Visiting the Balmoral Pyramid, Scotland – Prince Albert’s Cairn
Welcome to our blog post on visiting the Balmoral Pyramid in Scotland - or what is also known as Prince Albert's Cairn.
Keep scrolling for more info on how to get here, how to find it and how long you should spend at the Balmoral Cairns.
About the Balmoral Cairns
Everyone's heard of the pyramids of Egypt but would you ever think there would be something like this in the Highlands of Scotland!?
This pyramid is actually called a ‘Cairn’, and is located at Balmoral in the Cairngorms National Park - the largest national park in the United Kingdom!
Balmoral is a large estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, which is owned by Queen Elizabeth II. And the castle here has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since 1852.
So - why is there a pyramid at Balmoral and what are the Balmoral Cairns?
The Balmoral Cairns are a series of 11 mounds of stone, which were built by the Royal Family as memorials.
This pyramid is the largest and was built by Queen Victoria in memory of her husband Prince Albert.
How to visit the Balmoral Cairns and Prince Albert's Pyramid
How to get to Balmoral Pyramid
By Car - Parking
There is nearby parking at the Balmoral car park near the Crathie Tourist Information Centre, which is located just off the A93.
For Sat Nav directions, use postcode AB35 5TB
Balmoral Pyramid Walks
All of the Balmoral Cairns, including Prince Albert's, are only accessible by foot. There are the following two walk options:
Note: The full Balmoral Cairns walk is closed throughout August and September, but the walk just to Albert's pyramid is still open.
Walking Trail Route to Prince Albert's Cairn
It's a short 30 minute, albeit fairly steep walk up to the Balmoral Pyramid (Prince Albert's Cairn) along a woodland path. It can get quite muddy in places, so suitable footwear is advised.
At Prince Albert's Cairn you can also enjoy views out across the Balmoral Estate and over the Cairngorms National Park!
I would recommend allowing about 30 mins for a break and some photo opportunities at the top = about 1 hour and 30 minute return trip to visit just Prince Albert's Cairn.
Directions
- From the car park, cross the River Dee via the green bridge.
- You’ll see the main gates for Balmoral Castle - instead continue following the road round to the left.
- Follow the road for 800m and turn right up the hill, signposted to the Royal Lochnagar Distillery.
- After 100m turn right at a junction to cross over a small bridge into the village of Easter Balmoral.
- Do not continue ahead into the village - instead turn left immediately after the bridge to follow a private road heading uphill and passing several cottages
- Proceed along this road for about 300m until you arrive at a sign indicating left up a footpath to the left signposted ‘Prince Albert’s Cairn’.
- Continue up the steep hill for about 1km to the summit where you'll fine Prince Albert's Cairn (aka The Pyramid) in the clearing.
You can then retrace your steps back to the car park, or continue on for the full circular walk of the Balmoral Cairns.
Walk to Prince Albert's Cairn
Aerial View of the Balmoral Pyramid
Woodland Path, Balmoral
Full circular walk of the Balmoral Cairns
The full Balmoral Cairns walk is about 6 miles long and takes approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours to complete - Don't forget to allow extra time for taking photos!
Note: The full Balmoral Cairns walk is closed throughout August and September, but the walk just to Albert's pyramid is still open.
Directions
- Follow the first set of directions to Prince Albert's Cairn
- From Prince Albert's Cairn, continue along the woodland path to descend down the other side of the hill
- Turn right at the land rover track then proceed downhill for three hundred metres to a junction.
- Bare right at the junction and follow the track downhill to a wooden gate.
- Proceed through the wooden gate and keep walking downhill to Easter Balmoral
- Leave the Estate the same way you entered, following the road back down to the car park
Clear here to view the Walk Highlands Balmoral Cairns online walking route map.
View across the Cairngorms National Park
Prince Albert's Cairn
The Balmoral Pyramid
Comment below if you have any questions, and we'll be in touch soon! Or get in touch online here.
Helen + Tristan
Prince Albert's Cairn, Balmoral Estate, Scotland
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