The Balmoral Cairns and Castle

Thank you for considering Hillgoers for your guided walk of the Balmoral Cairns, with entry into the Castle and grounds included. Please get in touch with us before purchase to agree your preferred date/s.  Our local, qualified guides will be delighted to share their excellent knowledge of the area and nature within.

With the kind permission of the Balmoral Estate, Hillgoers are able to offer this wonderful guided walk of the Balmoral Cairns, starting and ending within the Castle grounds. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Ballroom in the Castle, cafe and shop. You will have the option to stay in the Castle grounds after your walk, taking advantage of the self-guided audio tour. 

Subject to availability, our minibus will collect you from the Castle car park and transport you through the main gates of the Castle, dropping you back at the car park afterward. Depending on where you are staying, we may also be able to collect and return you to your accommodation. 

The Cairns are a collection of historical monuments erected by the Royal Family to commemorate significant events, surrounded by beautiful Caledonian pine forest; they are a real hidden treasure in Aberdeenshire.  There are thirteen Cairns on the Balmoral Estate, eight of which you have the option to visit on this circular walk. The first Cairn to be built was the Purchase Cairn atop the hill Craig Gowan. It commemorates the purchase of the Balmoral Estate by Prince Albert in 1852. This Cairn, like all the others visited (with the exception of the “Aberdeenshire Pyramid”) are conical in shape and extremely elegant in a simple, rustic and understated way. Made of granite stone, they are covered in lichen, weathered with time and sit beautifully within their surroundings.

The impressive pyramid shaped Prince Albert’s Cairn sits on top of Craig an Lurachain. It was built in the beloved memory of Albert, the Great and Good Prince Consort, erected by his broken hearted widow Queen Victoria in August 1862.

Your guide will point out the historical features on the Cairns walk and tell you about their connection to the Royals, who have enjoyed and influenced this beautiful estate.  For nature lovers, there will also be plenty of flora and fauna to spot along the way.

“Every year my heart becomes more fixed in this paradise” (Queen Victoria, 1855)

Meet Time, Location & Estimated Walk Duration

Meet at the Balmoral car park by the post office at 9:45am for a 10:00am start, or pick up from your accommodation (subject on location and availability).

This walk can take 3-5 hours depending on your preference. Distance – up to 10km (6 miles), with an ascent of up to 390m.

Joining Details & Kit

The agreed joining details, participation forms and kit lists will be sent out the week before the walk

Please have a look in our shop, we can post or deliver items to you at the event. All participants receive a 15% discount on goods (except gift vouchers, sale items and books).

Limited to 8 participants.

Please contact us for any additional information.

Terms and Conditions apply.