So Long Summer….

It’s been a spectacular summer here in Ballater on Royal Deeside with beautiful, sunny weather allowing us to make the most of the season! From festivals, markets and Highland Games to picnics, barbecues and afternoon teas, Royal Deeside has been alive with activity and opportunities to indulge in and enjoy and look back on.

Now the long summer is drawing to a close, but it’s not all doom and gloom as we approach autumn with renewed energy and enthusiasm to enjoy the final few months of the year!

If you haven’t yet had the chance to visit Ballater this year, here are a few reasons why there is still so much more to look forward to before the year is out:

The Braemar Highland Gathering takes place on the first Saturday of September each year. This globally iconic event brings locals and international tourists together for a great day of celebrating Scottish heritage and tradition. Think bagpipes, highland dancing, and tug o’ war…only for the strongest of clans! If you’re looking for a hilltop view of all the action, climb Creag Choinnich with views stretching out over Braemar and beyond.

The October holidays, or “Tattie Holidays” as they are called in this part of the world, are a great time to enjoy delighful autumnal walks and take in the surrounding hills as they turn orange, red, russet and golden. The summit of Craigendarroch Hill, right in the centre of Ballater, is the ideal viewpoint to bask in the beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for something a little spookier, venture out into castle trails and discover their haunting tales. A visit to Knock Castle on a Halloween night is sure to give goosebumps….

November brings Ballater Winter Festival to brighten up the darker evenings with light, entertainment, fine cuisine and good cheer. The nearby Loch Kinord is a lovely easy under foot winter walk to contemplate the tranquility of your surroundings and the stillness of the partially frozen loch.

December is a winter wonderland; temperatures drop but our spirits soar as we lead up to Christmas. Wrap up warm and get outside! One of our favourite spots at this time of year is Prince Albert’s Cairn, ‘The Balmoral Pyramid’. With a dusting of snow, you know you’re far from Egypt, but it is a delightful local find tucked away in the enchanting forest hills of Royal Deeside.