Discover Braemar: Trails, Culture and Nature

Braemar brings together colour-coded trails, river landscapes, culture and Scottish traditions. When planning your trip, the question is therefore less about a single highlight and more about the rhythm you want: would you like to walk along the River Dee, go on a longer hike, discover the village’s history or attend an event? A holiday apartment in Braemar can serve as a base for a wide variety of days out.

Walking trails between the River Dee and the forest

The Braemar community paths are colour-coded and marked with signposts, signs or stone markers. Some lead through pine and birch forests and along the River Dee, offering opportunities to observe native wildlife. Six routes lead from Braemar: the range extends from a leisurely walk along the River Dee to a challenging hike with one of the best views of Deeside. These differences help you adapt your daily plans to your preferred activity, without every day of your holiday having to look the same.

One special walking route is Queen’s Drive. The footpath runs parallel to the Clunie Water and is associated with Queen Victoria’s preferred carriage route. Anyone wishing to combine the landscape with a historical connection will find a distinctive option here alongside the other trails. For longer hiking experiences, Braemar Highland Experience offers guided walks at lower and higher levels in the Cairngorms area. The tours last from a few hours to several days.

Culture and tradition in Braemar

The Braemar Gathering takes place every September in The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park in Braemar. The one-day event is held every year on the first Saturday in September and has taken place in its present form since 1832. If you would like to plan your stay around this date, the Gathering is one of the village’s key cultural occasions.

St Margaret’s also brings together different cultural themes. The venue is dedicated to performances, art and cultural heritage. The programme of St Margaret’s Trust includes concerts, exhibitions, talks, guided tours, farmers’ markets and workshops throughout the year. St Margaret’s is also an important Gothic Revival Episcopal church in a prominent elevated position overlooking the main street in the village of Braemar. This allows an active day to be complemented by cultural impressions.

Family experiences and places to visit

A treasure hunt in Braemar is suitable for children aged 5 to 12. It leads them through clues with a treasure map and compass and onwards into Creag Choinnich Woods. This gives families a specific activity centred on discovering things together. In addition, a new historical walking tour was introduced on 29 June 2025. The village’s history could be explored independently using 14 information boards with QR codes.

Three miles west of Braemar lies the Mar Lodge Estate National Nature Reserve. From the A93, the area can be reached from Braemar via the unclassified road signposted Linn of Dee. Braemar is also suitable as a stopover for exploring during a NE250 adventure. Anyone wishing to divide their days between nature, culture and different activity levels can take these various opportunities into account when choosing accommodation.

Compare more destinations

If you would like to select additional destinations alongside Braemar, you can also view Portsoy, Stonehaven, Ballater, Hatton of Fintray, New Aberdour, New Deer, Peterhead and Plaidy.

Return to the higher-level travel overview: Aberdeenshire.