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Private Deeside Walking Tour to Kings Secret Retreat & Castle/Distillery Visit

1 Review 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 1 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Aberdeen, Scotland

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9 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

Deep in the stunning Ballochbuie Forest (part of the Kings’ Balmoral Estate) lies the “Honka House”. This log cabin was a gift from Finland for the Queens silver wedding anniversary and has been a favourite picnic spot for the Royal's ever since.

Near the retreat are the stunning Falls of Garbh Allt, over which Queen Victoria had a beautiful iron bridge installed in 1878 and it is still in use today.

The tour will be set at your own pace and there will opportunities to stop and admire the views.

Our tour also takes us over the famous Invercauld Bridge, which dates back to the 18thC.

After the walk the can visit Balmoral Castle or the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, depending on seasonal open times. Please contact up re dates.

Most castle grounds are free to visit (except Balmoral), but charge for tours inside the actual castle. Contact us for details.

Please note the walk is an approx 5 miles long on well maintained and mostly gentle paths and a degree of fitness is required.

What's Included

  • Pick up
  • Guide
  • Lunch Lunch not included in cost. No drinks or snacks are included in the cost.
  • Distilleries charge for their tours but have free access to their shops. Prices start at £17.50pp.
  • All castles have free to access to their grounds except Balmoral Castle. Prices start a £21pp.
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

We pick you up from your hotel or accommodation in the Aberdeen area, train station or cruise liner. We are happy to pick you up anywhere, but for Hotels outside Aberdeen, a pick up surcharge applies as per below, in exclusions.

What To Expect

Aberdeen

We will collect you from your accommodation in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and take you the tour.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Invercauld Suspension Bridge

We cross the world famous 18th century Invercauld Bridge into the Ballochbuie Forest to start our walk.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Ballochbuie Forest

Walk to the Queens Retreat. Buried deep in the Ballochbuie Forest (a magnificent example of an ancient Caledonian Pine Forest and part of the Queens’ Balmoral Estate in Royal Deeside) lies the “Honka House”. This building, complete with sauna, was a gift from the people of Finland for the Queens silver wedding anniversary and has been a favourite picnic and BBQ spot for the Royal Family ever since. The walk continues to the stunning Falls of Garbh Allt. Queen Victoria (who loved to sketch there) had a beautiful iron bridge installed in 1878 and it is still in use today.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Balmoral Castle

We visit the world famous Scottish Family Residence. Please note the castle in not open all year and we visit other castles or a Whisky Distillery during its closed period (which is normally mid August to start of October). Please contact us for dates.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Royal Lochnagar Distillery

If Balmoral Castle is closed we may visit the famous Royal Lochnagar Distillery which produces a beautiful malt which is fit for a Queen or King. The distillery is located in the estate of the Queens Castle, Balmoral and during a tour you will learn the secrets of how the whisky is distilled. Distillery Tour subject to availability and seasonal opening times.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Crathes Castle

An amazing 16th century masterpiece which we may visit if Balmoral Castle is closed.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Total duration includes travel time.

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Deeside Walking Tour to Kings Secret Retreat & Castle/Distillery Visit?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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Activity code: C-91620P20

Reviews

5.00
1 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
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4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
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1 star
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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Pick up
  • Guide
  • LunchLunch not included in cost. No drinks or snacks are included in the cost.
  • Distilleries charge for their tours but have free access to their shops. Prices start at £17.50pp.
  • All castles have free to access to their grounds except Balmoral Castle. Prices start a £21pp.
  • Please bring your own suitable walking shoes and clothing to match the weather.
  • Pick up surcharges - Hotels more that 10mls from Aberdeen city-£20. 40-60mls-£40.
  • Royal Lochnagar Distillery
  • Balmoral Castle

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Total duration includes travel time.

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Non-refundable

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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