Set in stunning Highland landscapes, Braemar is a beautiful village and gateway to outdoor adventure.
As the gateway to the Cairngorms National Park, Braemar is one of Royal Deeside’s most-visited destinations. The pretty village is surrounded by mountains, valleys and forests and enjoyed year-round by outdoor enthusiasts. Mountain climbers come to bag some of the many local Munros and skiers hit the slopes at Glenshee, Scotland’s largest ski resort. Golfers can play a round on the UK’s highest golf course, while anglers can enjoy excellent salmon fishing in the River Dee. The best way to soak up the scene is by setting up camp at one of the area’s excellent campgrounds.
Sights around the village include the 17th-century Braemar Castle and Morrone Birkwood National Nature Reserve, a magical landscape of juniper and birch. Braemar also has a thriving cultural scene, which you can experience at the community hall and Braemar Gallery. Pitches for tents and tourers, as well as a handful of glamping pods, are available at Braemar Caravan Park.
The rugged landscapes of Glenshee appeal to hillwalkers, mountain climbers and anglers. A 15-minute drive south of Braemar, Glenshee Ski Centre has extensive skiing and snowboarding facilities, with the largest lift system in Britain and 36 runs. South of the ski centre, Glenshee Glamping has tent pitches, as well as a selection of pods, cabins and huts.
The mountain of Lochnagar stands 2,200 feet (71 metres) and is popular with walkers, climbers and mountaineers all year round. The clearly marked path to the summit is around 12 miles (19 kilometres) long and begins around a 35-minute drive from Braemar.
The most popular time to visit Braemar is in summer, especially on the first Saturday in September when the village hosts the world-famous annual Braemar Gathering and Highland Games, which is regularly attended by the Royal Family and features the best pipers and Highland dancers and athletes. If hoping to attend, be sure to make arrangements far in advance. Winter visitors should bear in mind that, in winter, Braemar is one of the coldest places in the country.