Queen’s Drive, Braemar

Queen’s Drive is a 2.75-mile loop from Braemar that follows the River Clunie before climbing gently through birchwood along Queen Victoria’s former carriage drive and descending through the woods back to the village. Allow about 1½ hours; the published ascent is 86 m. Most of the walk is on a narrow, generally smooth earth path with short moderate slopes, though some parts are uneven and can be muddy after rain.

From the village car park just off the A93, walk back toward the village street and cross the bridge over the Clunie, where a low waterfall runs beneath it. Turn left on the minor road toward the golf course. A preserved aircraft engine beside this approach commemorates servicemen lost in a 1945 crash. At the Queen’s Drive sign, cross the Clunie on a footbridge, then take a second bridge over a tributary. The grassy path follows the fence beside the river, looking across toward Morrone Birkwood.

After a gate, the path climbs away from the water and overlooks the golf course before reaching the A93. Cross carefully and take the path on the far side to the right, away from Braemar; the left-hand way returns directly to the village. Beyond a gate the path widens into the old carriage drive and rises gently through scattered birchwood, with views opening back over Braemar and the surrounding hills.

At the green Village Centre sign, the low piles of stone on the left are all that remain of Dubh Chlais cottage, whose name means “black hollow.” The cottage was home to relatives of John Brown, and Queen Victoria is said to have visited with him, bringing tea and tobacco. Turn left at the sign to stay on this circuit; continuing straight leads onto the separate Lion’s Face walk. The return descends more steeply through woodland beside a wall. Keep left at the bench and continue straight at later forks, passing a wigwam wildlife hide before a gate leads back into the village and past the church.

Expect a short road section at the start and one crossing of the A93; uneven sections may be slick or muddy after rain. The village car park has toilets, and another car park over the bridge opposite the Fife Arms is the suggested fallback if it is full. Dogs are welcome under the park’s guidance: keep them close or on a short lead, and leash where signs request. The bridge and low waterfall make a good stop early in the loop; the birchwood climb gives the broadest views back toward Braemar.