TRACTS of the Queen's Balmoral Estate which are normally out of bounds to visitors are to be opened up for a walking festival.
The move is seen as yet another step in the attempt by the royal family, following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, to be more accessible to the public.
Last month they allowed the 50,000-acre estate, to be used for a day of televised road races. BBC's Grandstand came live from Balmoral, on a day when exceptional weather covered the area in snow. Viewers saw not only the races, but Princes William and Harry playing in the snow.
The project, which starts on May 30, is also cashing in on the recent interest in the area prompted by the success of the film, Mrs Brown, about Queen Victoria and her relationship with her Highland gillie.
Ramblers, taking part in the first walking week on Royal Deeside, will be escorted to ensure they do not wander off the set routes. Highlights of the week will be escorted ascents of the peak, Lochnagar, which towers above Balmoral and was made famous by Prince Charles in the children's book he wrote, The Old Man of Lochnagar.
The mountain also overlooks Loch Muick, which was one of Queen Victoria's favourite haunts and was the spot chosen by Prince Charles for a photocall with his sons last summer.
The venture has been partly organised by Aberdeen and Grampian Tourist Board. Mr Alan Graham, of the board, said: ''Thanks to the Oscar nominated film, Mrs Brown, there has been good publicity for Royal Deeside recently and the walking week, with some of the walks taking in sites with connections to Queen Victoria, complements our efforts perfectly.''
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