Did you know that Scotland has pyramids? And I don’t mean a pyramid-shaped mountain like Buachaille Etive Mòr in Glencoe — these are man-made.
A relatively easy trail starts from Lochnagar Distillery and follows a woodland path past cairns of differing shapes and sizes. There are 11 of these structures, the most photographed being the perfect Toblerone-shaped pyramid to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, commissioned by his wife, Queen Victoria.
Other cairns celebrate royal engagements. A tear-shaped cairn marks the 1866 marriage of Princess Helena and Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein, while the Leopold cairn, built in 1882 for Prince Leopold of Albany and Princess Helen of Waldeck, has views of Balmoral Castle.
The Trail & What You’ll See
The route is a lush woodland loop that took me around three hours with a lunch stop. Even if you are not especially interested in the royal history, the forest walk itself is a lovely reason to go, with the Prince Albert pyramid as the standout landmark and a viewpoint over Balmoral Castle from the Leopold cairn.
Location & Starting Point
The walk begins at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery near Crathie, on Royal Deeside. It pairs naturally with a visit to The Fife Arms in nearby Braemar for afternoon tea afterwards.
Practical Tips
- Allow around 3 hours including a stop
- Start from Royal Lochnagar Distillery near Crathie
- Wear proper footwear — woodland paths can be muddy
- Bring a picnic; there are quiet spots along the route
- Look out for all 11 cairns, each with its own royal story
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Balmoral Cairns are there?
There are 11 man-made royal cairns along the trail, each commemorating a member of Queen Victoria’s family or a royal event.
Where does the Balmoral Cairns walk start?
The trail starts from the Royal Lochnagar Distillery near Crathie on Royal Deeside and takes around three hours as a woodland loop.
Which cairn is the most famous?
The Toblerone-shaped pyramid dedicated to Prince Albert, commissioned by Queen Victoria, is the most photographed of the eleven.
