
- Scotland
- 2 hours, 26 minutes · Bus
201 Aberdeen – Braemar
Aberdeen · Banchory · Ballater · Braemar
Countryside
City & Culture
Coastal
History & Heritage
Nightlife
Key info
About this journey
The Stagecoach Bluebird 201 bus route from Aberdeen to Braemar offers a scenic journey through charming villages, historic castles, and stunning natural landscapes in the Cairngorms National Park.
Journey overview
The Stagecoach Bluebird 201 bus route from Aberdeen to Braemar passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland, with historic castles, charming villages, and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you're a local or a tourist, this bus route is a great way to experience the beauty and history of Scotland.
As the bus leaves Aberdeen and enters the countryside, the scenery changes dramatically, with rolling hills, green fields, and winding rivers. The first stop on the route is Cults, a small village with a charming main street and beautiful parks. The bus then passes through Peterculter, a town that is famous for its outdoor activities, including golf and fishing.

The next stop is Crathes Castle, a magnificent 16th-century castle with beautiful gardens and woodlands. The bus then climbs up the Hill of Banchory, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The bus then arrives at Banchory, a picturesque town with plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
The bus continues its journey through the scenic countryside, passing through Kincardine O'Neil, a small village with historic buildings and stunning scenery. The next stop is Aboyne, a charming village with a beautiful river and plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and fishing.
As the bus approaches Tarland, customers will see the beautiful moors and heather-covered hills that the area is famous for, as the bus passes through the valley of the River Dee and surrounded by the idyllic scenery of the Cairngorms National Park. The bus then passes through Dinet Crossroads and on to Ballater, a lovely town with great independent shops and places to eat. The village is also a popular starting point for exploring the Cairngorms, with nearby attractions including Lochnagar, Glen Muick, and the Linn of Dee.

The final stop on the route is Crathie, where folk can visit the famous Balmoral Castle, the summer residence of the British royal family. The surrounding scenery is truly breathtaking, with majestic mountains, crystal-clear streams, and beautiful forests.
Braemar, the final destination of the bus route, is a small village with plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants. The surrounding scenery is stunning, with high mountains, deep valleys, and rolling hills. Braemar is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking, cycling, and skiing opportunities. Look out for the many wildlife, including the sound of roaring deer stag or sightings of deer, red squirrels and golden eagles.
Fab day out
A day out or couple of days exploring the Stagecoach Bluebird 201 bus route from Aberdeen to Braemar offers a wide variety of attractions, activities, and sights to see.
Starting in Aberdeen, visitors can explore the city center, which is home to many historic sites, museums, and shopping districts. Some of the top attractions in Aberdeen include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, St. Machar's Cathedral, and the Union Square shopping center.
As the bus leaves Aberdeen and enters the countryside, visitors can stop at the many charming villages and towns along the way. Cults, for example, is a great place to stop and take a stroll through the beautiful parks and gardens. Peterculter is another town that is worth a stop, especially for those who love outdoor activities like golf and fishing.

The highlight of the journey is undoubtedly Crathes Castle, a magnificent 16th-century castle that offers visitors a glimpse into the history and grandeur of Scotland's past. The castle is set in beautiful gardens and woodland, which are perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.
Other must-see attractions on the bus route include the Hill of Banchory, Kincardine O'Neil, and Aboyne, which offer stunning scenery, historic buildings, and plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Tarland is also worth a stop, especially for those interested in the local history and culture. Nearby attractions include the historic Craigievar Castle, the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, and the Tomnaverie Stone Circle.

As the bus approaches Ballater and Crathie, customers can take in the breathtaking scenery of the Scottish Highlands, with majestic mountains, crystal-clear streams, and beautiful forests. The Balmoral Castle in Crathie is a must-visit attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the British royal family.
The climax of the journey is Braemar and it is a great place to stop for a couple of days. The village is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, and it offers plenty of outdoor activities. Some of the top attractions in Braemar include the Braemar Castle, the Cairngorms National Park, and the Glenshee Ski Resort. The ruins of Kindrochit Castle - built by a medieval king – are also worth checking out in this fabulous place.
Gateway to the 201: By train from Inverness, Edinburgh, London, the North and major cities across UK on Cross Country Trains, LNER and Scotrail to Aberdeen
Plan your route
Plan your route to this Great Scenic Journey
The map below shows where this journey begins.

🥾 Walking routes
Stretch your legs along the way
Take your scenic journey to the next level, hop off and explore on foot with this curated walk from the expert team at Go Jauntly, the walking app.
Stops & experiences
Places to visit & things to do on this journey
3 attractions the route passes, handpicked. Hover a card for a quick description.

Family Friendly
Countryside
History & Heritage
Crathes Castle
Crathes Castle is a striking 16th-century tower house set in the rolling Deeside countryside near Banchory in Aberdeenshire. Built by the Burnett of Leys family, who held the…

Countryside
History & Heritage
Craigievar Castle
Craigievar Castle is one of Scotland's most beloved tower houses, standing six storeys high on a wooded hillside in rural Aberdeenshire, around 30 miles west of Aberdeen. Its…

Countryside
History & Heritage
Balmoral Castle
Balmoral Castle is the Scottish private residence of the British Royal Family, set in the Cairngorms National Park beside the River Dee in Aberdeenshire. Bought by Prince Albert…






