    Walk 14 - Wednesday 7th June - Easy - Special interest – Belwade Farm Product Image
    Walk 14 - Wednesday 7th June - Easy - Special interest – Belwade FarmWalk 14 – Wednesday 7th June – Easy –Belwade Farm Circular. 5km. Approx. 3 hrs. Ascent minimal. Own Transport/Car Share £15pp 20 Max Spaces MEET AT THE HUT ON THE GREEN AT 10am (Belwade 10.45) This scenic walk is followed by a Tour of the Belwade World Horse Welfare Farm. We walk through beautiful woodland and along the River Dee as it travels through Aerdeenshire. From some high points, on a clear day, Lochnagar can be seen. After the walk there will be a tour of the farm. The friendly staff will provide information about the horses and the progress they are making. There will be an opportunity to visit the Visitor Centre, see the indoor arena facilities and visit the fairy wood. Belwade Farm is home to around 65 horses at any given time, and is an international charity whose values are grounded in compassion. Belwade Farm has helped horses for nearly 100 years treating their horses with respect, understanding and compassion.
    £15.00
      
    Wednesday 7th June - 7pm - Dinner Product Image
    Wednesday 7th June - 7pm - DinnerPlease select your meal from the section above
    £20.00
      
    Walk 15 - Thursday 8th June - Strong - Beinn A’Bhuird Product Image
    Walk 15 - Thursday 8th June - Strong - Beinn A’BhuirdThursday 8th JuneWalk 15 – Thursday 8th June – Strong – Beinn A’BhuirdCircular. 30km. Approx. 9-11 hours. Ascent 950m.Own Transport/Car Share£30pp. 11 Max SpacesMEET AT THE HUT ON THE GREEN AT 7am (Quoich 8am)Start & end Quoich Carpark. Here we visit the enormous flat summit plateaux of Beinn a’ Bhuird, the Hill of the Table, and peer into its reclusive corries. It’s 7km just to reach its base, but the walk through Glen Quoich’s beautiful woodland is reward in itself. Thereafter it’s a steady and occasionally steep climb up An Diollaid to the South Top. Descent is via the steep but shapely ridge of Carn Fiaclach, and out via Glen Quoich’s eastern track. Along the way we’ll visit the Punchbowl, where the 1715 Jacobite uprising began. Good estate tracks in the glen, rough and frequently loose stony paths on the hill itself. There are two unbridged river crossings. Hosted/led by National Trust for Scotland (Mar Lodge Estate).
    £30.00
      
    Walk 16 - Thursday 8th June - Medium - Linn of Muick to Ballater Via Creag Dearg (Repeat of Walk 3) Product Image
    Walk 16 - Thursday 8th June - Medium - Linn of Muick to Ballater Via Creag Dearg (Repeat of Walk 3)Walk 16 – Thursday 8th June – Medium – Linn of Muick to Ballater Via Creag Dearg (Repeat of Walk 3) Linear.  15k. Approx 5 hours.  Ascent: 510m. Ascent: 510m. One Way Bus £18pp. 14 Max Spaces MEET AT THE HUT ON THE GREEN AT 9am We start from a layby on the road to the Linn of Muick. This is a high level route with excellent views over the hills around Ballater. We immediately start climbing, following a land rover track up onto Creag Dearg, passing an old ruined settlement on the way. The tracks continue along the plateau past Cairn Hillock and Cairn Leuchan before dropping down the Pollagach Road to Balintober and hence back to Ballater.
    £18.00
      
    Walk 17 - Thursday 8th June - Medium - Peter’s Hill, Lary & Abergairn (Repeat of Walk 2) Product Image
    Walk 17 - Thursday 8th June - Medium - Peter’s Hill, Lary & Abergairn (Repeat of Walk 2)Walk 17 – Thursday 8th June – Medium – Peter’s Hill, Lary & Abergairn. (Repeat of Walk 2) Circular 18.5km. Approx 6 hrs. Ascent 625mtrs. No Transport £15 pp. 20 Max Spaces MEET AT THE HUT ON THE GREEN AT 9am   We leave Ballater and follow the cinder path to the Pass of Ballater. We quickly reach a good track leading in a northerly direction under Sgor Buidhe and on to Creag Riabhach. The climb is steady for 4 km or so before reaching the track from Balmenach. This is open country with extensive views. Our route skirts Peter’s Hill, after which we head northwesterly. We descend a steep spur before crossing the Lary Burn. On reaching Lary we join a quiet road which we follow for about 2 km, before skirting Prony Hill and the remains of an old silver mine. Soon we reach Abergairn and the Pass of Ballater, leading us back, via the Hilton Timeshare Complex to the village.
    £15.00
      
    Walk 18 - Thursday 8th June - Easy - Loch Kinnord Product Image
    Walk 18 - Thursday 8th June - Easy - Loch KinnordWalk 18 –Thursday 8th Jun –Easy –Foraging & Heritage. Loch Kinord Circular. 3km. Approx 3hrs. Ascent 200m. Bus both ways £20pp. 28 Max Spaces MEET AT THE HUT ON THE GREEN AT 10am We start and end at the Burb O’Vat Visitor Centre Carpark. We explore the rich and natural cultural heritage of the `muir of Dinnet National Nature reservwe discovering Edible and Medicinal plants and discuss their uses. We follow the Vat trail, steeped in botanical and geological interest. Here there is an option to go into the Vat, a unique rock cauldron carved out by glacial meltwater. Entering the Vat requires a short scramble over rocks, so waterproof boots are advised. We continue on to the viewpoint looking towards Loch Kinord and return to the carpark. There are some steep steps to the viewpoint. We then follow part of the Loch Kinord trail to view the historic Celtic Cross, Castle Island and Crannog. We return the same way to the Visitor Centre to sample and take away some foraged foods.
    £20.00
      
    Walk 19 - Friday 9th June - Medium - Glen Quoich to Keiloch Product Image
    Walk 19 - Friday 9th June - Medium - Glen Quoich to KeilochWalk 19 – Friday 9th June – Medium – Glen Quoich to Keiloch Linear.  20k. Approx 5hrs. Ascent: 300m. Bus both ways £28pp. 20 Max Spaces MEET AT THE HUT ON THE GREEN AT 9am This walk starts at the Victoria Bridge and passes through Mar Lodge Estate to the Linn of Quoich where we take the track up the east side of the glen. After a few miles the track peters out and a short stage of “heather hopping” takes us to the path leading down through Glen Sluggan (the Fairy Glen), past the ruins of Sluggan Lodge  (Secret Bothy) and on to Invercauld House. A final section on paved road takes us to our transport at the Keiloch. Keep an eye open for Capercaillie and Ring Ouzel.
    £28.00
      
    Walk 20 - Friday 9th June - Medium - Mar Lodge Product Image
    Walk 20 - Friday 9th June - Medium - Mar LodgeWalk 20 – Friday 9th June – Medium – Mar Lodge. Regeneration Walk (Repeat of Walk 8A) Circular. 13km. Approx 4hrs. Ascent 250m.   Own Transport/Car Share £25pp. 20 Max Spaces MEET AT THE HUT ON THE GREEN AT 9am. (Mar Lodge 10am) A beautiful circuit taking-in the best examples of landscape-scale woodland restoration at Mar Lodge Estate. Starting at the lodge itself, we first walk through the resurgent pine and birch woodlands of Doire Bhraghad, past one of the biggest scots pines in Scotland. After a short walk up Glen Lui we cut through the spectacular glacial meltwater channel of Clais Fhearnaig, and then walk out via Glen Quoich. Hosted/led by National Trust for Scotland rangers, this is a great chance to spend the day with estate staff and learn about the history and conservation work at Mar Lodge Estate. Good estate tracks. Mostly low level but a few steeper sections. Clais Fhearnaig can be exposed/windy.
    £25.00
      
    Walk 21 - Friday 9th June - Easy - Potarch to Balnacraig Product Image
    Walk 21 - Friday 9th June - Easy - Potarch to BalnacraigWalk 21 – Friday 9th June – Easy – Potarch to Balnacraig Circular.  9.5km.  Approx 5 hrs. Ascent 150m. Own Transport/Car Share £15pp. 20 Max Spaces MEET AT THE HUT ON THE GREEN AT 10am We set off from Potarch and after following the Deeside Way for a short distance we turn right and climb gently on a good track before setting off up a narrow track to a trig point on top of Craigmore hill.  We then descend to a wide track turning right and heading to the road.  We turn left here and after a short distance on this road we turn right and head uphill on a good track to Balnacraig before gently walking down to a tarred road which takes us back to the B933.  Turning left we head back to the Potarch car park. This is an undulating walk with a great view point at Balnacraig.
    £15.00
      
    Friday 9th June - 7pm - Ceilidh Product Image
    Friday 9th June - 7pm - CeilidhTBC
     £ Free  
      
    Total
    £0.00

  • If you are unable to attend a walk or evening event that you have booked, please e-mail us on jenny@walkballater.com, so that your space can be offered to another walker. If you test positive for Covid, please do NOT attend walks or evening events and contact us immediately by email, and a full refund will be issued.

    Cancellation policy: If you cancel prior to 1st May – 100% refund; during May – 50% refund; during June - no refund. I accept that walks may be altered or withdrawn from the programme, should the organisers or leaders deem necessary.

    I agree and understand that outdoor activities organised by Ballater (Royal Deeside) Ltd carry an element of risk, and I am willing to comply with all safety regulations and instructions given.

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