Braemar is such a special, awe inspiring area, so for those who love getting out in to the hills, Braemar Caravan Park is the ideal base. It's so hard to choose a top 5 for exploring the outdoors, so this list is by no means exhaustive, but if you're time limited and can only fit in limited time for exploring, here is our top 5.
1. Take a walk up Morrone. Morrone towers over Braemar Caravan Park, tempting you the whole time to take a walk up it. It's a beautiful walk, about 8.5 miles, and there are spectacular views from the top.
2. Visit Loch Callater. Glen callater is an amazing and special place. The walk/cycle from Auchallater to Loch Callater is 3 miles each way along a track, and is an easy going walk. Glen Callater is home to some amazing wildlife, including Red Deer, Mountain Hare, Curlews and Wheatears, Dippers, Ring Ouzel and so much more. Once you reach Loch Callater the views are incredible and it's quite easy to take hundreds of photos!
3. Cycle or drive to the Linn of Dee, then walk or cycle to Derry Lodge (and beyond). The Linn of Dee is on the Mar estate, where you can start your walk along Glen Derry to Derry Lodge, an old shooting lodge.
4. If you want to explore and photograph the iconic Highland Landscape we are blessed with in the Cairngorms, then a day out with Steven Rennie Photography is a must. Steven offers bespoke photography tours on Invercauld Estate. Steve can provide tuition for the beginner to the advanced photographer. Get in touch with Steven for more information.
If you want to go for some more strenuous walks and you would like some guidance, get in touch with Hillgoers who can guide you to some amazing places, and help teach you some navigation and hill skills at the same time. There are a number of planned events throughout the year, such as a walk through the Lairig Ghru, or up some of the Munros in the area, or get in touch hillgoers if you want a bespoke guided walk.
5. This definitely has to be on the list. Our lives are getting increasingly busy and pressurised, and the constant connection to phones and internet, although can be really useful, can also play havoc with you peace of mind and wellbeing.
So one of our top 5 things to do in Braemar is to turn off your phone and other devices you may be connected to, and put them away in your bag. Take a walk in to quiet spot (this is something quite personal to each of us and really hard to choose from in Braemar as there are so many beautiful spots, like the Morrone Birkwoods, a quiet spot on the top of Creag Choinnich, or by the river Dee). Just take some time to look at the view, listen to the birds, watch the wildlife, look at the wildflowers, or just close your eyes.
The pressures of daily life can get overwhelming and just taking some time out, in the peace and quiet of nature, can be like a reset button and can make you feel completely refreshed.
The most important this is to enjoy yourself. Happy holidays everyone.
