Craigendarroch Oakwoods and Summit, Ballater
Aberdeenshire
Craigendarroch, the hill of the oaks, rises directly behind Ballater in Royal Deeside, and its steep, wooded flanks hold a much-loved stand of oak that was coppiced for cartwheels until the eighteenth century. There is no livestock on the hill, so once clear of the village a dog can be off the lead for almost the whole climb. This 4.5km circuit starts from the car park in front of the restored railway station in the middle of the village, follows the Braemar road for 350 metres past the old kirk, then takes Craigendarroch Walk into the woods. The path zigzags very steeply up between old oaks, then climbs on through Scots pine and birch, becoming rocky with steps near the top. A huge cairn with a plaque looks down on Ballater and along the Dee, and the true summit just beyond has a bench and viewpoint indicator, with Lochnagar's northern cliffs ahead. The descent zigzags down the far side above the Pass of Ballater, a glacier-carved fault with steep sides, before the loop path returns through the oaks. There is 250 metres of climbing on a clear but very steep path.
This dog friendly walk suits most dogs well: there is no livestock on the hill, the oakwood gives shade, and a dog with good recall can be off lead for most of the way once clear of the village. Keep your dog close on the traverse above the Pass of Ballater, where the drop is severe. There is no water on the hill, so carry some.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.5 km (2.8 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Peak
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Ballater village at the start, with shops, cafes and pubs; none on the hill.
- Parking
- Car park in front of the Old Royal Station, Station Square, Ballater.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Craigendarroch Oakwoods and Summit, Ballater, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Old Police Cottage - Lintrathen
Sleeps 6 · 3 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £675 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in AberdeenshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Craigendarroch Oakwoods and Summit, Ballater dog friendly?
Yes, it scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness. It starts in the middle of Ballater, there is no livestock on the hill, and the oakwood keeps things cool. The caveats are the steep drops above the Pass of Ballater on the way down, and the lack of any water on the hill, so bring a bottle for your dog.
Can dogs be off lead at Craigendarroch Oakwoods and Summit, Ballater?
Yes, once you are off the Braemar road and into the woods, a dog with good recall can be off lead for most of the circuit, as there are no sheep or cattle on Craigendarroch. Call it in and keep it close on the descent above the Pass of Ballater, where the path traverses above an exceptionally steep drop, and on the road back into the village.
What should I know before visiting Craigendarroch Oakwoods and Summit, Ballater with my dog?
The walk starts from the car park in front of the Old Royal Station in Ballater. It is short but very steep in places, with rocky steps near the top, so allow up to two hours. There is no water on the hill. Ballater itself has plenty of places to stop before or after, and the station building is a good landmark to return to.
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