Activities

Braemar is an ideal centre for all outdoor activities. From the gentlest short walk to a long expedition in the high mountains, there is always something to do. Mountain biking, skiing, golf, hillwalking, fishing and field sports are all on offer. For the more adventurous, ski touring, rock-climbing and scrambling are also possible. If you’re lucky enough and visit during a cold snap, you could even enjoy a few ends of curling on the traditional outdoor rink. The magical thing about Braemar is that all these activities are possible, but without the hustle and bustle of the busier Scottish ‘outdoor resorts.’

A year in Braemar:

January
Glenshee or the Lecht may well be open for skiing, so you could be enjoying a full day on the slopes. If the weather is poor, you could go out for a short walk before settling in at the Moorfield Hotel for a well-deserved drink.

February
In the depths of winter, Morrone Cottage comes into its own – you could have a long day in hills, then get warm in front of the open fire whilst the drying room gets your clothes ready to do it all again the next day.

March
For climbers and hillwalkers, Braemar is a perfect centre in good winter conditions. A few hours’ approach can get you into the gully climbing at Lochnagar, or up on the high tops of Ben Avon, Beinn a’Bhuird or the Cairngorm plateau.

April
This is one of the best times to go outdoors in Scotland. Take the whole family camping in one of the beautiful long glens – the midges have yet to arrive, the snows are melting, and the weather is usually excellent.

May
As the warmer weather gets established, the golf course opens again and those wishing some less demanding walking will be pleased by the longer hours and gentler weather. Balmoral Castle is open throughout May and June.

June
A good time to visit Braemar Duckpond at the top of Chapel Brae to see the ducklings! Birkwood Nature Reserve is also well worth a visit as all the local birdlife comes out for summer. In this longest part of the year in only gets dark for a few hours after 11pm, so some magical nights out under the stars are guaranteed.

July
In July we welcome the new tradition of the Braemar Junior Highland Games – a great family day out with opportunities for children to take part in all the historic highland sports. There is also a hill race for the adults so it’s a great family day out.
Braemar Gala Week also takes place in July, with a whole range of outdoor and indoor activities – from lawn bowling to open gardens, guided nature walks to dancing lessons.

August
The weather can be good during the early autumn, but on a dull day you could perhaps drive to some of the more distant attractions like Crathes Castle or Dunnotar Castle.

September
‘Always the first Saturday in September’ – the annual Braemar Gathering is the biggest and best Highland Games in Scotland. Attended by the Queen, this spectacular event is not to be missed! September also sees the start of the stalking season.

October
High season for stalking and shooting, this is consequently a very busy month at Morrone Cottage and early booking is recommended.

November
As the nights draw in and the temperatures drop, this is a quiet time as Braemar braces itself for winter. If you’re after peace and seclusion, you can still get some great walking and wildlife watching in November.

December
Morrone Cottage is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional family Christmas. The superb new kitchen will make cooking easy, whilst the large dining area and living room can easily accommodate a large party. We don’t raise our prices over Christmas or New Year, so it’s simply a question of booking a year or so in advance