Braemar - Memorial Park & Village

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Braemar Memorial Park & Village, with Detectives helping Chief Inspector Ann Chovie investigate the suspicious death of Reverend Kirk Crathie, who was due to display his record-breaking catch, and work out who was responsible and the item linking them to the crime scene.

The investigation covers approximately 1.5 miles and should take around 1.5 hours to complete. You'll start from the main car park near the centre of the village just off Balnellan Road, investigate the village centre, pass Kindrochit Castle ruins, visit Braemar War Memorial, head past Braemar Church and into the churchyard, follow Chapel Brae, cross Memorial Park and pass through Castleton Place before looping back to where you started.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route is mainly along pavements and quiet roads, but includes one section on a dirt track, plus a whinstone path, stone stairs and uneven stretches in places.

Take extra care when crossing roads, especially on Mar Road and Glenshee Road, which can get very busy at times.

Getting There

By car: Begin your investigation at the main car park near the centre of the village just off Balnellan Road (AB35 5YP). The route loops back, so you'll finish back where you started.

By public transport: Make your way to the main car park near the centre of the village just off Balnellan Road to begin the case.

Need the Loo?

There are toilets located near the car park at the start, so Detectives can make a quick comfort stop before Chief Inspector Ann Chovie's fishy case gets underway.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives are welcome to join the investigation 🐾

The route includes pavements, quiet roads, a dirt track, a whinstone path, stone stairs and uneven stretches in places. Keep canine colleagues close around road crossings, especially on Mar Road and Glenshee Road, which can get very busy at times.

Food & Drink Stops

There are quite a few places in the village centre where you can stop off to pick up provisions, handy for keeping your detective squad fuelled while you work through the evidence.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Memorial Park

The investigation turns into Memorial Park, where the Braemar Gathering and Highland Games are held annually. The games are frequently attended by the Royal Family and originated for recruiting soldiers, and the route crosses the playing field passing the Royal Box - a cracking extra pause for Detectives who like their clues with a side of Highland tradition.

Kindrochit Castle ruins

The route passes the ruins of Kindrochit Castle next to the 'Welcome' information board in the village centre. Keep an eye out as you investigate - it is a suitably historic spot for a suspicious case with old village character all around.

Braemar Church and Chapel Brae

The Trail goes past Braemar Church and into the churchyard, giving Detectives a quieter place to slow the pace and look around. Later, the route also notes the old chapel on Chapel Brae, set back from the road.