Braemar: Paths, Culture and History

Discover Braemar on foot, through its cultural programme and its historical connections. There are several options to consider as you plan your trip: signposted paths, a route associated with Queen Victoria, the annual Braemar Gathering and events at St Margaret’s. Consider whether you would like to focus your stay on walks, a particular event date or the village’s history.

Paths and landscape around Braemar

The Braemar community paths are colour-coded and marked with signposts, signs or stone markers. These markers help you find your way as you choose between the different paths. Some lead through pine and birch forests and along the River Dee, offering opportunities to spot native wildlife. Forest, river and wildlife watching shape the character of these sections of the paths.

Six routes lead from Braemar, ranging from a gentle walk along the River Dee to a challenging hike with one of the best views of Deeside. You can compare the options according to the level of challenge and the views you are looking for. Queen’s Drive is a footpath running alongside the Clunie Water and is associated with Queen Victoria’s preferred carriage route. Here, a specific route along the water meets a historical connection.

Gathering, culture and architecture

The Braemar Gathering takes place every September in The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park in Braemar. The Gathering has existed in its current form since 1832. It is a one-day event held each year on the first Saturday in September. If you would like to time your visit around it, check the dates for the relevant year.

St Margaret’s is a venue for performances, arts and heritage in Braemar. The year-round programme at St Margaret’s Trust includes concerts, exhibitions, talks, guided tours, farmers’ markets and workshops. Individual events and dates may change, so check the current programme if you would like to attend a particular event.

St Margaret’s is also a significant Gothic Revival church. It stands prominently on elevated ground and overlooks the main street in the village of Braemar. The name therefore brings both a cultural programme and an architecturally distinctive building into focus.

Guided activities and village history

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 would like to include this option in your travel plans, you will need to get in touch in advance to check availability.

A treasure hunt in Braemar uses a treasure map and compass to follow clues into the Creag Choinnich Woods. It is suitable for children aged 5 to 12. Confirm the age suitability again when booking, as booking arrangements may change. This makes the activity different from the guided walks: the focus here is on the map, compass and following clues.

A history trail was introduced on 29 June 2025. When it launched, it consisted of 14 panels with QR codes, which visitors could use to explore the village’s history independently. If you plan to follow the trail today, check beforehand whether the panels and QR codes are still in place.

Nearby excursions and getting there

Mar Lodge Estate National Nature Reserve lies three miles west of Braemar. From the A93, the estate is reached via an unclassified road signposted to Linn of Dee from Braemar. Check road conditions before setting out. Braemar also makes a convenient stop for exploring during a NE250 adventure. As route details may change, it is worth checking the latest route plan.

Discover more destinations: Plaidy, Inverurie, Lumphanan, Fettercairn, Macduff, Kirkton Of Skene, Alford, Banchory

For the overview of the wider area: Aberdeenshire.