In Braemar, trails of varying difficulty meet a cultural scene shaped by a long-standing event tradition and a year-round programme. You can tailor your stay to the themes that interest you most: walking, landscape, architecture or village history.

Trails between the River Dee and Clunie Water

Six routes start in Braemar, ranging from a leisurely walk along the River Dee to a challenging hike with one of the best views of Deeside. The Braemar Community Paths trails are colour-coded and marked with waymarkers, signs or stone markers. Some lead through pine and birch woods or along the River Dee, where there are opportunities to spot native wildlife.

Queen’s Drive is a footpath running parallel to Clunie Water. The route is associated with Queen Victoria’s preferred carriage route. The River Dee and Clunie Water therefore provide two different points of reference for a walk: one is found along the Community Paths, the other along Queen’s Drive.

The Gathering, church and cultural programme

The Braemar Gathering takes place every September at The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park in Braemar. The one-day event is scheduled for the first Saturday in September and has been held in its current form since 1832. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the specific event details for the year in question.

St Margaret’s also brings together architectural history and a lively events programme. This significant Gothic Revival Episcopal church stands in a prominent elevated position overlooking the main street in the village of Braemar. St Margaret’s is also a venue for performances, art and heritage. The Trust’s year-round programme includes concerts, exhibitions, talks, guided tours, farmers’ markets and workshops. Individual events and dates may change.

Another way to explore the village’s history is the history trail, launched on 29 June 2025. It was designed as a self-guided route with 14 panels and QR codes. Before planning to visit, check whether the panels and QR codes are still in place.

Walks and further discoveries

Braemar Highland Experience offers guided walks at lower and higher levels in the Cairngorms area. Tours last from a few hours to several days. If you are considering a tour, contact the provider in advance to check availability.

A treasure hunt in Braemar follows clues with a treasure map and compass, leading into Creag Choinnich Woods. The activity is suitable for children aged 5 to 12; confirm the age range again when booking. Booking arrangements may also change.

As another way to connect with nature, you can consider Mar Lodge Estate National Nature Reserve, three miles west of Braemar. From the A93, you can reach the estate via the unclassified road from Braemar, signposted to Linn of Dee. Check road conditions before setting off.

Braemar can also be planned as a stop to explore during a NE250 adventure. Check the latest route details when planning your trip. Whether you have time for a walk, a guided hike or a cultural event depends on which of these options you would like to focus on.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Strichen, Kirkton Of Skene, New Aberdour, Marykirk, St Cyrus, Kemnay, Johnshaven, Longside.

For the main travel overview: Aberdeenshire.