Inchgeal Lodge Bed & Breakfast
Inchgeal Lodge is situated a short 2 minute walk from the centre of the picturesque village of Ballater. The B & B is set back from the road, has ample off street parking and overlooks the River Dee. It is a family run B & B and aims to provide a good night's sleep in clean, comfortable surroundings. A full Scottish breakfast will set you up for the day ahead.
We have 2 double en-suite rooms, 1 twin en-suite room and 1 family en-suite room. All rooms have tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer and free wi-fi. There is a guest lounge with wood burning stove, overlooking the large front garden.
Ballater
Ballater is a small, picturesque village, East of the Cairngorm mountains, in the Highlands of Scotland. The population is 1500 and we are 700 feet above sea level. The nearest airport is Aberdeen which is approximately one hour's drive away. Aviemore is approximately one and a half hour's drive and Inverness and Edinburgh are both approximately two and a half hour's drive away.
What to do
There are lots of walks in and around Ballater:- the Craigendarroch hill (hill of the oaks) is a small hill overlooking the village. There is a lovely 45 minute walk round the village following the River Dee. For the more energetic, try walking or cycling the seven bridges or perhaps a 3 hour walk around the beautiful Loch Muick - situated at the foot of the Lochnagar mountain.
Fishing on the River Dee is also very popular.
There are various shops in the village including gift shops selling local produce and Scottish souvenirs.
The busiest week in Ballater is Victoria week when there are lots of activities going on and the Ballater Highland Games takes place on the second Thursday of August.
For eating out there are several hotels, a Bistro, two Indian restaurants and The Rothesay Rooms and Old Station Restaurant. The two latter Restaurants are owned by Prince Charles, who frequently visits these when he's in residence at nearby Birkhall. Just outside the village is the Hilton Craigendarroch where you can eat in the a la carte restaurant or the less formal Keillor Bistro. We also have take-away fish and chips and a take-away Chinese.
Outside of Ballater there is lots to do in the surrounding area. Tomintoul is the highest village in Scotland and is approximately 40 minutes drive from Ballater. The views on the Cockbridge to Tomintoul road are breathtaking - especially on a sunny day.
Balmoral Castle and Lochnagar Distillery are 8 miles West of Ballater. The Castle is closed to the public during the months of July, August and September as the Queen is in residence during these months. The Distillery is open all year round and the whisky is very nice!
Braemar is a small village 16 miles West of Ballater. Braemar is famous for the Braemar Highland Gathering which is attended by the Queen and takes place on the first Saturday in September. Also worth a visit, is the Highland Games Centre and cafe, situated in the Games park in Braemar. Braemar Castle is also worth a visit.
Aboyne is another small village approximately 10 miles East of Ballater. Aboyne Games takes place on the first Saturday in August. And just over the hill in Bellabeg, Strathdon the Lonach Gathering is always on the last Saturday of August.