Private Balmoral Walking Tour to Queens Secret Cabin & the Castle

Deep in the stunning Ballochbuie Forest (part of the Kings’ Balmoral Estate) lies the “Honka House”. This log cabin was a gift from Finland for the Queens silver wedding anniversary and has been a favourite picnic spot for the Royal's ever since. Near the retreat are the stunning Falls of Garbh Allt, over which Queen Victoria had a beautiful iron bridge installed in 1878 and it is still in use today. The tour will be set at your own pace and there will opportunities to stop and admire the views. Our tour also takes us over the famous 18thC Invercauld Bridge. After the walk the can visit the amazing Fife Arms Hotel for lunch. The hotel is an attraction in itself. After lunch we can visit Balmoral Castle depending on seasonal open times and if time, the stunning Crathes Castle. Please contact us re dates. The walk is available all year, even if the Royal Family are in residence. Please note the walk is an approx 4.5 miles long on well maintained and mostly gentle paths.

1. 1

   Aberdeen

   1 hour

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

2. 2

   Invercauld Suspension Bridge

   30 min

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

3. 3

   Stop 3

   2 hours

   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. 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.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   1 hour

   After your walk it is time for lunch in the amazing Fife Arms Hotel, a work of art and attraction in itself.

5. 5

   Balmoral Castle

   1 hour

   We visit the world famous Scottish Family Residence. Please note the castle in not open all year and we visit other castles or a Whisky Distillery during its closed period (which is normally mid August to start of October). Please contact us for dates.

6. 6

   Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate

   1 hour

   An amazing 16th century masterpiece which we may visit if Balmoral Castle is closed.

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

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.