Local area
Local Area
Cairn Leuchan and Crofts Mill are located within the beautiful Glen Muick, in Royal Deeside. The River Dee starts high up in the Cairngorms and travels down past Braemar, past the Royal residence of Balmoral, to the south of Ballater and down the Dee valley to Aberdeen.
Glen Muick
Glen Muick lies to the southwest of the Dee and the River Muick flows from the Spittal of Muick at the foot of Lochnagar down the glen, past Prince Charles's Scottish residence Birkhall, past Crofts Cottages, to the foot of the glen where it joins the river Dee.
From the Crofts it is 7 miles to the Spittal of Muick where there is a car park, visitor centre and walks around Loch Muick and into the Mountains including Lochnagar and Broad Cairn. Within walking distance of the Crofts are woods with paths through them, leading to a small fishing pond. These woods are located on the opposite side of the glen road from the Crofts and can be accessed by walking back towards Ballater about 600m then taking a right in where an old stone church tower can be seen. Dogs are welcome but must be kept under control due to local livestock and wildlife.
Ballater
The village can be reached by foot or on bike through these woods or along the glen road and then following the signs for the path that runs adjacent to the main road. It is approximately 1.5 miles. Ballater offers a wide array of local convenience shops including a Co-Op supermarket, newsagent, butchers, bakery and deli. There are many cafes and restaurants, gift shops, galleries, an ice cream shop, outdoor shop and bike shops. The tourist information is located in Station Square.
For bike hire, come and visit us in our bike shop Bike Station Ballater. We can advise you on local routes. To book hire bikes visit our website
There is so much to do in and around Ballater. For an up-to-date guide to local events and attractions please see VisitBallater
Please also watch this short feature film to get a taste of the NorthEast of Scotland
