Email Darroch Learg Hotel enquiries & reservations: bookscotland@madbookings.com
Other places to stay in and around
Ballater
The Darroch Learg is one of Royal Deeside's favourite hotels,
it is known for its relaxing charm, lovely situation and fine restaurant.
Darroch Learg is run by Nigel and Fiona Franks, having been in the Franks' family for over 40 years. Darroch Learg was built in 1888 in fashionable Royal Deeside.
Its old Gaelic name translates as 'the oak wood on the sunny hillside'. Originally it was a country residence and it still retains the ambience and relaxing informality which makes you feel like a house guest in a private mansion.
Darroch Learg boasts a fine vantage point above Ballater, on the slopes of Craigendarroch, the rocky 'Hill of Oaks' which creates such a fine backdrop to the village. The paths around the hotel grounds lead directly onto Craigendarroch and the walk to the top or round the hill is among the very best.
As you enter Darroch Learg, quality is immediately in evidence with Wilton carpet and tasteful antiques. The public rooms retain the charm of their private mansion days, with a drawing room and separate smoke room.
Books on Scotland and the north-east abound - or you might prefer to occupy yourself with Scrabble or Chess. Darroch Learg is a hotel in the country and is run along grounds appropriate to that. The drawing room and smoke room are peaceful and comfortable and can be enjoyed all through the day.
Darroch Learg Hotel Accommodation
Bedrooms come at three levels - the first-floor master bedrooms offer
both space and extra comfort.
Ground Floor:
Room 9 Corndaven is a bedroom on the ground floor with south-facing aspect
(double/twin).
1st Floor:
Room 1 Balmoral is a master bedroom facing the south and with east balcony,
canopied twin/double bed and antique furniture.
Room 2 Birkhall is a master bedroom facing south and west with a large
south-facing bay window, canopied twin/double bed with antique furniture.
Room 3 Invercauld is a master bedroom facing westwards up the Dee Valley
and has a queen-size four poster bed and antique furniture.
Room 4 is a standard queen-size double bedded room. It is a cosy room
facing south.
Room 10 Braichlie is a superior bedroom with canopied twin/double bed
and a south facing aspect. It has a separate sitting room and a more modern
style.
2nd Floor:
Room 5 Lochnagar faces south with a four-poster bed, antique furniture
and an inviting window-seat.
Room 6 is a standard bedroom with a twin/double bed and south facing view.
Room 7 is a standard double room with a queen-sized bed and west facing
view.
Room 8 is a standard bedroom with queen-size double bed and south-facing
aspect.
Room 11 is a standard bedroom with twin/double bed faces north. It has
a more modern style.
Room 12 a superior double or twin bedded room facing south with a balcony
and a more modern style
Activities:
Darroch Learg is in the midst of Royal Deeside and is surrounded
by glorious countryside which is now part of Scotland's Cairngorm National
Park. You can climb Craigendarroch from the doorstep and see Lochnagar
(3879ft, 1155m), Mount Keen (3077ft, 939m) and Morven (2871ft, 871m).
There are numerous other activities: walking , bird watching, fishing and stalking, golf, tennis, gliding and skiing (at the Lecht and Glenshee). Within easy driving distance there are many National Trust properties, notably Crathes, Drum and Craigievar and just 8 miles up the road is Balmoral.
The Whisky Trail, which covers the famous distilleries of Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Cardhu and many more, makes an excellent day away whilst the Victorian Heritage Trail is on the doorstep.
Royal Deeside offers excellent holiday golf. Each village has a picturesque golf course - 18 holes at Ballater, Aboyne, Braemar and Banchory. Tarland boasts a charming 9-hole course designed by Tom Morris, and there is also a driving range at Inchmarlo, close to Banchory. Outstanding courses at Cruden Bay, Murchar and Old Aberdeen are within an hour's drive.
Location:
Darroch Learg is located on the A93 at the western edge of Ballater, Aberdeenshire,
Scotland.
From Aberdeen (east), come through the village and as
you reach the edge of the village, you start going up the 'Darroch Brae',
first the turreted Oakhall mansion and then Darroch Learg appear up on
your right.
From Braemar (west), as you come towards Ballater, you
come down the 'Darroch Brae' towards the signs for Ballater and 30mph.
Go slowly and turn left into the entrance directly after the 30mph signs.
Perth: 65 miles 1.5 hrs
Aberdeen: 42 miles 1 hr (nearest airport)
Edinburgh: 120 miles 3 hrs
Glasgow: 120 miles 3 hrs
Inverness: 85 miles 2 hrs
Email Darroch Learg Hotel enquiries & reservations: bookscotland@madbookings.com
