Balmoral Cairns Walk Complete Guide to Prince Albert’s Pyramid
Yes, you read that correctly. You can visit Prince Albert’s Pyramid, also known as the Balmoral Pyramid or Scotland’s secret pyramid, in the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland. It can be found in the Balmoral estate near Balmoral Castle and was constructed by Queen Victoria after Prince Albert died.
The term “cairn” is a Gaelic word that refers to a structure constructed of stones that have been stacked. They serve as markers to mark a burial location, memorial, or landmark. However, Prince Albert’s cairn is not a burial location.
The walk is an uphill climb to the pyramid, but you will be rewarded with spectacular views, and it is an interesting landmark to see in Scotland. It needs to be on your Scottish bucket list. In this post, we outline our best tips to find Prince Albert’s pyramid, including parking information, weather and out and back directions, and a brief history behind the site.
You can also visit other Balmoral Cairns if you want to extend your walk. However, it is important to note that the Cairns Walk is not available in August, September, and the beginning of October, but the walk to Prince Albert’s cairn is available year-round. It is the most impressive one to see!
We also managed to see Prince Charles as he was in residence and going to church as it was a Sunday. We spoke to some hardcore royalists who say they regularly visit to see members of the royal family!
History Behind Prince Albert’s Pyramid
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert first visited Scotland in 1842, just two years after their wedding. They fell in love with Scotland (which is easy to do), and Prince Albert bought Balmoral Castle.
Balmoral Castle is still the summer home of the King today. It boasts miles of stunning grounds waiting to be explored, as well as historic cairns constructed in the name of Queen Victoria to celebrate the weddings of her children. Inside Balmoral Estate Balmoral Estate, there are 11 cairns worth exploring.
Prince Albert Cairn is the most famous among the eleven cairns, which offers spectacular views across the breathtaking countryside. The cairns honour individuals from the British royal family and the events during the lives of their ancestors. The majority of the cairns were constructed on the orders of Queen Victoria.
The Cairns is a memorial to the weddings of Queen Victoria’s children, and on the walk we describe, you will see Princess Beatrice’s cairn. You will also see the most impressive cairn, which is Prince Albert’s pyramid. It was built in honour of his death in 1861. Prince Albert was killed suddenly due to illness when he was only 42. The loss sent heartbroken Victoria into depression, and she mourned his loss by wearing black throughout her reign.
The monument was built with granite and measures 41 feet wide by 41 feet at the bottom and had a touching inscription at the bottom to her husband. The impressive pyramid sculpture isn’t typical in the middle of the Cairngorms; however, it represents an important part of history.
Balmoral Cairns Walk Details
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Distance: 3 miles return (5km)
Walk Type: out and back
Prince Albert’s Pyramid Parking
The Albert’s Pyramid walk parking is available in the car park adjacent to the A93 near Crathie. The address is: Balmoral Car Park, Ballater AB35 5TL
They have the most modern touch screen machines we have seen in Scotland, where you put in your registration number for a ticket, which you must display in your car. You can pay by card here!
The following costs are applicable 24/7 and are for the day:
Cars and Motorcycles – £5.00
Campervan – £10.00 (overnight)
Coach – £10.00
You can reach the Balmoral Car Park by following the Google Maps Directions.
Unfortunately, there is no parking near the pyramid or Easter Balmoral Village, and you can only visit on foot.
If you do not have a car, you can use public transport. Catch the bus from Ballater and Braemar to Crathie, and then you will be able to complete the walk.
Prince Albert’s Pyramid Weather
We recommend checking the weather before you go so you know what to pack. Remember that the weather can change at short notice. You are in the Scottish highlands, after all.
You will enjoy the walk a lot more if it does not rain because although most of the walk is in the woodland, the pyramid and highlights are exposed. There are also wonderful views from the pyramid.
Top Tips
- Prince Albert’s pyramid walk is dog friendly, and there are no stiles (only gates). Remember to clean up after your dogs.
- Be aware that as a result of many visitors, the condition of the path has deteriorated. Certain sections of the route are extremely muddy, and waterproof boots are suggested.
- There are no facilities on the walk. Take plenty of water with you and snacks or food. You can buy some at the Visitor Centre at the start of the walk.
- The nearest toilet is in the visitor centre at Craithie.
- The walk is short, but it is a steep walk up to the cairns. It keeps going up and up. Remember to take as many breaks as you need.
- Take all litter home with you and leave no trace.
Prince Albert Cairn Walk Directions
Stage 1: From the car park to Easter Balmoral Village.
From the car park, cross the bridge over the River Dee, turn left at the visitor centre, and walk along the road.
After roughly 0.5 miles, turn right at the signs for the Royal Lochnager Distillery.
From here, turn right and walk through the wooden gate into Easter Balmoral village.
Stage 2: From Easter Balmoral Village to Princess Beatrice’s Cairn
And then turn immediately left to walk up the road. There are handy signs to help guide you and a couple of pictures of the cairns.
Keep walking along the road until you get to a sign for Prince Albert’s Cairn. Turn left (opposite the house) and climb up through the woodland. Go through the gate and continue uphill.
You will first come to Princess Beatrice’s cairn, erected in honour of Princess Beatrice’s wedding to prince Henry of Battenberg in 1865.
Stage 3: From Princess Beatrice’s Cairn to Prince Albert’s Cairn
From here, continue up through the woodland as the path curves and goes up through the trees.
Eventually, you will be able to see the pyramid through the trees. Keep going and take a small right-hand track to reach it. Make sure you go to the front to see the plaque about Prince Albert. It reads:
“To, the beloved memory of ALBERT, the great and good Prince Consort. Erected by his broken-hearted widow VICTORIA. R. – 21st August,1862”
Stage 4: From Prince Albert’s Cairn back to Balmoral Car Park
From here, you will need to retrace your steps back to the car park. Go back through the woodlands, turn right into Easter Balmoral Village, then head down back to the main road, past the visitor centre, over the bridge, and you will be back!
Circular Walk to the Balmoral Cairns
Distance: 6 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Balmoral Cairns Walk Route Instructions
Please note that you cannot complete this walk in August, September and the beginning of October.
- Follow the 3 stages listed above to get to Prince Albert’s Cairn.
- When you are at Albert’s Cairn, continue along the woodland path to the opposite side of the hill.
- Make a right turn at the Land Rover Track and continue for roughly 300m until you get to an intersection
- Turn right at the intersection and follow the path down until you reach the gate.
- Enter this gate and continue going down to reach Easter Balmoral
- Then continue following the road to the car park and retrace your original steps.
Balmoral Castle
There is the option to visit Balmoral Castle and Balmoral Cairns at the same time.
The castle is open to visitors annually from April to July, when the Royal Family is absent. Remember, it is an active Royal Residence, meaning you can only go in one room – the Balmoral Ballroom.
Tickets cost £15 (not including parking), and it is a self-guided tour with an audio guide option.
Final Thoughts
We are happy that we have been to see Prince Albert’s pyramid, but we are not sure we would go back unless we were to visit Balmoral Castle. It is probably worth it if you combine the two or if you will see the Royal family go to church as we did!
If you’re on a Scottish Road Trip, please read our guides to:
Glasgow Itinerary – A Guide for a Great Weekend
How to Climb Ben Nevis – A Full Guide
The Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint – A Complete Guide
Isle of Skye Itinerary Guide for 3 Exciting Days
Photo Credits:averagelives.com
We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.
