 |
| Numerous
events are held throughout the year in the beautiful grounds of Balmoral
Castle |
Saturday 29th
March, Balmoral Castle Visitor Centre is open to the public.
Guided Walks
Starting Points
1. Spittal of Glen
Muick Visitor Centre. Grid Reference NO308840. 13.5Kms from Ballater,
up the Glen Muick road.
2. Balmoral Carriage Exhibition. Grid Reference NO256951. Situated in
Balmoral Castle grounds.
Regular Events
2008
Balmoral Woodland
Walks – every Wednesday from April 2nd to July 30th.
Discover the grounds and woods around Balmoral Castle. Learn about the
estate’s history and wildlife.
Meeting point: Balmoral Carriage Exhibition.
Time: 2-4pm.
Cost: Free once entry fee into grounds has been paid.
Balmoral Children’s
Events.
Join the Rangers on the first Monday of every month from April to July,
for exciting nature activities, pond dipping, games etc. Children under
16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Meeting point: Balmoral Carriage Exhibition.
Time: 2-4pm.
Cost: Free once entry fee into grounds has been paid.
Balmoral Luxury
Land Rover Tours - Daily vehicle tours.
A unique opportunity to view native Scottish wildlife in the manicured
parkland, pristine pine forest and open moorland and mountains of Balmoral
Estate.
Meeting point: Balmoral estate office.
Cost: £45/ person, cost includes entry into Balmoral Castle exhibitions
and grounds. Tours last for approximately two and a half hours.
Booking essential.
March, October
and November
Painting, Photography, Running, Walking and Wildlife residential holidays
available. See www.balmoracastle.com for details.
January - February
March - April
Saturday 1st March – Offset your carbon footprint.
Come and assist the rangers to plant willow trees in Glen Muick. Tools
and training provided.
Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm.
Meeting point: Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.
Cost: Free
Booking essential.
Saturday 22nd March – The big box bash.
Help the rangers to create nest boxes for a range of birds and bats. Make
your own to take home and help us to erect others around the Spittal woods.
Time: 10:00am- 12:00pm.
Meeting point: Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential.
Saturday March 29th 2008
Balmoral grounds gardens and exhibitions open to the public along with
the Highland Games Exhibition which is new for 2008. There will also be
a falconry display by the North East Falconry Centre. see www.balmoralcastle.com
for details.
Sunday 6th April – Red Deer Ramble.
Discover the intriguing lifestyle of the majestic red deer of Glen Muick.
An easy three mile walk.
Time: 2:30-4:30pm
Meeting point: Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential.
Friday 25th April – Birds before breakfast.
An excellent opportunity to observe the courtship rituals of the black
grouse from the luxury of a Land Rover Discovery.
Meeting point: Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.
Time: 6:00am-8:30am.
Cost: £5 per person.
Booking essential, limited places available.
Saturday April 26th 2008
Run-Balmoral. Join in the fun and enter for the 10K,5K or junior races.
See www.run-balmoral.com for details.
May - June
Saturday May 3rd , June 21st and July 5th 2008.
Come along and see the birds of prey from the North East Falconry Centre
in action on the lawns at Balmoral. Normal admissions apply.
Monday 5th of May – Celebrate the dawn chorus.
Join a Ranger for an early morning stroll around the woods listening to
and learning about birdsong, which is at its peak at this time of year.
All birds recorded will be used to help compile the new British Trust
for Ornithology National Bird Atlas.
Meeting point: Alltcailleach woods, Glen Muick.
Time: 6:00am – 8:00am.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential.
Monday 26th of May – Watch the birdie.
Assist the rangers as they undertake a survey of the birds in Glen Muick.
The results of the survey will be used to help compile the new National
Bird Atlas. Training provided.
Event run as part of Scottish Biodiversity Week. Easy three mile walk.
Cost: Free.
Time: 1:30-4:30pm
Meeting point: The Spittal of Glen Muick Visitor Centre.
Booking essential.
Saturday 7th of June – Mending our ways.
Come and join the rangers as they repair the damage caused by hundreds
of thousands of trampling feet on some of Scotland’s most popular
paths. Take part in a day of practical conservation action in spectacular
scenery. All tools and training provided.
Time: 10:00am-4:00pm.
Meeting point: Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential.
Saturday June 21st 2008.
Come along and see the birds of prey from the North East Falconry Centre
in action on the lawns at Balmoral. Normal admissions apply.
Saturday - 28th of June – Lochnagar ascent.
Enjoy a full day on one of Scotland’s highest peak, looking at the
natural history and management of ‘Dark Lochnagar’. A full
mountain day. Hill-walking gear required.
Time: 9:30-5:00pm
Cost: £10.
Meeting point: Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.
Booking essential.
July - August
Saturday 5th July – The three Lochs walk.
Visit Loch Muick, the Dubh Loch and Loch Buidhe all in one spectacular
mountain day.
Time: 9:30-5:00pm
Cost: £10.
Meeting point: The Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.
Booking essential.
Saturday July 5th 2008.
Come along and see the birds of prey from the North East Falconry Centre
in action on the lawns at Balmoral. Normal admissions apply.
Saturday 12th July
Theatre on the lawn at Balmoral. Chapterhouse, present William Shakespeare
“A Mid Summer Nights Dream”, gates open at 6.30pm. Book on-line
@ www.balmoralcastle.com
Sunday 13th July
Fun for the younger ones with “Alice in Wonderland” on the
lawns in front of Balmoral Castle performed by the Chapterhouse Theatre
Company. Book online @ www.balmoralcastle.com
Saturday 19th July – Butterfly and dragonfly walk.
Discover the jewels of the air that inhabit our moorlands & bogs during
Butterfly Conservation's ‘Save Our Butterflies Week’. Take
part in this easy three mile walk during Butterfly Conservations ‘Save
Our Butterflies Week’. Joint event with Aberdeenshire Ranger Service.
Time: 2:00-4:00pm.
Meeting point: The Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential.
Monday 4th August (bank holiday) – Spectacular summer scrambles.
Join the rangers on an exposed rocky route up one of the local munroes.
A good level of fitness and a head for heights are required for this strenuous
but rewarding hill day.
Meeting point: The Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.
Cost: £10/person.
Time: 9:30am-5:00pm.
Booking essential.
Friday 15th August – Night hunters and their prey.
Get up close and personal with bats and moths. Come and dispel all your
fears of these intriguing animals. Joint event with Aberdeenshire Ranger
Service for Ballater Victoria Week.
Meeting point: The Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.
Time: 8:00pm-late.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential.
September - October
Saturday 27th September - Unravelling the riddles of the past.
Help us to understand the history of the Spittal of Glen Muick. Take part
in a day of hands on archaeological recording at the lost township.
Time: 10:00am-3:00pm.
Meeting point: The Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential.
Saturday 18th October – Aspen Conservation Day.
In conjunction with Butterfly Conservation, help the rangers to create
aspen habitat for important butterfly and moth species.
Joint event with Aberdeenshire Ranger Service.
Meeting point: Crathie car park.
Time: 10:30am-2:30pm.
Cost: Free.
Booking essential.
November - December
Saturday 8th November – Salmon safari.
A vehicle tour to search for evidence of migrating and breeding salmon.
Learn about the lifecycle of this fascinating river runner.
Time: 1pm-3pm.
Meeting point: Crathie car park.
Cost: £5/person.
Booking essential.
Thursday 11th December – International Mountain Day ascent.
Climb a local mountain to celebrate International Mountain Day.
Time: 9am-4pm
Meeting point: The Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.
Cost: £5/person.
Booking essential.
Last Year (2007)
March
- April
Date: every
Wednesday: April 4th – July 25th
Title: BALMORAL GROUNDS WALK
Description: Discover the grounds and woods around Balmoral Castle. Learn
about the estates history, management and wildlife.
Location: Balmoral carriage exhibition Time: 2pm-4pm
Price: Free once £7 grounds ticket has been purchased
Notes: Moderate walk.
Date April
6th
Title: RED DEER RAMBLE
Description: Discover the intriguing lifestyle of the majestic red deer
in Glen Muick.
Location: Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre. Time: 2:30-4:30pm
Price: Free.
Notes: Easy walk.
April 7th
Falconry display at Balmoral (normal admission rates apply)
Date April
20th
Title: BIRDS BEFORE BREAKFAST
Description: Ever seen a bird dance? Join the rangers as they spy on the
courtship rituals of black grouse in Glen Muick.
Location: Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre. Time: 6am-8am
Price: £5/person
Notes: Vehicle Tour, booking essential.
Saturday 28th
April is Balmoral Road Races (to be known as RUNBalmoral)
10K NEW 5K and Junior races. To enter see www.balmoralroadraces.com
May
- June
Date: every
Wednesday: April 4th – July 25th
Title: BALMORAL GROUNDS WALK
Description: Discover the grounds and woods around Balmoral Castle. Learn
about the estates history, management and wildlife.
Location: Balmoral carriage exhibition Time: 2pm-4pm
Price: Free once £7 grounds ticket has been purchased
Notes: Moderate walk.
Date May 5th
Title: LEARN TO READ OR GET LOST!
Description: A practical guide to basic navigation, including taking bearings,
grid references and mountain safety. Run in conjunction with the Scottish
Outdoor Access Festival.
Location: Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre. Time: 10-3pm
Price: £2
Notes: Booking essential. Moderate walk. Bring lunch.
Date: May
28th
Title: WHO NEEDS A TRACKING DEVICE
Description: Use all your sense to search for tracks trails and signs
left behind by the wildlife of Glen Muick.
Location: Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre. Time: 2-4pm.
Price: Free.
Notes: Booking essential. Family Fun.
Date: June
16th
Title: TWINFLOWER CONSERVATION DAY
Description: Assist the rangers as they undertake habitat management that
will help safeguard this important and beautiful plant.
Location: Mill of Sterin, Glen Muick. Time: 10-4pm.
Price: Free.
Notes: Booking essential. Moderate walk. Bring lunch.
June 17th
Falconry display at Balmoral (normal admission rates apply)
June 28th
Outside theatre at Balmoral, Shakespeare “As You Like IT”
Performances limited to 350 tickets, book on-line at www.balmoralcastle.com
Or telephone 013397 42534
Date: June
30th
Title: UP THE SNOB AND DOWN THE CHASH!
Description: Take the high road around Loch Muick. Learn more about the
history and wildlife of the Glen.
Location: Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre. Time: 10-4pm
Price: £2
Notes: Mountain walk. Bring lunch.
July
- August
Date: every
Wednesday: April 4th – July 25th
Title: BALMORAL GROUNDS WALK
Description: Discover the grounds and woods around Balmoral Castle. Learn
about the estates history, management and wildlife.
Location: Balmoral carriage exhibition Time: 2pm-4pm
Price: Free once £7 grounds ticket has been purchased
Notes: Moderate walk.
July 4th Outside
theatre at Balmoral “The Wizard of Oz”
Performances limited to 350 tickets, book on-line at www.balmoralcastle.com
Or telephone 013397 42534
Date: July
12th
Title: BUTTERFLY BONANZA!
Description: Help the rangers to identify and record the wonderful array
of rare and beautiful butterflies in lower Glen Muick.
Location: Mill of Sterin, Glen Muick. Time: 2-4pm
Price: £2.
Notes: Booking essential. Family fun.
Date: July 8th
Title: WILDFLOWER WANDER
Description: Identify the wonderful array of wild flowers in Glen Muick
and learn more about their habitats and uses.
Location: Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre.. Time: 2-4pm
Price: Free
Notes: Booking essential. Easy walk.
Date: August
10th
Title: NIGHT HUNTERS AND THEIR PREY
Description: Get close up and personal with bats and moths. Come and dispel
all your fears of these intriguing animals.
Location: Brochdu, Glen Muick. Time: 8pm-late.
Price: Free
Notes: Booking essential. Family fun. Bring a torch. Run in conjunction
with the Aberdeenshire Ranger Service.
Date: August
27th
Title: MAGICAL MOORLANDS
Description: Learn about the flora and fauna that make their homes in
amongst the heather.
Location: Glen Muick Time: 2:30-4:30
Price: Free
Notes: Booking essential. Easy walk.
September
- October
Date: Sep
8th
Title: ROCK ON LOCHNAGAR
Description: Learn how nature has sculpted the landscape we see today
as we walk to the top of this magnificent mountain.
Location: Glen Muick Time: 9:30-5pm
Price: £10
Notes: Booking essential. Mountain walk. Bring a lunch.
Date: September
23rd
Title: RUBBLE, RUINS AND REMAINS
Description: Visit the rubble ruins and remains around the Spittal of
Glen Muick. Learn about the lives of the lost inhabitants.
Location: Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre. Time: 2-3pm
Price: Free
Notes: Booking essential. Easy walk.
Date: October 12th
Title: ROAR OF THE ROYAL REDS
Description: Watch and listen to the roaring of the magnificent red deer
stags as it echoes evocatively around the Glen.
Location: Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre. Time: 5:30-7:00pm
Price: Free.
Notes: Family fun.
Date: October 20th
Title: AUTUMN ADVENTURE!
Description: Off-roading adventure to visit the Whitley bomber air-crash
site!
Location: Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre. Time: 9:30-3:30
Price: £2.
Notes: Booking essential. Mountain walk. Bring lunch.
November-
December
Date: November
17th
Title: RED SQUIRREL FEEDING FRENZY!
Description: Watch the squirrels gather their nuts, and construct your
own squirrel feeder.
Location: Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre. Time: 9-11am
Price: Free
Notes: Booking essential. Family fun.
Date: December
8th
Title: MOUNTAIN HARE MADNESS!
Description: Search the hillsides for these elusive arctic inhabitants.
Location: Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre. Time: 10-2:30pm
Price: £2.
Notes: Booking essential. Moderate walk. Bring lunch.
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