Deeside Nature Activities

Wildlife Walk Suggestions:

• The Five Bridges route (Half Day Walk )

A relaxing stroll or cycle safari through the countryside around Ballater, with many, much-overlooked wildlife highlights along the way. From nesting Dipper to Ospreys,  Highland Cows to Crossbills and much more besides.

• The Craigendarroch Climb! (Half Day Walk)

A more energetic climb to the top of Craigendarroch Hill, through the beautiful Oak woodland with its associated wildlife to enjoy the fantastic views over Ballater and westwards to the top of Lochnagar. Return down the hill to follow the River Dee with its wildlife specialities to our start point.

• Balmoral Estate. (Half Day Walk) (April to July)

Enjoy a stroll through the grounds of this Scottish Holiday home of the Royal Family. With your guide informing you of the natural history interest together with the aesthetic, commercial and sporting management that takes place there. Visit the Castle Ballroom, displays, gardens and grounds together with the gift shop and cafeteria. Guests are welcome to stay on to explore the public areas for the rest of the day.

• Balmoral Uplands (Day hike / Half day )

Enjoy a stroll through the village of Crathie before heading uphill out onto the open moorland, rich in wildlife, with Red and Roe Deer, Red and Black Grouse, and whilst Golden Eagle is more than likely there are many species of small bird and breeding wader to keep you enthralled. Your guide will inform you of the natural history interest together with the aesthetic, commercial and sporting management that takes place on this Special Highland Estate. Return down through the Estates Caledonian Pine Woodland with the possibility of the Scottish specialities like Capercaillie, Red Squirrel, Crossbill and with plenty of evidence of Pine Martens, who knows you might be the lucky ones to catch a glimpse of this elusive species.

• Loch Muick Circular Route (Half day walk)

This relatively flat 8 mile walk takes in the Loch Muick basin. Wildlife can abound here if you know where to look, with Red and Black Grouse, Peregrine Falcon, Osprey, Buzzard, Raven, Merlin, Red and Black Throated Divers together with a variety of small birds, Deer and a few smaller Mammals and Reptiles!

• Lochnagar Ascent (and Decent!) (Day Hike)

A taxing days' hike, but not without its wildlife possibilities, Balmoral's mountain plateau holds Ptarmigan, Snow Bunting, Mountain Hare, Dotterel, Dunlin and Golden Plover. Not to mention the breeding Peregrines and Ravens, Red and Black Grouse Red and Roe Deer etc etc...!

• Loch Muick to Balmoral Estate (Day hike)

This gentle trip travels between the beautiful Glen Muick area and the villiage of Crathie. With fantastic scenery, breeding Golden Eagle nearby, Peregrines and Ravens, Red and Black Grouse, Red and Roe Deer and many small species of birds, one must keep a weather eye out not to trip over the Adders sunbathing on the path!

• Brig O' Dee to Balmoral (Whole day walk)

After crossing the impressive Brig O Dee, with it's beautiful views, journey through one of the best examples of Caledonian Pine woods in Scotland. Originally saved from the woodsman's axe by Queen Victoria, it now holds some of the Scottish Wildlife specialities like Capercaillie, Red Squirrel, Crossbill, Pine Martins and Otters occur on most of the river and stream systems. Red and Roe Deer are a constant possibility along this route as we head along the Dee valley to Balmoral Castle, its' grounds gardens and displays.

• Balochbuie Caledonian Pine Wood Experience (Half/whole day walk)

Having crossed the Brig O Dee, pictured above we will spend a pleasant half day walking the forest trails that crisscross this fabulous royal woodland, pausing at a suitably scenic location for some refreshment, before continuing our search for some of the elusive Caledonian pine wood specialists, like the Capercaillie, Red Squirrel, Red and Roe Deer. Pine Martens frequent these woods but are very elusive and the majestic Golden Eagle can be never far away!

There are many more options for walking or safari excursions. If there is a species of wildlife you "must" see, why not give DNA a call and see how we might help to make that happen!