By foot or by bike, come and explore Glen Tanar.
Walk & Hike Glen Tanar
From forest tracks along the meandering Water of Tanar, to climbing, single-track trails across heathery moors, a walk in Glen Tanar is good for the soul. Family walks work well here, with pebble beaches on the river perfect for picnics and keeping kids happy. There are several shorter-length, flat loops for a range of walking speeds. Hill walkers have their pick of more challenging way marked trails - along the glens, or over traditional drovers’ routes towards Mount Keen and the Grampians.
The Glen Tanar Visitor Centre makes a great starting point for walks in the area, where car parking, toilets, a permanent exhibition and a Ranger service are all available. The Ranger Service team helps with outdoor education and environmental activities, and can offer advice on exploring the area, with information on wildlife, flora and fauna. Visits by educational groups are always welcome. The Visitor Centre and Ranger Service is run by Glen Tanar Charitable Trust, and is open 10 am to 5 pm (7 days a week).
To contact our rangers please call +44 (0)13398 86072 or email ranger@glentanartrust.org For more information visit www.glentanarcharitabletrust.org
Geocaching
Treasure hunting with a difference
If you enjoy the thrill of a treasure hunt then geocaching is for you! Geocaching is a real world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS enabled devised. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attenpt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.
There are now several caches located at Glen Tanar for you to track and find. Have a look on your laptop or smart phone at www.geocaching.com and find the GPS coordinates for here and the surrounding area.
If you are staying in the area then please visit the Estate Office and find all the geocaches along the Deeside Way to start your collection of GeoCoins. Silver and gold coins are available by completing this passport. Extra stamps can be obtained by spending a minimum of £10 at participating businesses, of which Glen Tanar is one. More information can be found here and also on the geocaching website.
Cycle
Go further by bike
You can get even more off the beaten track in this beautiful glen if you go by bike. Both family groups and experienced mountain bikers have a great choice of biking trails here. Choose from flat, mid-length circular loops from around 5km in length, to challenging long-distance rides, high in the hills. Experienced mountain bikers regularly make it to the top of Mount Keen, on what is probably the UK’s highest bike ride, at 939m high.
Pick up a leaflet showing all the marked trails at the Glen Tanar Visitor Centre. If a day trip isn’t enough, come and stay in one of our holiday cottages, and spend several days exploring some of the best biking country in the Scottish Highlands.
Haven't brought your bike? Local bike hire available at Cycle Highlands,Ballater.
