Nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park in Aberdeenshire, Royal Deeside is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its rich history, traditional architecture, and warm hospitality, Royal Deeside and its prettiest villages, Ballater and Braemar, offer a unique and authentic Scottish experience that will leave a lasting impression.Whether you're strolling along the banks of the River Dee, exploring the nearby Balmoral Castle, or hiking the trails of the Cairngorms National Park, there's no shortage of adventures to be had in Ballater and around.Come and immerse yourself in the beauty of this enchanting region and discover the magic of Scotland.
Excursions & Tours
Discover the best of the Highlands with a range of guided excursions and bespoke tours. From iconic castles and whisky distilleries to hidden gems and scenic drives, each experience offers a unique way to explore Scotland's rich history, culture and breathtaking landscapes.
Lunch Hut Experience
Escape to the heart of Gairnshiel's estate for a lunch to remember. Travel off-road through Gairnshiel's private grounds before arriving to a secluded lunch hut where a delicious lunch awaits in a truly unforgettable setting.
Off Road Experience
Venture off the beaten tracks and explore Gairnshiel's private grounds on an exhilarating off-road experience. Discover hidden corners of the Invercauld Estate and take in the spectacular views through landscapes rarely seen by visitors.
Guided Walk or Hike
Explore the beauty of the Cairngorms on a guided walk or hike tailored to your pace and interests. Discover local wildlife and breathtaking scenery while learning about nature, history and traditions of the Scottish Highlands with an experienced guide.
Poney Picnic
Enjoy a truly unique Highland experience on Gairnshiel's grounds. Wander through open moorland alongside highland ponies before settling down to a carefully prepared picnic. An experience to remember!
Balmoral Tours
Step inside the Scottish home of the Royal Family with a visit to Balmoral Castle. Explore its beautiful gardens, discover its fascinating history and experience one of Scotland's most iconic estate. In the Summer, you might spot the local Crathie Cricket team playing a game of the British national sports on Balmoral grounds.
Whisky & Distillery Tours
Discover the rich heritage of Scotland's national drink with a tour of our local distillery, Royal Lochnagar. And if you would like to know more, choose Mitch at Copper Cairn for a day out in Spey side learning all about the amber nectar.
Outdoor Pursuits
Immerse yourself in the great outdoors with a range of Highland pursuits. Ranging from foraging and fishing, to golf and tennis, these experiences offer the perfect way to connect to Gairnshiel's surrounding and the natural beauty of Scotland.
Fishing
Discover Leo's loch fishing for trout or go knee deep in the Dee fishing for salmon. Time slows down and the enjoyment of being outdoors becomes primary to the excitement of catching a fish.
Clay Shooting
Experience the thrill of clay shooting in the stunning Highland countryside. With expert instruction available for all abilities, it's a fun and rewarding activity that combines skill, focus and the beauty of Scotland's great outdoors.
Golf
Whether you're a seasoned golfer or picking up a club for the first time, Scotland offers an unforgettable golfing experience. Play on beautiful courses surrounded by spectacular Highland scenery and discover why Scotland is celebrated as the Home of Golf.
Tennis
For a good play around, head to the beautiful village of Braemar where the most scenic tennis courts of Royal Deeside sit proudly between the hills. A game you will remember for quite some time.
Foraging
A guided foraging walk is a wonderful way to discover the flavours of the Scottish Highlands. Learn to identify seasonal wild herbs, berries, mushrooms and edible plants while exploring the landscape, and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world that surrounds you.
Cycling & E-Biking
Embark on an e-bike adventure around forest, waterfall, castle and open moorland. Add a picnic or even combine with Annie's wild sauna experience for a day you'll remember for ever. A unique way to discover the glens and cover more grounds than on foot.
Wellness
Experience wellness the Scottish way, where nature is at the heart of every moment. Refresh with river swimming, unwind in a sauna, find balance through yoga, and restore body and mind with a massage.
River Swimming
Proven to be beneficial for both body and mind, wild swimming has been under the spotlight for quite some time. Embraced by locals, this wholesome activity is rejuvenating and free! Ask the team to be directed to nearby spots on the River Dee.
Wild Swimming & Sauna
Meet Annie Armstrong in Inverey (30min drive) for an unforgettable swimming and sauna experience on the Ey. Embrace the Nordic way! Add a pre-plunge walk or a picnic.
Yoga & Massages
If you are looking for some quality me-time, a yoga session with Victoria or a massage with Fiona might be just what you need. Available from the comfort of your Gairnshiel home.
Art & Culture
Royal Deeside, especially Ballater and Braemar, is rich of Scottish history and heritage. With Balmoral Castle nearby, find pieces from the Victorian area all the way to the Jacobites. And with nature all around, inspiration will flow on your art workshops.
Balmoral Castle & Gardens
A must see visitor attraction in Royal Deeside, Balmoral Castle is a short drive away from Gairnshiel houses (Faunoran is walking distance!). Choose between the standard admission allowing access to the beautiful grounds, gardens and one exhibition room. Or treat yourself to an indoor visit of the Castle.
Balmoral Estate Expedition
Embark on a journey with a Balmoral tour guide or ranger around the extensive grounds of Balmoral Estate. Learn about the Royal Family, the castle and how the estate is managed. If you're lucky, you might even spot local wildlife.
Memorial Cairn Walk
A must-do walk around Balmoral Estate through tranquil forrest to visit the cairns erected by Queen Victoria in honour of her family. Fantastic views awaits at Albert Cairn, the most magnificent Scottish pyramid of all.
Sketching Workshops
Delve into the art of sketching alongside a master artist. Allow the interiors of Gairnshiel to ignite your creativity, or embark on an adventure to discover inspiration outside. Your teacher will guide you into crafting a remarkable piece, a treasure you can carry home with you.
Lino Cutting & Printing
Laura, a local illustrator, has captured the hearts of the community with her exquisite lino prints and engaging workshops. Join her on a 3-4 hour odyssey, where you will craft your very own print by drawing and carving into lino, before the magical moment of printing onto paper.
