Castles, Mountains and Whisky around Morvada

	Loch Muick is three and a half miles long and is one of the jewels of the Ballater area. Most visitors park their car and then walk the many tracks nearby. Lochnagar is the highest of the mountains and you will require a full day to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Alternatively, mountain bikes can be hired locally allowing guests the thrill of cycling to the loch in peaceful countryside.
Knock Castle dates from the l6th Century and is only one mile from Ballater village. Only accessible by foot or mountain bike the castle is owned by Historic Scotland and, although a ruin, you are free to enter and go back in time in your imagination. It makes an enchanting picnic spot on a walk called "The Seven Brigs.
	Whisky distilleries abound in this area of Scotland and Royal Deeside has its own at Balmoral . A visit to the Lochnagar distillery in the morning followed by Balmoral Castle in the afternoon makes for an excellent day out and is only eight miles from Ballater. The castle closes in August when the queen takes up residence. Most distilleries are open all year including Glenlivet, Glenfiddich and Royal Lochnagar.