The Fife Arms
High on our bucket list is a visit to the Cairngorms National Park in the stunning Scottish Highlands.
And spending the night at The Fife Arms Hotel in the beautiful village of Braemar will most definitely be part of the experience.
Built in the 19th century, The Fife Arms is a Braemar landmark. This former hunting lodge of Queen Victoria reopened in December 2018 after a two-year renovation.
Now this 5-star boutique hotel offers 46 Victorian style rooms and suites and 12,000 pieces of artworks and antiques tucked away in every corner of the hotel.
After a long day exploring the Cairngorms, you can unwind in The Flying Stag, the hotel’s public bar. Or enjoy a cocktail in Elsa’s Bar before diner in The Clunie Dining Room.
The latest edition is Bertie’s Whiskey Bar. With 365 whiskies to discover, it is a great place to end the day.
Braemar
Braemar is most famous for its association with Queen Victoria due to its close proximity to Balmoral Castle.
Balmoral Castle is situated just 9 miles away. Known as the Scottish home to the Royal Family, Balmoral was originally purchased by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria in 1852.
The village is home to two castles, Braemar Castle and the ruin of Kindrochit Castle. And it is known for its annual Royal Highland Games. It is the only Highland Games with a Royal Patron, HM Queen Elizabeth II, who attends every year.
Walking
Braemar is the perfect starting point for hillwalking, as it acts as the southern access point to the Cairngorm mountains.
There are about 40 Munro’s (mountains over 3000 feet) which can be accessed from Braemar and they include 4 of the 5 highest mountains in the UK.
One of Scotland’s fastest flowing rivers, the Dee flows out from the High Cairngorms to carve a beautiful course out, crashing through the Linn of Dee before continuing on to Braemar and beyond.
Braemar is not just for mountain climbers. Here you will find a vast network of local paths providing low level walks often beside running rivers and burns.
