We are the Inverurie Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
We start from the Balmoral Visitor Centre Car Park. Most of the walk is within the Balmoral Estate, and some of it is only accessible for part of the year. At time of recce, the footbridge over the Dee at Crathie was closed. If that is still the case we will cross the road bridge at Balmoral and walk along the minor road to Easter Balmoral. From there, we follow estate roads and landrover tracks towards Gelder Sheil. There is a steady, but not excessively steep, climb over the route to this point. We can do a short detour here to visit the bothy if the walkers want to on the day. Then we return via the woods of Garmaddie towards Balmoral, then Easter Balmoral and back to the start of the walk. There is no off-path walking, although some of the landrover tracks can be rocky in places. We get good views towards Lochnagar, and also toward the north during the walk.
Booking is essential. Please contact the walk leader David using the contact details provided to book, or if you have any questions, by the Thursday evening prior to the walk. Please phone or text. If you leave a message please remember to leave your name and contact telephone number. Confirmation of your booking is required for attendance. It is essential for the walk leader to know who is coming on the walk and to be able to contact people should there be any changes. Please remember to contact the walk leader if you are no longer able to attend.
Good walking boots and waterproofs are essential. Also a hat, gloves, and walking poles are required. Bring food and drinks.
Parking: Car park at Balmoral Visitor Centre, Crathie. A £5 parking charge applies at time of writing.
Toilets: Are available near the start of the walk, at the Balmoral Visitor Centre Car Park, Crathie. Although their opening times can vary by season. If you have time en-route visiting the toilets at Ballater Car Park may be more reliable.
Balmoral Visitor Centre Car Park at Crathie. OS Landranger Map number 44.
Balmoral Visitor Centre Car Park at Crathie. OS Landranger Map number 44.
