Ballochbuie Forest and Garbh Allt Falls

This is the longer 9 km (5.5 mi) loop from Keiloch, with about 250 m of ascent and a typical walking time of 2–2.5 hours. It crosses the Old Invercauld Bridge, follows forest tracks to Garbh Allt Falls, then takes an upper return around the flank of Sròn na Bhruic before coming back to the bridge. Expect a moderate amount of climbing and descent on mostly good tracks, with a narrower footpath by the falls. Stop at the falls and the hut on the way round; allow extra time for both.

A shorter 6 km (4 mi) lollipop also reaches the falls. It returns more directly from the waterfall and leaves out the upper loop around Sròn na Bhruic. The two distances describe different walks, so use the longer figure for this circuit.

Start at the Keiloch walkers’ car park and go down to the A93. Cross carefully to the signed Braemar footpath; it passes a bench with a view of the River Dee before reaching the Old Brig o’ Dee. Cross the stone bridge and enter Ballochbuie Forest through the gate. At a staggered junction, bear slightly left to stay on the main track. The route makes a series of turns through the forest; follow the track toward Garbh Allt rather than the decorative suspension bridge over the Dee, which is locked at its far end. Pass the Garbh Allt Shiel cottages quietly, cross the wooden bridge over the burn and turn left beyond it.

The path climbs among pines with glimpses down to Garbh Allt and its pools. At a junction, keep left; at the next bend, leave the wider track for the narrower path to the waterfall and its iron footbridge. The bridge frames the cascade and pools, and the maker’s 1878 inscription is worth a look if it is legible. The footing narrows here, so take care beside the water. For the longer circuit, retrace to the main track after visiting the falls.

Continue for a little over a kilometre to Glenbeg Burn, below a small dammed pond and the Honka Hut. The track then climbs through the pines around Sròn na Bhruic and eventually descends to the earlier junction, leading back to the Old Brig o’ Dee. This extra loop is the longer walk’s main effort and opens broad views over the forest canopy. The hut was a Silver Jubilee gift from Finland; after a fire, it was rebuilt in 2023. It is a landmark on the route, not a food stop.

Ballochbuie is one of the notable remnants of the Caledonian pine forest, with some Scots pines dated to more than 400 years old. Queen Victoria bought the forest in 1878 to protect its pines from logging. Capercaillie and Scottish crossbills live here, but they are easily missed; keep dogs on a lead to avoid disturbing nesting birds.

Keiloch is the practical starting point, just off the A93; a parking charge applies, though the current amount is not confirmed here. There is an A93 crossing at the start and a short, narrower section around the falls. Bring food and drinking water for the walk; no reliable on-route supply is identified. The route has no reported permit requirement, and responsible walking access rights apply across most Scottish land.