Balmoral Forest

Downs, Moorland in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Balmoral Forest

Steep slopes, Ballochbuie Forest The Dee squeezes through a narrow gap between Meall Alvie and Cnap a' Choire Bhuidhe.  The road is well built along steep slopes above the river.
Steep slopes, Ballochbuie Forest Credit: Richard Webb

Balmoral Forest, located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is a picturesque natural landscape known for its downs and moorland. Spanning over a vast area, the forest is characterized by rolling hills and open grasslands, offering visitors a tranquil and serene environment.

The downs of Balmoral Forest are marked by gentle slopes and lush greenery. They are adorned with a variety of native plant species, including heather, gorse, and wildflowers, which create a vibrant and colorful display during the blooming season. The downs provide a perfect setting for leisurely walks, picnics, and birdwatching, attracting nature enthusiasts from all around.

The moorland in Balmoral Forest is a distinctive feature, dominated by open expanses of heathland and peat bogs. The moorland is home to an array of wildlife, such as red deer, grouse, and mountain hares, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. The rugged terrain and dramatic vistas of the moorland also offer opportunities for hiking and exploring, providing visitors with a sense of solitude and adventure.

Balmoral Forest is not only a haven for nature lovers but also holds historical significance. It is located near Balmoral Castle, the private residence of the British royal family. The forest has been part of the Balmoral Estate since the 19th century, and its natural beauty has been preserved and cherished by generations.

Overall, Balmoral Forest in Aberdeenshire is a captivating destination, offering a blend of stunning downs and moorland landscapes. Its diverse flora and fauna, coupled with its historical importance, make it a must-visit location for those seeking a genuine Scottish wilderness experience.

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Balmoral Forest Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.993086/-3.2792019 or Grid Reference NO2289. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Steep slopes, Ballochbuie Forest The Dee squeezes through a narrow gap between Meall Alvie and Cnap a' Choire Bhuidhe.  The road is well built along steep slopes above the river.
Steep slopes, Ballochbuie Forest
The Dee squeezes through a narrow gap between Meall Alvie and Cnap a' Choire Bhuidhe. The road is well built along steep slopes above the river.
Ballochbuie Forest Steep ground between Connachat Cottage and Garbh Allt Shiel.
Ballochbuie Forest
Steep ground between Connachat Cottage and Garbh Allt Shiel.
River Dee View from the Ballochbuie side opposite Clagganghoul.
River Dee
View from the Ballochbuie side opposite Clagganghoul.
Road, Ballochbuie Forest A well built road running parallel to the A93 on the south side of the Dee.
Road, Ballochbuie Forest
A well built road running parallel to the A93 on the south side of the Dee.
Above the Dee Steep wooded slopes in Ballochbuie Forest.
Above the Dee
Steep wooded slopes in Ballochbuie Forest.
Pine woods, Balmoral Above the Connachat Burn
Pine woods, Balmoral
Above the Connachat Burn
Road to Glen Gelder A steady climb through fine runnable pine woods.
Road to Glen Gelder
A steady climb through fine runnable pine woods.
Road to Glen Gelder Climbing beside the Connachat Burn. The woods on the left have little ground vegetation and a lot of rock features.  On the right is a wetland clearing with deep heather.
Road to Glen Gelder
Climbing beside the Connachat Burn. The woods on the left have little ground vegetation and a lot of rock features. On the right is a wetland clearing with deep heather.
Bouldery hillside The forest here has limited ground vegetation and a lot of rock features.
Bouldery hillside
The forest here has limited ground vegetation and a lot of rock features.
Woodland, Balmoral Estate The square is partly wooded and much of the open land still has stumps showing from presumably wartime felling. There is a lot of dead timber on the ground and the place is unusually dry for a Scottish forest.
Woodland, Balmoral Estate
The square is partly wooded and much of the open land still has stumps showing from presumably wartime felling. There is a lot of dead timber on the ground and the place is unusually dry for a Scottish forest.
Woodland beside the Connachat Burn On this side of the road there is more heather, quite a contrast to the dry mossy woodland floor opposite.
Woodland beside the Connachat Burn
On this side of the road there is more heather, quite a contrast to the dry mossy woodland floor opposite.
Cleared forest Stumps of some age tell that this was once a pine plantation like much of the neighbouring land.  I expect it was felled during World War II.  The hill is Meall Alvie which also has a fine Caledonian pine forest remnant on its higher reaches.
Cleared forest
Stumps of some age tell that this was once a pine plantation like much of the neighbouring land. I expect it was felled during World War II. The hill is Meall Alvie which also has a fine Caledonian pine forest remnant on its higher reaches.
View towards Meall Alvie From by the dam near Garbh Allt Shiel on the Balmoral side of the Dee.  While this side of Meall Alvie is a plantation, there are a lot of old pine trees around the summit.
View towards Meall Alvie
From by the dam near Garbh Allt Shiel on the Balmoral side of the Dee. While this side of Meall Alvie is a plantation, there are a lot of old pine trees around the summit.
Track, Ballochbuie Forest A plantation area near the river.
Track, Ballochbuie Forest
A plantation area near the river.
Moorland, Balmoral Forest Beside the Allt Lochan nan Eun.
Moorland, Balmoral Forest
Beside the Allt Lochan nan Eun.
First and last tree, Allt Lochan nan Eun The edge of Ballochbuie Forest.
First and last tree, Allt Lochan nan Eun
The edge of Ballochbuie Forest.
Deer fence, Ballochbuie Forest A fence protects the pine wood from browsing deer. It is highly visible to protect grouse from flying into it.
Deer fence, Ballochbuie Forest
A fence protects the pine wood from browsing deer. It is highly visible to protect grouse from flying into it.
Ballochbuie Forest Big pines at over 500m above sea level.
Ballochbuie Forest
Big pines at over 500m above sea level.
Show me another place!

Balmoral Forest is located at Grid Ref: NO2289 (Lat: 56.993086, Lng: -3.2792019)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East

What 3 Words

///commander.tradition.sensible. Near Inverey, Aberdeenshire

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