Auchtavan Open Days
Walkers will be able to see inside 3 buildings at the ferm toun in Glen Fearder near Crathie. Two complete buildings survived the land clearances of the 19 th century, a hingin lum cotter’s cottage and a horsemill. Also on the site, is a later Victorian building, once the picnic cottage for HRH the late Queen Mother.
The settlement can be visited at any time but on these 4 Sundays from 12 until 3, visitors will be able to see inside the cottage, the horsemill and the Queen Mother’s cottage. The cruck framed cottage has a traditional wooden chimney and at one end, a cobbled floor for the animals, and at the other, an earthen floor for the family, giving a real sense of a way of life now long gone.
Simon Blackett, Chair of Braemar Community Ltd who look after the cottages, says “These buildings were restored by Braemar Community Limited and it’s very important that people have the opportunity to continue to visit and in particular to see the skilled work which repaired the once ruined cruck framed cottage As well as that, it is a beautiful walk from the A93 to reach the settlement with glorious views out towards Lochnagar and Balmoral, which is probably why the Queen Mother enjoyed coming here so much” .
Auchtavan is situated about 6 miles north-east of Braemar. Cars can be parked in the lay-by opposite the turn-off, marked Aberarder. It is then a 2.5 mile uphill walk to the settlement. The track passes through birch woods and open moorland and can be quite rough, walking shoes and outdoor clothing are recommended.