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A concrete block on the grassy hill ground above Balnahard, the Finzean hills beyond.
Aberdeenshire

Balnahard Farm

Meet and brush a fold of Highland cows on a family hill farm in Finzean.

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Welcome

Balnahard is a 200-acre tenant farm among the hills of Finzean, south of Banchory, and it has been in the Christie and Harper family for generations.

Euan Christie runs it now, with his partner Ashleigh, and its pride is a fold of Highland cows and their calves.

Visits are in small groups of up to six, which keeps them personal. They begin with a ride in the farm vehicle up to the hill ground where the cattle live, learning about the farm, the breed and the history of the area on the way. Then there is time with the herd: meeting them, giving them their food, brushing them, and getting to know cows that each have a personality of their own. There are plenty of chances for photographs, and sandwiches, snacks and bakes from Finzean Farm Shop.

Every visit must be booked ahead, through the farm's Instagram page or by email. Finzean Farm Shop, down the road, is a good stop before or after.

A short drive awayThe Old SmiddyAntiques, vintage and upcycled finds in the old blacksmith's shop at Kincardine O'Neil.9 min by roadSee itThe stone front of the Old Smiddy with a red telephone box outside.
Before you go

Visits are for small groups of up to six and must be booked ahead through the farm's Instagram page or by email.

Where
Finzean, south of Banchory.
Groups
Up to six.
Booking
Essential.
Where it is

Finzean, near Banchory.

Close byAround Finzean.
  1. Finzean Farm Shop and tearoom with the Feugh valley beyond.Finzean Farm Shop and TearoomUnder a mile1 min by road
  2. Framed line drawing beside a hanging plant in a white macramé potPotarch Café4 miles6 min by road
  3. The Dinnie Stones, BanchoryThe Dinnie Stones5 miles6 min by road
  4. Pink heather and forest below the hills around Scolty.Scolty Hill Walk6 miles11 min by road
  5. The roofless Auld Kirk at Kincardine O'Neil among its gravestones under a cloudy sky.Kincardine O'NeilThe oldest village on Deeside, on the north bank of the Dee, with the roofless Auld Kirk of a medieval travellers' hospital at its heart.7 miles9 min by road
Directions
The stone front of the Old Smiddy with a red telephone box outside.ShoppingThe Old Smiddy6.5 miles
Timber cabin with metal roof and decking surrounded by woodland treesBanchoryNorth Lodge and River CabinSleeps 6 · 7.0 miles
A stone farmhouse covered in climbing ivy stands behind a gravel drive, seen through overhanging pine branches.StrachanCuttieshillockSleeps 6 · 7.0 miles
Sofas flank a window framed by red curtains looking out to a garden and outbuilding, a coffee table set with candles and a small house-shaped ornament between them.StrachanThe Hay Loft at GlendyeSleeps 4 · 7.0 miles
An old painted dresser of enamelware and boxes against a pink wall in the Glen Dye Shop.ShoppingGlen Dye Shop7.0 miles
A stone cottage with a slated roof and black stove pipe sits beside a gravel drive, foxgloves and wildflowers lining the path.BanchoryNo 4 Steading CottageSleeps 7 · 7.0 miles
A stone cottage with dormer windows sits behind a low blue gate, a rose-covered archway framing the front door.StrachanGamekeeper’s CottageSleeps 6 · 7.0 miles
An aerial view shows a long stone steading with a slated roof and a rooftop hot tub, a smaller outbuilding and gravel courtyard beside it.BanchoryNo 5 Steading CottageSleeps 7 · 7.0 miles
A stone steading with a slated pyramid roof and a chimney stands behind a green nameplate sign, a chair visible through the window.StrachanNo 2 Steading Cottage at GlendyeSleeps 4 · 7.0 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near Balnahard Farm, and when each is next free.

A stone farmhouse covered in climbing ivy stands behind a gravel drive, seen through overhanging pine branches.Cuttieshillock
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Strachan
  • 6 miles from Balnahard Farm
Free 16–18 OctA stone cottage with dormer windows sits behind a low blue gate, a rose-covered archway framing the front door.Gamekeeper’s Cottage
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Strachan
  • 6 miles from Balnahard Farm
Free 2–4 NovA stone steading with a slated pyramid roof and a chimney stands behind a green nameplate sign, a chair visible through the window.No 2 Steading Cottage at Glendye
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Strachan
  • 6 miles from Balnahard Farm
Free 18–20 OctAn aerial view shows a white harled farmhouse with multiple chimneys set beside a gravel courtyard and stone outbuildings.The Coach House
  • Sleeps 12
  • In Strachan
  • 6 miles from Balnahard Farm
Free 22–24 OctPlaces to stayEvery stay in AberdeenshireAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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