Discover Ballater in a motorhome : Complete Guide
Introduction
Join us on an unforgettable adventure in Ballater, the Scottish gem that has so much to offer.
In this RoadTrip travel guide to Ballater, we will reveal all the secrets of this city. Do you want to know its rich and fascinating history ? Wondering when is the best time to visit to make the most of the weather ? Looking for tips on how to travel on a budget ? Wondering where to park and sleep in a camper van Look no further, we have prepared everything for you. From history to must-see places, to the best places to eat, this guide is your ideal companion for a memorable RoadTrip in Ballater.
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What is Ballater in Scotland ?
History of Ballater
Oh, Ballater ! Here we are in a corner of Scotland where nature sings and the mountains dance. Nestled in the heart of the Highlands, this town breathes history and tradition. Can you feel that breeze ? It’s Ballater’s soul caressing your face.
The history of Ballater, my friends, is a rich and colorful tapestry, carefully woven by the hands of time. It has seen kings and queens tread its soil, and its stones have witnessed battles and triumphs. It is not far from here that you’ll find Balmoral Castle, the summer residence of the British royal family. A castle, you say ? Yes, but not just any castle ! A castle that has seen generations of royalty sipping tea while gazing at the mountains.
But make no mistake, Ballater is not just a city of kings and queens. It is a city of the people, where every stone, every tree has a story to tell. You will find quaint shops, welcoming pubs, and people with hearts as big as the mountains.
Geographically, Ballater is a hidden gem. Located in the Cairngorms National Park, it offers an abundance of breathtaking landscapes. We, nature lovers, find our paradise here. The mountains, the valleys, the rivers – everything here sings a melody that touches you deep in your soul.
Geographical location
Geographically, Ballater is a hidden gem. Located in the Cairngorms National Park, it offers an abundance of breathtaking scenery. For us nature lovers, it’s a paradise. Mountains, valleys, rivers – everything here sings a melody that touches your soul.
How to get to Ballater ?
Ballater is a relatively close destination to Edinburgh and Glasgow. It may be more convenient to take a train or car for this journey. However, you can fly to Aberdeen Airport, which is the closest to Ballater, and then continue by other means of transport.
To get to Ballater by train from Edinburgh, you can take the train to Aberdeen. The companies that operate this route are First ScotRail Service, LNER, CrossCountry, and Caledonian Sleeper. The average journey time is 2 hours and 55 minutes and there are 6 departures per week. Once in Aberdeen, you can take the bus to Golf Road in Ballater. The total cost of the train and bus journey is estimated to be between $50 and $240.
To get to Ballater by car or camper van from Edinburgh, you can drive directly to your destination. The fastest way to travel from Edinburgh to Ballater is by car, which costs between $35 and $55 and takes about 2 hours and 12 minutes. You can also calculate the route for a car journey using an online service to get precise directions.
To get to the UK, we didn’t use the Tunnel or the Ferry from Calais, we left from the Netherlands! From Rotterdam, it’s quite easy to reach the Kingdom in a relatively short time. All you have to do is follow the country’s east coast to reach the wonderful world of Scotland!
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Climate: When to visit Ballater in a camper van ?
The coldest months are January and February, while the rainiest months range from June to August. The weather is favorable for traveling to Ballater from June to September, with particularly pleasant weather in July and August. But be careful, the wind can blow hard, and as they say in Scotland, “there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.”
| Month | Average temp (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Weather | Opinions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°/6° | 91 | ☔️ | Very unfavorable |
| February | 4°/6° | 79 | ☔️ | Very unfavorable |
| March | 4°/8° | 61 | ☔️ | Very unfavorable |
| April | 6°/10° | 50 | 🌦️ | Unfavorable |
| May | 8°/12° | 75 | 🌦️ | Unfavorable |
| June | 11°/15° | 104 | 🌥️ | Unfavorable |
| July | 13°/17° | 127 | ☀️ | Favorable |
| August | 13°/17° | 120 | ☀️ | Favorable |
| September | 11°/15° | 73 | 🌥️ | Unfavorable |
| October | 9°/12° | 100 | 🌦️ | Unfavorable |
| November | 7°/9° | 87 | ☔️ | Unfavorable |
| December | 5°/7° | 87 | ☔️ | Very unfavorable |
If I had to give you my personal opinion, I’d say that the best time to go to Ballater is undoubtedly in July and August. These months offer favorable weather with pleasant temperatures and less rain. It’s the perfect time to explore the city and its surroundings, enjoy the lush green landscapes and maybe even try a tasting of the local whisky. As the Scottish saying goes, “What’s rare is precious”, and these summer months at Ballater are truly a treasure to be savored.
🚐 Campervan service areas and parking in Ballater
Here is a list of the best spots to sleep in a motorhome in Ballater, Scotland:
- 📍🥇 Ballater Caravan Park: Superb riverside campsite, well-equipped and extremely clean. An ideal place for a peaceful stay.
- 📍🥈 48 Bridge Street, Ballater: A quiet spot with a beautiful view of the surrounding nature, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
- 📍🥉 Provost Craig Road, Ballater: A quiet spot with a beautiful view of the surrounding nature, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
- 📍 3-14 Dee Street, Ballater: A central location near Dee Street, offering convenient access to local shops and restaurants.
These spots offer a variety of experiences, whether you are looking for the tranquility of nature or the convenience of a central location. Each of them offers a unique experience for motorhome enthusiasts who want to explore Ballater and its surroundings.
The parking lot we chose was the town car park opposite the Church, 📍 Parking. We even spent three nights there to be able to attend the Highlands Games and we really didn’t regret it, plus there were toilets in the parking lot, very useful when you’re stopped for a while.
Where and what to eat in Ballater ?
St Andrews, one of the most beautiful cities in Scotland, is not only known for its prestigious university and golf, but also for its gastronomy. This city offers a variety of traditional Scottish dishes and ancestral drinks that are worth discovering. Here are some suggestions to help you explore the culinary scene of St Andrews.
Restaurants in Ballater
- 1. 🍽️ Faffless: An elegant wine bar in Aberdeen, perfect for a romantic evening.
- 2. 🍽️ The Station Hotel – Brasserie: A traditional British brasserie offering an authentic culinary experience.
- 3. 🍽️ Clachan Grill: A Scottish restaurant in Ballater, known for its tasty local dishes.
- 4. 🍽️ Maggies Grill – Marischal Square: A unique Cajun experience in Aberdeen, with bold and spicy flavors.
- 5. 🍽️ Tarland’s Country Kitchen: Traditional Scottish cuisine in a rustic and cozy setting.
Specialties of Ballater
Scottish cuisine is rich and varied, reflecting the history and culture of the country. In Ballater, you can taste traditional dishes such as haggis, an iconic dish made from stuffed sheep’s stomach. Don’t miss out on Cullen Skink, a smoked haddock soup, or Cranachan, a dessert made with cream, raspberries, oats, and whisky. For seafood lovers, local scallops and mussels are a must. Finally, if you’re looking for an authentic culinary experience, try the “Full Scottish Breakfast”, a hearty breakfast that will give you the energy you need to explore this beautiful region.
Ballater offers a rich and diverse gastronomic experience, combining tradition and modernity. Whether you are a discerning gourmet or just looking for a good meal, this Scottish town has something to satisfy your taste buds.
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Well, Ballater wasn’t our best culinary experience. Nevertheless, we went to the town’s only Italian restaurant, and ate quite well. Italian restaurants can be found in every city in the world!
Travel budget for a RoadTrip in Ballater
The currency used in Scotland is the pound sterling (GBP). The cost of living in Scotland is 7.5% lower than in France, and local purchasing power is 5.7% higher. When traveling, plan on a local budget of at least €108 per person per day.
– Meal in a mid-range restaurant: €29(+16% on 🇫🇷)
– Fast-food menu: €7(-23% compared with 🇫🇷)
– Local beer (50 cl draught): €4.5(-25% compared with 🇫🇷)
– Single public transport ticket: €2.9(+76% on 🇫🇷)
– Monthly public transport pass: €76(+51% compared with 🇫🇷)
– Unleaded petrol (1 liter): €1.65(+6% on 🇫🇷)
– Budget hotel (double room): €68(+18% compared with 🇫🇷)
– Mid-range hotel (double room): €104(+25% compared with 🇫🇷)
– Top-of-the-range hotel (double room): €173(-38% compared with 🇫🇷)
– Pair of jeans (Levis 501 or equivalent): €68(-16% compared with 🇫🇷)
– Summer dress in a major retailer (Zara, H&M…): €34(-3% compared to 🇫🇷)
– Pair of sports shoes: €73(-13% compared with 🇫🇷)
Even if the capital cities can be well above the cost of living, the country’s smaller towns can sometimes offer slightly lower prices, it’s still more expensive than what we’re used to in Europe, especially since the Brexit.
Video of our citytrip
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What to do in Ballater
Whether you’re an inveterate romantic, a cultural enthusiast, a seasoned sportsman or a fan of annual events, Ballater has something for everyone. So put on your seven-league boots and let’s discover this Scottish wonder!
- Strolling hand in hand around Loch Muick
- Candlelight dinner at Balmoral Castle
- Watch the sunset from Craigendarroch Hill
And as the icing on the cake, Ballater is home to an event that makes the town’s heart beat faster: the Ballater Highland Games. Held every year on the second Thursday in August, this annual event is a festive gathering of Scottish traditions. From bagpipes and Highland dancing to hammer throws and the presence of the royal family, the Ballater Highland Games are a spectacle not to be missed. This is Scotland at its best, an event that captures the essence of Scottish culture and will leave you with lasting memories. Mark your calendars!
Conclusion: Why visit or return to Ballater?
Our trip to Ballater was an enriching experience full of discoveries. We were charmed by the breathtaking landscapes, the cultural richness, and the warm welcome of the locals. While the unpredictable weather sometimes played tricks on us, it only added spice to our adventure. Ballater is a destination worth exploring, and we hope that our RoadTrip travel guide will help you make the most of it. So, ready to hit the road ?
The best time to visit Ballater is from June to September, with particularly pleasant weather in July and August. As we say in Scotland, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.”
You have several options for sleeping in a motorhome in Ballater, including Ballater Caravan Park, 48 Bridge Street, Provost Craig Road, and 3-14 Dee Street. Each offers a unique experience, whether you’re looking for the tranquility of nature or the convenience of a central location.
You can stroll hand-in-hand around Loch Muick, dine by candlelight at Balmoral Castle, or watch the sunset from Craigendarroch Hill. Ballater offers many romantic activities for couples.
You won’t want to miss the Ballater Highland Games, an annual event held on the second Thursday in August. It’s a festive gathering of Scottish traditions, with bagpipes, Highland dancing, hammer throwing, and even the presence of the royal family.
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