Activities
Activities at Ballogie Estate
If you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors whilst visiting Ballogie Estate, then there is plenty on offer for every type of enthusiast. Additionally, we can recommend a variety of historical attractions, including beautiful local castles and bridges as well as a variety of Highland Games to enjoy throughout the year and Grampians very own Malt Whisky Trail if you would like to try the local tipple!
Field Sports
Whether your passion for field sports is deer stalking on the hills or grouse shooting on the moorlands, you will be well catered for at Ballogie. With over 6,000 acres of beautiful countryside and local ghillies to impart their expert knowledge when needed, we aim to deliver a unique and rewarding experience that will last a lifetime.
Salmon Fishing
The River Dee has some of the best salmon and sea-trout fishing in Scotland. Ballogie Estate is situated on the south bank of the river and manages three beats which cover a distance of 5km with many named salmon pools along its length. You can even buy your fishing tackle online including flies and lines from our Head Ghillie, Sean Stanton, before you arrive.
Hill-Walking
If you love taking to the hills you will be spoilt for choice in Royal Deeside. The Cairngorms National Park is home to 43 Munros including Ben Macdui and Lochnagar. Booking accommodation on Ballogie Estate gives you the perfect base, from which to explore the area, and also somewhere warm and relaxing, where you can kick off your boots and enjoy a dram at the end of the day.
Horse Riding
Why not enjoy the breathtaking local scenery on horseback? There are several local stables offering lessons (Midstrath Equine World) and trekking options (Highland Unbridled) for during your stay on the estate.
Off-Road Cycling
There are many options for off-road cyclists and mountain bikers in Royal Deeside. Tarland Trails are a set of mountain bike trails based in Drummy Woods in Tarland. The Deeside Way, covers 41 miles of glorious countryside from Aberdeen to Ballater. There are also miles of designated cycling forest tracks, and trails within the Cairngorm National Park, which are perfect for getting away from it all. Potarch Café is one of the hubs along the Deeside Way and is the perfect place to stop for a rest and a bite to eat.
Golf
Ballogie is located close to some of the finest golf courses in Aberdeenshire and the North East of Scotland. The facilities available cater for golfers of all ages and abilities, providing a range of terrain that can create interesting challenges for beginners to even the most experienced golfers.
Aboyne Golf Club, located approximately 5 miles from Ballogie was established in 1883 and is spectacularly set above the village on rolling countryside with splendid views across the Deeside valley all the way up to the Cairngorm National Park. Visitors to the estate can expect a warm welcome with daily green fees as well as golf club and buggy hire. Other courses available in the area which are well worth a visit are Banchory, Ballater and Braemar, with Inchmarlo located within easy reach with facilities including a golf driving range.In July every year ‘The Royal Deeside Golf Classic’ takes place locally; offering the opportunity to holiday in Royal Deeside and play Banchory, Aboyne, Ballater and Braemar golf courses over a period of five days; this is the perfect opportunity to experience the splendour of Royal Deeside and all it has to offer.
Quad Biking
Quad biking has become increasingly popular over the past few years. There are quad bike centres nearby, such as Deeside Activity Park, where you can ride across rough terrain and get suitably mud-splattered along the way.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Glenshee, just south of Braemar, is one of Scotland’s top skiing and snowboarding destinations. Lying just an hour’s drive from Ballogie Estate, Glenshee boasts the UK’s most extensive skiing and snowboarding facilities.
Lecht 2090 (as it is based 2,090 feet above sea level) is a winter activities centre based near Strathdon. It caters for all levels of skiers and snowboarders and it is especially good for beginners and intermediates. Summer activities include two downhill trails for mountain bikers.The Alford Ski Centre is a flood-lit dry ski slope and has year round facilities for skiing, snowboarding and tubing.
Historical Attractions
There are a number of historical tourist attractions near to Ballogie. Balmoral Castle was the Highland residence of Her Majesty the Queen. There are also many outstanding National Trust for Scotland properties including, Craigievar, Drum Castle and Crathes Castle which are close to Ballogie and on the ‘Castle Trail’.
Aboyne Highland Games
The Aboyne Highland Games has been held annually since 1867, with the exception of a break during WW1 and WW2. The Games are held annually on the first Saturday of August on Aboyne Green and to mark the centenary of the death of ‘Scotland’s Greatest Athlete,’ Donald Dinnie, the Dinnie Stones are exhibited at the event. On their return to Ballogie, which was the birthplace of Donald Dinnie they are displayed at a special site in the garden of Potarch Café beside Potarch Lodge close to where he originally showcased his amazing strength in 1860 on Potarch Bridge.
Malt Whisky Distilleries
A visit to Royal Deeside would not be complete without a trip to a malt whisky distillery. The closest to Ballogie are Royal Lochnagar and Old Fettercairn distilleries and they are part of the Grampian ‘Malt Whisky Trail’ the only one of its kind in the world.
If you wish, log on to the Visit Scotland website for further details on activities and attractions in Royal Deeside.
