Prince Albert bought Balmoral Castle for Queen Victoria in 1853, after they visited the area and fell in love with the mountains, forests and wild land that surrounded it

Ballater is a classic Victorian Highland town, featuring attractive stone architecture set against the backdrop of stunning Cairngorms scenery. It is surrounded on all sides by wild landscapes, giving plenty of opportunity for outdoor activities, including iconic mountains and forests.

Ballater is the closest town to Balmoral, the Royal Family’s Highland residence. This is why you’ll see ‘by Royal appointment signs displayed in local shops; these have received approval to sell goods or services to the royals. Parts of Balmoral can be toured when the royals are not in residence.

The simple yet attractive Crathie Kirk is worth visiting, set in beautiful landscape. This church was first visited by Queen Victoria in 1848 and since then, it has been traditional for worshipping members of the Royal Family to attend here when in residence at Balmoral.

While there are endless trails, forests and moors to explore in the area, there are several outstanding natural features which are recommended to visit. Cambus o’ May pinewood forest is particularly attractive, featuring several miles of waymarked trails passing two lochans. Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve features the ‘Burn O’ Vat’, a cauldron-shaped pothole in the rock accessible through a narrow cavern – a real adventure for all of the family.

For mountaineers, nearby Lochnagar is a popular circular walk around a steep-sided corrie. A lower-level walk leads you around Loch Muick, with stunning scenery.

Whether it’s a peaceful Highland town or a base for mountaineering or other adventures, Ballater is well-positioned to enjoy the best that the Cairngorms has to offer.