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Lion's Face from Braemar loop — Cairngorms National Park

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Lion's Face from Braemar loop — Cairngorms National Park

Easy

4.5

(107)

431

hikers

Lion's Face from Braemar loop — Cairngorms National Park

01:50

6.16km

190m

Hiking

This easy 3.8-mile (6.2 km) loop near Braemar offers a diverse hiking experience through ancient pine forests and open moorland, with sweeping views of the Cairngorms National Park. You will gain about 615 feet (188 metres) in elevation, taking around 1 hour and 49 minutes to complete. The trail features woodland paths and some rougher hill sections, but rewards you with magnificent vistas of the upper Dee valley, Braemar village, and the distinctive Lion's Face rock crag.

While considered an easy to moderate hike, some parts can be wet and slippery, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear is advised. This loop is ideal if you are looking for a half-day walk and is popular with runners, mountain bikers, and dog walkers. The area around Braemar also provides various paths for different fitness levels, from gentle strolls to more strenuous climbs.

Discover a route rich in history, including the

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Cairngorms National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

80 m

Bridge over the Clunie Water — War Memorial, Braemar

Highlight • Historical Site

The bridge is located in the center of Braemar and spans over Clunie Water. There are several sculptures and information boards as a war memorial which commemorates the dead of both World War I and II.

Tip by

182 m

Braemar Village Centre

Highlight • Cafe

The lovely town of Braemar has some decent places to eat burgers, salad, meat pies, fish and chips and much more. There is also an outdoor shop that provides trekking meals, apparel and equipment as well as camping gas. The caravan camping is located at the southern part of the town.

Tip by

1.74 km

View of Invercauld House

Highlight • Historical Site

The path up to this lookout is almost as beautiful as the view itself. At the top, you'll find not only the view of Invercauld House, but also an information board.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.13 km

Lion's Face Rock

Highlight • Natural

A large, limestome rocky protrusion in the woods surrounding Braemar.

Tip by

6.16 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.07 km

1.02 km

757 m

225 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

4.07 km

1.02 km

891 m

125 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (450 m)

Lowest point (340 m)

Weather

Monday 24 August

13°C

7°C

27 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Lion's Face from Braemar loop — Cairngorms National Park

Bridge over the Clunie Water — War Memorial, Braemar

Braemar Village Centre

View of Invercauld House

Lion's Face Rock

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