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Private Balmoral Walking Tour to Queens Secret Cabin & the Castle

Aberdeen, GB
Aberdeen, GB
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Embark on a private Deeside walking tour to discover the secrets of the Kings' Balmoral Estate and experience the charm of the Scottish countryside. The tour begins with a visit to the "Honka House," a log cabin nestled deep within the Ballochbuie Forest, gifted to the Queen by Finland. Take a leisurely walk through the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest and marvel at the stunning Falls of Garbh Allt, where Queen Victoria herself installed a picturesque iron bridge. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views and a chance to stop for a traditional Scottish lunch in Ballater. Depending on timings, the tour also offers the opportunity to visit a historical castle or the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, where you can learn the secrets of whisky distillation. Immerse yourself in the rich history and natural beauty of Royal Deeside on this unforgettable journey.

About this experience

  • Non Refundable There is no return, refund or cancellation possible with this product
  • Admission Not Included
  • 9 hours
  • Suitable for 1-7 Participants
  • Private Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Private Deeside Walking Tour in stunning Ballochbuie Forest
  • Visit the Queen's Retreat at Honka House
  • Admire the beautiful Falls of Garbh Allt
  • Enjoy a traditional Scottish lunch in Ballater
  • Explore historical castles or visit Royal Lochnagar Distillery
  • Guide
  • Pick up
  • Lunch
  • Distilleries charge for their tours but have free access to their shops. prices start at £17.50pp.
  • All castles have free to access to their grounds except balmoral castle. prices start a £21pp.
  • Please bring your own suitable walking shoes and clothing to match the weather.
  • Pick up surcharges - hotels more that 10mls from aberdeen city-£20. 40-60mls-£40.

More about this experience

Introduction

Discover the hidden gems of Deeside on a private walking tour that will take you to the King's Secret Retreat and offer a visit to a castle or the Royal Lochnagar Distillery. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Ballochbuie Forest, where you'll find the Honka House, a log cabin gifted to the Queen by Finland. This picturesque spot has been a favorite picnic location for the Royals since its inception. Admire the stunning Falls of Garbh Allt, crossed by a historic iron bridge installed by Queen Victoria herself. Take your time and soak in the breathtaking views as you explore at your own pace. Crossing the famous Invercauld Bridge, dating back to the 18th century, adds a touch of history to this enchanting journey.

What to Expect

On this private walking tour, expect to be amazed by the natural beauty of Deeside. You'll have the opportunity to explore the Honka House, a hidden gem in the midst of Ballochbuie Forest. The tour will take you to the Falls of Garbh Allt, where you can marvel at the cascading water and admire the historic iron bridge. The pace of the tour is entirely up to you, allowing for frequent stops to take in the breathtaking views. Depending on availability and seasonal opening times, you can also choose to visit a castle or the Royal Lochnagar Distillery. Please note that a moderate level of fitness is required for this approximately 5-mile walk on well-maintained paths.

Who is this For?

This private walking tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and those looking for an exclusive experience in Deeside. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group of friends, this tour offers a personalized and intimate exploration of the area. The tour accommodates varying fitness levels, as the paths are mostly gentle and well-maintained. It is suitable for anyone with an appreciation for the outdoors and a desire to uncover hidden treasures. Don't miss the opportunity to discover Deeside's beauty and immerse yourself in its rich history.

Why Book This?

Embarking on this private walking tour is a unique opportunity to experience Deeside like never before. The King's Secret Retreat and the Honka House offer a glimpse into the Royal's intimate hideaways, while the Falls of Garbh Allt and the historic iron bridge provide a picturesque backdrop for your journey. The flexibility to choose between a castle visit or a tour of the Royal Lochnagar Distillery adds to the allure of this tour. With an experienced guide leading the way, you can rest assured that you'll gain valuable insights into the area's history and culture. This tour allows you to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of Deeside.

Good to Know

When embarking on this private walking tour, it's important to come prepared. Make sure to wear suitable walking shoes and clothing that matches the weather conditions. Please note that the walk is approximately 5 miles long and requires a moderate level of fitness. Distillery tours may have additional charges, but you'll have free access to their shops. Most castle grounds are free to visit, except for Balmoral Castle, which charges for tours inside the castle itself. If you're staying in a hotel more than 10 miles from Aberdeen city, there may be pick-up surcharges. Contact the tour provider for more details.

Reviews

Previous travelers have been captivated by the beauty and exclusivity of this private walking tour. They praise the knowledgeable guides who provide fascinating insights into Deeside's history and the hidden gems along the way. The Honka House and the Falls of Garbh Allt have left a lasting impression on visitors, with many describing them as breathtaking and picturesque. The flexibility to choose between a castle visit or a distillery tour has received high praise, allowing travelers to tailor their experience to their interests. Overall, reviewers have expressed their satisfaction with the tour, highlighting its unique and personalized nature. Don't miss out on the opportunity to embark on this unforgettable journey through the enchanting landscapes of Deeside.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Your Itinerary

Aberdeen

We will collect you from your accommodation in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and take you the tour.

Invercauld Suspension Bridge

We cross the world famous 18th century Invercauld Bridge into the Ballochbuie Forest to start our walk.

Ballochbuie Forest

Walk to the Queens Retreat. Buried deep in the Ballochbuie Forest (a magnificent example of an ancient Caledonian Pine Forest and part of the Queens’ Balmoral Estate in Royal Deeside) lies the “Honka House”. This building, complete with sauna, was a gift from the people of Finland for the Queens silver wedding anniversary and has been a favourite picnic and BBQ spot for the Royal Family ever since.

Ballochbuie Forest

The walk continues to the stunning Falls of Garbh Allt. Queen Victoria (who loved to sketch there) had a beautiful iron bridge installed in 1878 and it is still in use today.

Ballater

We can stop for a traditional Scottish lunch

Royal Lochnagar Distillery

After the walk/lunch and depending on our route back and timings we can stop and marvel and one of the many historical castles in the area which include Knock, Balmoral, Crathes, Drum and Dunnotter. Each castle is unique and they all have many a tale to tell. The famous Royal Lochnagar Distillery which produces a beautiful malt which is fit for a Queen or King. The distillery is located in the estate of the Queens Castle, Balmoral and during a tour you will learn the secrets of how the whisky is distilled. The distillery tour will be booked for you by Time Exposure Travel and the entrance fee payable in advance. Distillery Tour subject to availability and seasonal opening times.

Admission Not Included

Crathes Castle

On our way back we can also visit a castle or the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, depending on timings and route. Some castle options are: - Dunnottar Castle- One of the worlds most iconic castles impregnably built on a sheer headland. - Drum Castle - A stunning 13th Century Castle dating back to Robert The Bruce. - Crathes Castle - A 16th Century masterpiece on Royal Deeside. - Knock Castle - A well preserved ruin near Ballater that dates back to the 1600's. Distillery Tour subject to availability and seasonal opening times.

Aberdeen

Return to your accommodation

  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for participants with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
  • Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Total duration includes travel time.

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2024-11-26 16:26

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