The Balmoral Cairns

Explore the Royal Family’s Scottish Estate.

A stone pyramid-shaped structure in a wooded area with tall trees on either side, a dirt path leads toward it, and mountains can be seen in the background under partly cloudy skies.

Start Time: 10:00.

Location: Meet at the Balmoral car park by the post office.

Walk Grading: Level 1 walk. Find out more about our walk grading here.

Terrain: The path is mostly forestry type tracks which can be slippery in places so please bring sturdy footwear.

Requirements: You should be able to do outdoor walking on paths with some uneven ground.

If you're a group or an individual and would like to book a private hill day or course please contact us

Walk through Caledonian Pine forest visiting the memorial Cairns

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)

A castle surrounded by lush green trees and hills under a cloudy sky, with distant mountains in the background.

Joining Details & Kit

Joining details, participation forms and kit lists will be sent out the week before the walk. This walk is limited to 8 participants.

Equipment Shop

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).

Please contact us for any additional information. Terms and Conditions apply.

  • Three hikers standing on a dirt trail beside an ancient stone structure with a steep sloped wall, in a green landscape under a cloudy sky.
  • Two women hiking in a forested area, standing on a dirt trail near a stone cone-shaped monument, surrounded by tall pine trees and partially cloudy sky.
  • A large stone pyramid structure surrounded by trees and a dirt path leading up to it.
  • A scenic view of a castle surrounded by lush green trees and rolling hills in the distance.

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