Hillgoers

Availability: year round - on request

Group Size: 2-8 min/max - for variations please contact to discuss.

Hillgoers operates across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Royal Deeside, delivering guided walking experiences in English, French, German and Italian. Specialising in mountain walks, wildlife, local experiences and Scottish history, their knowledgeable guides offer engaging, authentic outdoor experiences tailored for FIT and small groups.

Bespoke experiences can be created from just a few hours to multi day hikes and trips.

Qualifications

• Qualified Mountain Leaders
• Holder of the Adventure Activities Licence
• Member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association
• Language Guides - English, French, German and Italian.
• Certified Star Ranger

Duration: 2 - 5 hours (depending on preference)

Group Size: 2-8 min/max

Avilability: Year Round, on request

Your clients enjoy priority, VIP access to Balmoral Castle, followed by an expertly guided 4–7 km walk through the Caledonian Pine Forest to discover the Royal Cairns and learn the stories behind these unique monuments.

The experience begins within the Balmoral Castle grounds, with time to visit the Castle*, café and shop, making use of the self-guided audio tour. The Royal Cairns, created by the Royal Family to mark significant events, are a lesser-known highlight of Aberdeenshire. During the walk, guests can also sample local Lochnagar cheese.

Castle closed to the public when the Royal Family is in residence.

Inclusions

• Transportation from accommodation in the Braemar or Ballater area
• 2+ hour guided cairns and nature walk with a qualified guide
• Lochnagar cheese tasting
• 1.5 hours entry to the Castle grounds, café and shop
• Scenic return journey via historic bridges and viewpoints of Lochnagar

Add-ons

• Royal Lochnagar Distillery visit
• Live guided tour of Balmoral Castle
• Lunch at Balmoral Castle Cafe

Duration: 2 - 5 hours (depending on preference)

Group Size: 2-8 min/max

Avilability: April - October

Led by an experienced Hillgoers Mountain Leader, guests explore scenic forest trails, open moorland, and can choose to summit Mither Tap or take a gentler heritage trail through the Bennachie Colony ruins. Along the way, the guide shares local history, wildlife, and cultural stories. The walk ranges 4–12 km depending on route and pace, and the Bennachie Visitor Centre is just 45 minutes from Aberdeen city centre and the South Harbour. Ideal for active guests seeking an outdoor experience in rural Aberdeenshire.

Inclusions

• Transport to and from Aberdeen Harbour
• Guided hike tailored to fitness level and weather
• Use of trekking poles (optional)
• Bottled water and Scottish snacks (shortbread, oatcakes)
• Access to Visitor Centre facilities

Add-ons

• Distillery visit at Glen Garioch
• Local picnic
• Private small-group upgrade
• Bennachie map souvenir
• Visit the Maiden Stone and Easter Aquorthies stone circle

Duration: 2 - 5 hours (depending on preference)

Group Size: 2-8 min/max

Avilability: Oct - March

Experience unforgettable stargazing adventures beneath some of the darkest night skies in the UK, led by expert guides who bring stars, constellations, and local folklore to life. Led by founder Garry Cormack, a certified “Star Ranger”, guests explore breath-taking viewpoints and learn about constellations, planets, and deep-sky wonders. Options range from gentle twilight walks to hilltop panoramas, offering a spectacular outdoor experience for active and curious guests.

Night Walks in the Cairngorms

Dark Skies Hike at Loch Muick

Stargazing Walk at Loch Muick

Inclusions

• Travel to and from location
• Dark skies presentation
• walk/hike with stops for star gazing and wildlife spotting

Add-Ons

• professional astrophotography tuition
• Hot drinks and snacks (a choice from mulled punch, hot chocolate, etc)
• Hot highland cows, who wouldn’t like to keep warm cuddling a highland cow (not a real one…)?
• Cosy blankets
• Deck chairs or roll mats - depending on location
• Night vision scopes for wildlife watching on cloudy nights
• Binoculars for stargazing

Please note this event will go ahead even if it is overcast or raining - there will still be a dark skies presentation. Night vision scopes will be available for wildlife spotting. If the weather forecast is unsafe, the event will be postponed and you will be offered a refund or alternative date.

Travel trade pricing available on request.

Bookings accepted up to 24 hours in advance

Castle entry is non-refundable; 20% retained after purchase

Cancellation policy: 7 days

Full refund provided if the operator cancels due to extreme weather

Medical conditions, medications and emergency contact details required (may be collected on the day)

Health and Safety disclaimer must be accepted

Full Terms and Conditions available online. Click here for more.