A wild day in Braemar

The first thing I did when I woke up this morning was check the Glenshee Ski Centre A93 road camera! I have been trying to get to beautiful Braemar to walk for the past three weekends and have been held hostage by various weather fronts!

Whilst I am a HUGE snow fan (literally jumping about like an idiot when it happens) I was not too pleased to see the gates closed and cars waiting patiently at the gates to get through. I persevered and sure enough the gritters ploughed their way through and the roads were clear around an hour and a bit later.

With more snow forecast later in the day, Mac and I jumped in the car and off we went! The journey was fairly smooth the whole way to the ski centre. I decided to stop briefly in the Glenshee Ski Centre Car Park and do a wee bit of video as it was busy and there was heaps of snow! There was a happy buzz around the place and the sun was shining brightly making the snow look fab!

Off we set again – Mac getting super impatient as he wants his millionth walk of the day!
We arrived in Braemar and followed signs for the Linn of Dee Car Park which is around 5 or 6 miles out of Braemar and ends up on the National Trusts stunning Mar Lodge Estate.
 

There is still a good bit of snow about and I am conscious of the changeable weather. On this basis I decided to do a smaller walk then I first intended (I WILL return and spend a few days there). I followed the blue route signposted Glen Lui which follows the remarkably clear Linn of Dee river. The water looks stunning as it follows the twists and turns and falls over a small waterfall. At this point it’s sunny and warm.

The paths are a bit slippery under foot due to the snow but completely manageable. Macs having an absolute ball as he tears round the place with his beloved tennis ball.
We followed the path until it came to the road and a cattle grid. Just before we got there, the weather turned and it started to snow/sleet (this literally happened in a few minutes) . Although I was kitted out with togs and supplies, I decided that we had gone far enough and we turned back. It reiterates how quickly the weather changes and how no matter where you are walking you need to be prepared for any weather.

The walk keeps going in a loop and according to the info boards at the car park would take roughly an hour and a half. The website Walk Highlands has a longer version of this walk listed here .

The scenery was beautiful even with the unpredictable elements and I would love to return to do the whole route again soon. Although this walk is dog friendly, although please be mindful that between April-June there are ground nesting birds in part of the forest. Dogs must be under strict control at this point so they don’t upset the birds.

From the car park there is a very short walk (around 0.8km) loop down by the Linn of Dee.

Just down the road from the car park entrance is the entrance to the Lairig Ghru which is another walk also on my hit list. This walk can take you as far as Aviemore and is around 19 miles long.
 

We headed back into Braemar itself which is a picturesque village with various hotels, eateries and shops. Here is fab website with info on Braemar and what’s on.
 

I parked up in the public car park and had a wee stroll around and took some snaps. I was very aware that lovely sunshine had disappeared and the snow had started again. I nipped into the dog friendly cafe ‘The Bothy’ and grabbed a delicious latte and cake to go. It had a lovely warm and friendly atmosphere and gorgeous views over the Linn of Dee.
 

With that Mac and I headed for home just at the right time. The snow was falling thick and fast on the road between Braemar and Glenshee Ski Centre. Overall the surfaces were fine, but as we climbed higher it was settling on the road. Once we passed the highest point the roads were better and better and we arrived home in good time to warm sunshine.

Conclusion – Mac and I can’t wait to get back up there to explore all the fabulous walks in and around the area. We have a new property in Braemar  (it will be online soon) and I think I may just have to book it up for a week and walk from sun up 'til sun down!