Braemar Caravan Park and Camping Pods Blog

Braemar Caravan Park of Invercauld Estate are excited to tell you about our fantastic new Camping ‘Fog’ Pods.

The Camping ‘Fog’ pods are designed and built by Invercauld Estate and they are unique to Braemar Caravan Park, Indeed the pillars supporting the front of the Fog Pod are from larch trees grown on the Estate so they are truly ‘home made’!

Braemar Caravan Park Camping ‘Fog’ Pods are designed to ensure you’re comfortable whatever time of year you are visiting. They are warm and cosy, sleep 4 on comfortable mattresses, have a table and chairs, microwave, kettle and fridge.   

Our Camping ‘Fog’ pods have been inspired by the traditional Fog houses which can be found on Invercauld Estate. The original ‘Fog houses’ are small buildings, beautifully crafted in timber with a heather and moss roof. There are a number of theories about the origins of the name Fog house.-Some say ‘Fog’ is anglicised from the word ‘Feugh’, which is a traditional Deeside thatched longhouse. Others suggest that ‘Fog’ derives from the Scots word for Moss, which was used for making the walls and roof. Another story is that because many fog houses are close to water sources, the spray from nearby waterfalls appears like a fog. Yet another theory is that gentleman used the fog houses as a place to smoke in and the smoke appeared through the moss roof. Whatever the true origins of the term, you may see a traditional ‘Fog house’ while you are staying with us at Invercauld - the nearest one is located in the grounds of Braemar Castle. They’re a lovely place to sit and relax whilst you’re enjoying the beautiful landscape of Invercauld Estate, which is just like our new Camping Pods.

We look forward to welcoming you to experience our fantastic new Fog Pods and we hope you love them as much as we do.

Braemar is in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, and is one of the most spectacular places to visit, and to get to, in Scotland. There are amazing walks to enjoy, wildlife to see, castles, distilleries and Highland games to experience, yummy food to eat and a special place to enjoy peace and tranquility; It is also one of the most beautiful areas to enjoy a scenic drive. Scotland is known for some amazing scenic road routes, the North coast 500 and Glencoe are the stalwarts, but the new route to explore is called the Snow roads. Though it's called the Snow roads, it's a fantastic route to enjoy all year round.

The Snow Roads Scenic Route is a 90 mile journey from Blairgowrie to Grantown-on-Spey, following the highest A road in Britain and travelling through the outstanding landscapes of the eastern Cairngorms. The road links Braemar, Ballater and Tomintoul with a range of natural and cultural attractions to enjoy on the way, and there's a fantastic leaflet with details of the route to help you on your way.

There are three stunning snow road art installations to visit which are fantastic reasons to stop and explore this wild and beautiful landscape. A Cairngorms photo-post is also located at each installation to allow you to capture changes in the landscape.

The Snow Roads route follows roads which show be enjoyed slowly. Take your time to enjoy the views, villages and attractions along the route. Steep hills, ‘blind’ summits and tight bends on the roads mean you’ll need to drive with care and courtesy. On narrow sections please use the passing places to allow others to continue on their way.  Warning this route traverses the highest roads in Britain – it’s called the Snow Roads for good reason. Please check the weather forecast and follow any travel warnings. There is an 18 tonne weight restriction on Gairnsheil Bridge, and it’s not suitable for long vehicles.

Why not link your journey on the Snow roads and link to other tourist routes such as Royal Deeside, the Whisky Trail or the North Coast 500.

Braemar is a fantastic village, just a short walk from Braemar Caravan Park. We may be a small village but there are plenty of places to get ingredients for a picnic, to sit and enjoy coffee and cake, a bite to eat for lunch or a nice evening meal.

Here at Braemar Caravan Park, we have the fantastic Highlanders Bakehouse deliver fresh bread straight to our door, a fantastic variety of artisan bread in lots of scrumptious flavours, as well as Eggs and Croissants. We have a shop on site selling tinned soup and beans, chocolate, crisps, ice cream and drinks. We also stock BBQs, disposable and reusable.

Braemar Village has a butchers, Neil Menzies, which makes homemade pies, and sells cooked meats and locally made cheeses from Cambus o’May cheese factory near Ballater.

Braemar has a Coop supermarket for all your essentials.

There are numerous cafes to choose from if you fancy popping out for coffee and cake, or a bite to eat for lunch.

The Bothy, a fantastic cafe open daily for Breakfast and lunch, or a relaxing afternoon coffee and cake. There is always has a wonderful warm welcome and lots of yummy food and drink to choose from.

‘Taste’, not only a fair trade cafe with delicious offerings, but also a deli so you can take away a treat. All the bakes are handmade, and coffee is rain forest alliance and the tea is fair trade. 

Gordons Tearoom, lovely cosy cafe with a wide selection of coffee and cakes, lunches and snacks, and throughout the summer also opens for evening meals.

The Moorfield house hotel is a warm and friendly hotel with a bar and restaurant, and the place to eat out if you have a dog with you on your holiday. The hotel offers evening meals, and also a bar with real Ales.

The Gathering place Bistro is next to the Bothy and is both a bistro and bar. There are a wide range of yummy meals available in the evenings and serves later than other eateries.

The Invercauld arms has a restaurant and also offers bar meals to non-residents. Invercauld Arms now offers  delicious afternoon tea menu, and fresh Pizza to eat in or take away.

Braemar lodge hotel has a restaurant open to non-residents and has an incredibly popular Sunday Carvery throughout the summer months, a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike.

Braemar Golf Club also has a restaurant and is open for evening meals and lunches, to both members and non-members.

Glenshee Ski Centre has a cafe open all year round, even when the Ski season is over, it's well worth a visit for lunch, or a coffee, and in the summer months.

And you can’t forget the Hungry Highlander, a chippy with a reputation or a rather good venison burger.

Please check with all the eateries listed above if you are planning a visit as not all of them are open 7 days a week.

Pop in to reception or our information room while you’re staying with us and we’ll be happy to show you where all these wonderful places are. Happy Eating everyone.

Braemar Caravan Park and the fantastic landscape around us is home to some amazing wildlife species. Many of the species you can see here are specialists to the highlands and many won’t be seen anywhere else, making this a fantastic area to come to for bird watching.

Here’s just a few species to spot, some can be seen in and around the caravan park and others would need a walk in to the hills with your binoculars.

Ptarmigan

Ptarmigan are perfectly suited to the harsh environment of the high tops of the Cairngorms. In the summer months they are camouflaged with beautiful grey speckled markings, blending in with the rocks, and in the winter they transform in to Bright white so they are camouflaged in the snow. They feed on the shoots and leaves from vegetation in the high mountain tops, so a walk in to the hills is needed to catch a glimpse of this amazing species.

Black Grouse

Black Grouse are really quite a rare birds and sight of one these birds is an incredibly special experience. In the Spring the males have a Lek where they display to their females. The Leks are few and far between and to prevent disturbance, one of the best ways to witness this amazing display is in a guided trip to a hide.

Snow Bunting

Snow bunting are fantastic little birds with a tough spirit. Climb to the top of Ben Macdui and you may well be greeted with the tweeting of a Snow Bunting at the top. In most parts of Britain if you ‘re lucky enough to see a snow bunting, it’ll just be throughout the Winter months but here in the Cairngorms they are resident all year round.

Crossbills

Crossbills are pretty tricky to spot but can often be seen flitting in the high tops of the Scots pines, eating the seeds from the cones. They have a beak which crosses over at the front which enables them to use it like a pair of scissors to prize open the cone to get to the seed inside. The males are a striking pinky peach colour and the females are a dark green. If there’s been rain they can often be seen drinking from puddles.

Dipper

The Dipper is a very apt name for this little bird, full of character and a joy to watch. They can be seen on the River Clunie behind the caravan park, and on the odd occasion feeding in the burn in Braemar Caravan Park itself. They can be seen bobbing up and down on the rocks before dipping in the river to catch invertebrates.

Ring Ouzel

From a distance you may mistake the Ring Ouzel for a Blackbird, but although related, they are distinctly different. Ring Ouzels arrive in the highlands in the Spring to breed in the rocky crags, crevices and gullies. They spend the summer here before setting off for warmer climates in September. The males are black with a distinctive white ring on their chest, and the females are brown with a duller colour ring. The Ring Ouzel is quite a rare species and a sighting of these fantastic birds is a real treat.

As well as the species described above, there are so many other bird species to see here in Braemar. We have a bird and squirrel feeding area at the caravan park which are always busy with hungry birds and squirrels, Snipe can be heard drumming as the sun is setting along with the hooting Tawny owls, woodpeckers are drumming, Buzzards calling and Meadow pipits displaying, Curlews, Lapwings and many more species all call this area home.

Braemar is such a wonderful place to visit, not only is the scenery spectacular, the wildlife sightings amazing, and the walking and cycling routes endless, there are many places of interest and attractions to visit and experience whilst you’re here. Here is part 1 of just a few recommendations....

Natural wonders

The Linn of Dee

The Linn of Dee is where the river Dee narrows from a vast river to a natural narrow rocky gorge and the water gushes through it into a waterfall. It’s a spectacular place to visit and just a short walk from the car park. Linn of Dee is 6 miles from Braemar.

The Linn of Quoich and the Devils punchbowl

A few miles further along the road from the Linn of Dee is the Linn of Quoich, where Quoich water narrows to a natural rocky gorge, creating another impressive waterfall. At the Linn of Quoich you’ll also find the Devils punchbowl, a spectacular natural rock formation that is the site for some significant events in Scottish history.

The Colonels bed

The Colonels bed is in Glen Ey, and is where the river runs through a vertically sided rocky gorge. It’s a bit of a walk to get there from the car park in Inverey, and care must be taken as the track to get there narrows to a rough can be slippery, but it’s worth a visit and the walk through Glen Ey is spectacular.

Castles past and present

Braemar Castle is an unmistakable landmark on the edge of Braemar, overlooking the river Dee. It was built in 1628 and has a fascinating history, from the Jacobite rising, housing the British army, and Mrs.Frances Farquharson decorating the castle is shades of pink. The castle is now run by the community and is open from April until the end of October.

Kindrochit castle is a ruined castle in the centre of Braemar. Kindrochit castle dates back to the 14^th century, and was a hunting seat of King Robert II. It is well worth an explore of the ruins whilst you’re visiting Braemar.

From Easter throughout the summer, Braemar local history group lead a guided walk every Tuesday at 8pm and Wednesday at 3pm, which gives a fascinating insight into the history of Braemar.

Balmoral Castle has been the Scottish home of the Royal family since 1852, the Castle, the grounds, and the estate as a whole is well worth a visit. The castle is now open until the end of July when the Queen arrives for her Summer break. Balmoral estate is open to walk on all year round, with Loch Muick being a favourite spot. Balmoral is just a 9 mile drive from Braemar.

For more information about things to see and do and Braemar, visit BraemarScotland, and I will continue with part 2 of things to do in Braemar soon.

Braemar Caravan Park is a fantastic location to base yourself in the Cairngorms if you enjoy walking, hiking, skiing, climbing, cycling, wildlife watching, or simply if you like to get away from it all for some peace and quiet and relaxation. A short break somehow never seems long enough to get out and explore all of the amazing sights the area has to offer.

Every year we have a limited number of pitches available for use as seasonal pitches, where you can bring your Caravan or Motorhome and leave it here on your pitch, ready to go, and visit as and when you would like to. It’s a really easy and convenient way to enjoy caravanning and Motorhoming without having to tow your caravan, or drive your motorhome, every time you want to go away. There is also an NCC approved mobile caravan servicing and repair company who can visit your caravan while you’re here to carry out your service.

Winter is a wonderful time to have a seasonal pitch, at a time when roads can be icy and snowy, it means you can simply jump in your car and arrive to your caravan or Motorhome without the need for hitching up, towing and setting up. You can simply arrive, fill up your water, plug in your electric and you’re ready to relax.

Our winter season starts in early December and last for 100 nights until mid March. Summer Seasonal pitches start in Mid march until the end of October. We are fully booked for summer season 2017, but are now taking bookings for the Winter season 2017/18.

If you’re interested in a Seasonal pitch at Braemar Caravan Park, get in touch and we’ll be happy to give you more information.

The Mountains are calling!

Braemar is in such a stunning location, nestled within the Cairngorms National Park surrounded by Mountains, a Mountain lovers paradise, so it would be a shame not to celebrate such a place, so celebrate it we shall.

The first Braemar Mountain Festival will take place between 3rd March- and 5th March 2017. It is a celebration of the mountains in winter and includes workshops on ski touring and telemarking, winter skills and avalanche awareness, low level walking and fell running. In addition there will be photography and art exhibitions and workshops, and in the evening, talks, films, music and food. Come to Braemar to join in the fun. More information about the Mountain Festival can be found here.

Braemar Caravan Park is pleased to announce a discount of 20% to guests coming to Braemar for the Mountain Festival. At time of booking, you will need to quote ‘MOUNTAIN2017’. Please note; No further discounts will be applied, and the discount applies to new bookings only, between the 3^rd and 5^th March 2017.

 THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING AND I MUST GO.

Braemar Caravan Park is in such a stunning location, a beautiful, small village in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Braemar has some shops, cafes and restaurants, but if you forget some  bits and bobs for your camping and caravan holiday that isn’t available in the village, it’s a pretty long drive to find somewhere which stocks what you need. We often get asked for a variety of items on a regular basis, so we made a list and decided to get the builders in.

We have now extended our reception to include a shop, which is much more spacious and welcoming, and we now stock a wide variety of items for your camping and caravan holiday. Everything from electric cables, Thetford toilet and cleaning chemicals, Fenwicks Caravan and motorhome products, Fiamma levelling plates, tent pegs, sleeping bags, Sewing kits, Low wattage kettles and hairdryers and more.

We stock a variety of outdoor equipment such as survival bags, walking poles, torches, sit mats, boot bags and gaiters and OS maps.

As well as stocking camping and caravanning accessories, we have cold drinks, hot drinks, snacks, Ice creams, and as one of the most common requests is for fresh bread in the mornings, so we have teamed up with Highlanders Bakehouse, a local Artisan baker, who can deliver fresh bread each morning in a variety of different flavours, and very tasty it is indeed.

And for when you are looking for a special gift, we have a variety of cards, gifts and crafts, unique to Braemar Caravan Park and Invercauld Estate.

We hope you enjoy our new Reception and shop and we look forward to seeing you all soon.

Walking in the Cairngorms National Park in the winter can be a magical experience; the colours, the light, the crisp, glistening snow on the mountains. It’s so inviting, and can be such an amazing experience. But walking in the winter hills does need a lot of preparation, skill and equipment to ensure you stay safe.

Don’t underestimate how fast the conditions can change in winter it may be bright blue sky when you set off, but conditions can change in a split second, ensure you have appropriate warm clothing, layers, socks, boots, gloves and hats, and a really indispensable piece of kit is some goggles. As well as warmth, you’ll need a good outer shell. Down jackets are amazing, but in rain they can become heavy and cold. The guys at Braemar Mountain Sports are fantastic and can help with everything you need.

Navigation is key. Ensure you are familiar with using an OS map and compass. GPS are a fantastic piece of kit but should be an additional piece of kit, not your soul piece of kit to rely on your walk. Mobile phones are also a fantastic addition to your kit list, but in the hills there may not be signal, your battery can drain fast, and if it’s all you are using to navigate you can be left lost. You can learn about Navigation by attending a course such as this one run by CN-Do Scotland or Glenmore Lodge. 

Be avalanche aware. Avalanches are very complicated entities which are dynamic and the conditions can change quickly. Avalanches can happen at any time, but it is a really good idea to become familiar with the Scottish Avalanche Information Service and also attend a winter skills course to get familiar with planning your walks depending on the conditions you are faced with.

 

Check the weather forecast. You might book a holiday in the hills weeks in advance with the aim of walking 12 munros, but weather conditions can scupper your plans. Always be prepared to change your plans if the weather poses a threat. It’s always better to turn back and return in the future than risk getting in to difficulty.

Leave a route card. It’s a good idea to leave a route card with someone detailing your route, when you set off, when you expect to return, and contact numbers.

Daylight is limited so be realistic about how much time you have available for your walk. And always carry a torch and spare batteries in your bag.

Using crampons and an ice axe. The snow may be fluffy and bright at the start of your walk, but up on the hills it can be sheet ice, and without an ice axe and crampons, may be completely inaccessible. You will need good winter boots to fit your crampons on, and also have knowledge on how to use your ice axe and crampons. It’s a brilliant idea to attend a winter skills course, such as one run by McDougall Mountaineering  or The Mountaineering Council of Scotland. 

Don’t forget your camera and have fun.

Invercauld Estate is home so some of Scotland's most iconic wildlife, which is a truly magnificent to witness in such an amazingly beautiful environment. At Braemar Caravan Park you don’t have to venture far to see Red Squirrels which can be seen foraging and caching for nuts and seeds to keep them going through the long winter.

From our new view point you may be lucky enough to see Buzzards circling overhead, or sometimes catch a glimpse of the elusive and stunningly beautiful Golden Eagle.

Mountain Hares transform from brown in to a bright white and can be seen surviving in the most harshest of environments. Ptarmigan are perfectly adapted to living high up in the mountains in the arctic conditions of the Cairngorms National Park, transforming their camouflage from the grey mottling of the granite to the bright white of freshly fallen snow.

There are Tawny owls and Barn owls, Fieldfares, Red wings and so many more bird species all in search of food to keep them going through the cold winter.

The Red Deer are also a spectacular sight in the Winter months. Their coat grows thick to keep them insulated from the harshest of temperatures, and they venture further down the hills in search of food to graze on. In winter herds of Red Deer hinds can be witnessed in their hundreds, whilst the stags tend to stick to smaller herds.

Braemar Caravan Park is an ideal place to start your search for wildlife, there are paths and tracks that can be followed directly from the Caravan Park or just a short drive away, which will take you deep in to remote glens, along gushing rivers and waterfalls, through Caledonian forests or vast heather moorland.

The Wardens at Braemar Caravan Park are passionate about the area and are always happy to give advice on routes to walk in the area.