Exploring Scotland’s Secret Pyramid Walk: A Complete Guide

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If you’re in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, then you don’t want to miss visiting this hidden gem, Scotland’s secret pyramid walk. Also known as Prince Albert’s Cairn. In this blog post, we hope to give you all the information you need to plan your visit, including routes, parking options, and things to do in the area.

Why is There a Pyramid Hidden Behind the Balmoral Estate?


Royalists among you may already know about this hidden gem, but we had no idea what it was. We simply wanted to see the spectacle for ourselves. A pyramid? In Scotland?!
This pyramid, or “cairn”, was erected as a memorial to Prince Albert in the hope of encouraging visitors to reflect on the legacy of this royal figure. But honestly, it’s just pretty cool to see. It makes for some interesting photos, and the walk-up is pretty scenic. So this is a piece of history everyone can enjoy.

Location and Access: Parking Option One: for Scotland’s pyramid walk

We found there were two options for places to park when visiting Prince Alberts Cairn. The first is the “official” parking, which is next to the A93 at Crathie. Parking here will set you back
£5.00 for a car.
£10.00 for a campervan but you can stay overnight.
£10.00 for a coach.


From this car park, head over the green bridge that crosses the River Dee; you’ll see the main gates for Balmoral Castle, bearing left onto the South Deeside Road. Follow the road for 800m and turn right up the hill. (You’ll know you’re on the right track as you’ll see a signpost for the Distillery.) After 100m uphill, turn right over a small bridge, then turn left and head up the road until you see the signpost for “Prince Albert’s Cairn”.
From here, the walk is pretty steep but straightforward. Keep following the hill up until you reach the Cairn. Trust us; you’ll know when you see it.

Parking Option Two: for Scotland’s pyramid walk

For the whiskey fans, you might prefer parking and route option 2. Rather than heading for the car park, set your maps to the Royal Lochnagar Distillery. (Situated just one mile from Balmoral Castle.)

The Lochnagar Distillery car park is free to use if you’re visiting the Distillery. So, on our visit, we did both. We visited in the offseason, so we didn’t book and just turned up. However, if you’re visiting in the summer or at peak times, you’ll definitely need to book a slot. Alternatively, if you can’t book a slot, you can just buy something in the gift shop. We left with a £45 bottle of Whiskey, so depending on how you look at things, it’s either a good deal or really, really expensive parking.

If you’ve parked up at the Distillery to reach Scotland’s secret pyramid, head down the hill towards Balmoral until you reach the small bridge mentioned above, then turn left until you see the Cairn signposted.

The Hike

Whichever route you choose, the walk is very steep, and the terrain can be uneven and muddy. Walking shoes and a drink are definitely recommended. The hike from either parking spot takes around 30 minutes each way. You’ll also want to give yourself at least half an hour at the top to snap some photos and take in the view. So, overall, a trip to see the pyramid will take at least 1 hour 30. Depending on your fitness level and how long you want to linger at the top.

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Visiting Balmoral Estate

While you’re in the area, during certain months of the year, you can also explore the grounds of Balmoral Castle, the Scottish home of the Royal Family, since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852. We’ve even heard of people bumping into the Royals when out and about in the area, so if that’s your thing, make sure you check the opening times and book your ticket in advance to avoid disappointment.

Personally, we were pretty content with a taste of Whiskey and a short hike with a fantastic view! But whether you’re drawn to the history of Prince Albert’s Cairn, the scenic beauty of the surrounding area, or simply in search of a unique adventure, a visit to this hidden gem promises an unforgettable experience.

So pack your walking shoes, grab your camera, and embark on a journey to discover Scotland’s secret pyramid for yourself. For more things to do in Scotland, check out our four-day NC500 itinerary.

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