Crathie Kirk - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Balmoral Castle has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, having been first leased in 1848. The castle is an example of Scottish baronial architecture, and is classified by Historic Environment Scotland as a category A listed building. The new castle was completed in 1856 and the old castle demolished shortly thereafter.

Royal Lochnagar distillery is situated on the south side of the River Dee close to Balmoral Castle. Age old traditions and craftmanship produce one of Scotland's most exclusive whiskies. A visit to Royal Lochnagar is a timeless experience. Today Royal Lochnagar is leased by Diageo from the Abergeldie Estate, and the distillery produces a relatively small amount of whisky, most of which is used in Johnnie Walker black and blue label.

Abergeldie Castle is a modest 16th century four-floor tower house overlooking the River Dee a short distance downstream of the Royal family’s hunting lodge of Balmoral Castle. It consists of a single rectangular tower with a round turret which serves all three floors and the attic, and is not accessible to the public. Behind it rises Creag nam Ban, a rounded granite hill about 527 metres high, and across the river to its front is the cairn-crowned Geallaig Hill, rising to 743 metres.

Lochnagar is a mountain in the Grampians of Scotland, located about five miles south of the River Dee near Balmoral. It is a popular hill with hillwalkers, and is a noted venue for summer and winter climbing. Adveture lovers can explore this area and can admire the stunning views from here.

A 17th century castle with a colourful past and an exciting future. Built by the Earl of Mar in 1628, it has been hunting lodge, fortress, garrison and family home. The castle is centred on a round tower set within a curtain wall, and defended by an iron yett. The interiors feature fine furniture, including pieces by Chippendale and Hepplewhite. In summer it was a hunting lodge, but its main purpose was to defend the Mar estates against the neighbouring Farquharson clan of Inverey.

Loch Muick is an upland, freshwater loch lying approximately 5 mi south of Braemar, Scotland at the head of Glen Muick and within the boundary of the Balmoral estate. one of Scotland’s finest mountains. The area has many walking routes and a variety of wildlife including grouse and deer.