My wife and I will be driving from Edinburgh to Ballater in October. Looking for a scenic route there and/or a route with a stop in a cool small town. Does anyone have any recommendations for a route? Thanks!!
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7024 posts
We came from Stirling a couple years ago and stopped at Scones Palace. On another trip we visited Glamis Castle. We spent a night in Montrose before continuing up to Dunnottar Castle. After the castle we headed west, going past Ballater, en route to Nairn.
The other route, but I’ve never driven it, is head north from Perth and head to Braemar. From it, head east past Balmoral until arriving at Ballater.
There are few routes coming from the south, so your options are limited.
Posted by
Delaware
1427 posts
Hi, Syd,
Your most scenic route would be to take the M90 to Perth, then the A93 from there to Ballater. You could visit Scone Palace, which is close to Perth, and hike up Kinnoull Hill for some spectacular views over the River Tay.
After leaving Perth, you could overnight in Blairgowrie, which is about half way to Ballater. Blairgowrie is best known as the center of the berry picking in summer, and as the town which gave birth to the Scottish folk group Silly Wizard.
After leaving Blairgowrie, you would continue on up the A93, which passes through two beautiful glens - Glen Shee and Glen Clunie. The A93 turns east at Braemar, which would make an excellent lunch stop. From Braemar, it's a good drive to Ballater, passing Braemar Castle and Balmoral on the way. If you enjoy hiking, there is a good walk around Glen Muick, which is just south of Ballater. The east side of Loch Muick is a bit rough, so you may want to turn around at Glas-allt-Shiel.
Where to after Ballater?
Best wishes for your travels!
Mike (Auchterless)