What to do and see in Ballater, Scotland: The Best Free Things to do

November 19, 2021 Karren Gelb

1,446  (2001 census)
Restaurants in Ballater

1. Loch Muick

Glen Muick, Ballater Scotland http://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/loch-muick-p254641
Excellent
85%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 551 reviews

Loch Muick

Reviewed By Midhill

Enjoyed the 10 mile walk on a lovely autumn day. The tree colours were beautiful and the Loch and surrounding area stunning. It’s a flat walk with a few rough paths to navigate , just the place to get away from it all.

2. Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve

Dinnet, Ballater Scotland +44 1339 881667 http://www.nature.scot/muir-of-dinnet
Excellent
68%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 119 reviews

Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve

Reviewed By suewB7164YW

Lovely easy and mainly flat circular walk of about 5 miles around Loch KInord following the well signposted 'Duck' route. Nice clean toilets and a couple of picnic benches available at Visitor Centre where there is a car park which can get full on popular days. Walk starts just across the road from the visitor centre

3. Cambus O'May Forest

north side of the A93 between Ballater and Dinnet, Ballater AB35 5SD Scotland http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/visit/cambus-omay
Excellent
65%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 37 reviews

Cambus O'May Forest

Reviewed By lucyhelliker - Moreton-in-Marsh, United Kingdom

I come every year and still discover new parts of the Cambus o’ May! Am NOT a Walker as such, just with the dog when at home and this place I find just right in terms of interest and ease. It’s also good in the wet because of the tree cover. Have discovered a lovely lake and bridge here too. It’s a fabulous place

4. Ballater VisitScotland iCentre

Old Royal Station, Station Square, Ballater AB35 5QB Scotland +44 1339 755306 http://www.visitscotland.com/en-us/info/services/ballater-information-centre-p332261
Excellent
79%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 47 reviews

Ballater VisitScotland iCentre

Reviewed By lucyhelliker - Moreton-in-Marsh, United Kingdom

A really delightful establishment. Greeted at the door with quick chat about Covid rules then got into a city chat as the lady (a retired police inspector) was just so lovely! Very helpful lady inside helping me to choose a gentle walk (round the golf course, flat and fabulous along the Dee). Good gift shop with Gist jewellery which is fab. Sadly cafe closed since March. We were made so welcome.

5. Deeside Books

18-20 Bridge Street, Ballater AB35 5QP Scotland +44 1339 754080 [email protected] http://www.deesidebooks.com
Excellent
40%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Deeside Books

6. Burn O'Vat

B9119, Dinnet, Ballater Scotland http://www.nature.scot/muir-of-dinnet
Excellent
68%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 149 reviews

Burn O'Vat

Reviewed By Deeaberdeen - Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Visited Burn O Vat yesterday and glad we did Good car parking, lots of spaces Follow the lower trail for about 5 minutes, over a small bridge and find yourself facing large rocks Climb through a tiny fap in the middle of the large rocks, climbing over stones to get through, and water You need non slip shoes A you find yourself in a beautiful place with a water fall Its stunning and peaceful You can climb up i believe but i didnt chance it we marveled at the beauty of it and how long its been there It was apparently created by the iceage Splitting the rocks in two We took a walk up the steps after coming back out the cave And you can find yourself looking down at the warerfall Its very high, a bit too high if you dont like heights We walked back towards the car park on the upper path And you find a viewing point for loch kennard Its beautiful

7. Craigendarroch

Ballater Scotland
Excellent
60%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 65 reviews

Craigendarroch

Reviewed By margaretclark268 - Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Staff were really friendly and helpful as we had booked for use of the pool, sauna steam room we all had a lovely time we had the pool to ourselves for at least an hour before other people came in after about 3 hours enjoying the facilities we had a meal there which was really good and even arranged a lovely vegan meal for myself. Would highly recommend this to everyone lovely place the grounds and lovely places to take walks

8. Dee Valley Confectioners

Station Square, Ballater AB35 5RB Scotland +44 1339 755499 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/deevalleyconfectioners/?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

Dee Valley Confectioners

9. Crathie Kirk

Close to Balmoral Castle, Ballater Scotland http://braemarandcrathieparish.org.uk/crathie-kirk
Excellent
62%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 52 reviews

Crathie Kirk

Reviewed By RicRiordon - Meaford, Canada

We visited here the day of our departure from the area and the day before the Queen and her companions came to worship there apparently. Although we missed Her Royal Highness, I'm afraid I might have found her presence and my motives for worship somewhat challenged by her celebrity – maybe just as well. We were fortunate to have a quiet visit and hear the enthusiastic stories of our church hostess on the Royal's frequent visits to this humble building over the decades. This place of worship is full of interesting history, sculptures and photographs, well worth a visit.

10. Glenmuik Church

Church Square, Ballater AB35 5NE Scotland +44 1339 756111 [email protected] http://glenmuickchurch.org.uk
Excellent
56%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

Glenmuik Church

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