When I was first told about this I was quite skeptical, not only in the fact that Scotland has it's own Pyramid but also the sheer size of it. Everyone I have since spoken to and shown the pictures too couldn't quite believe it either and the fact that little is know of its existence or it doesn't seem to be publicised much seems quite strange in this day and age.
But undeterred we decided to go forth on our adventure of discovery.
Scotland's Secret Pyramid or correctly known as "Prince Albert's Cairn" lies within the grounds of Balmoral Estate and is actually just 1 of 11 cairns on the estate. Prince Albert's Cairn is the biggest and most visually striking and positioned beautifully on the hillside for maximum views.
Did you know, the first Cairn to be built on the estate was built out of a pile of stone by Queen Victoria, well she started it at least, and recorded the moment in her diary “I placed the first stone, after which Albert laid one, then the children, according to their ages. All the ladies and gentlemen placed one, and then everyone came forward at once, carrying a stone and placing it on the cairn. At last, when the cairn, which I think is seven or eight feet high, was nearly completed, Albert climbed up to the top of it, and placed the last stone, after which three cheers were given.”
But what is the reason behind Prince Albert's Cairn and why here? Balmoral gave Queen Victoria and Prince Albert a huge sense of freedom, from the everyday hustle and bustle of life, and the place and position of this pyramid is beautifully situated being on the side of a tall hill overlooking the valley, a great sense of peace and tranquility is ever present here and a mark of respect must be given for it's purpose of being built in the first place.
Standing at 35 feet tall and built from dressed granite, it was created as a lasting memorial for Prince Albert who passed away at just 42 years of age in 1862, far too young and his death affected Queen Victoria immensely so she had the pyramid built in is honor and memory, a lasting testament of her love and devotion.
It is understandable why it is know as Scotland's Secret Pyramid, there is little to no signs about its whereabouts and from the roadside, and it is very easy to miss, in fact we did miss it when we first arrived,
The walk up to the pyramid is not for the faint hearted, a stunning woodland trail, steep in
places, with roots and rock hazards all make for an interesting hike and a certain degree of fitness is required, but once you navigate up the long, sometimes steep climb the first peek of the pyramid top starts showing through the tree line and you know you are finally getting near. Once you break through into the clearing the view not only of the pyramid itself but the surrounding valley itself is just awe-inspiring!!
We were blessed to have picked a gorgeous blue sky, sunny day and the view was magnificent and well worth the climb. We took our photos of the pyramid, gave a moment of reflection for the purpose of it being built here, reflecting on how lucky we are to be able to now enjoy this new life of ours and how blessed we are to see such things. Then we began our decent back down, it is a lot easier to do but still plenty of hazards to be wary of!!
Now that we had been to the top and back down again, we were able to look at the landmarks and locate the hidden pyramid of Scotland, sitting on the hillside, but unless you know it is easy to overlook and I think that is rather special too, seems somewhat fitting with it being a memorial.
So if you do go and try to find Scotland's Secret Pyramid or visit Balmoral Castle or surrounding areas then we would also definitely recommend The Highlanders Bakehouse this is a "must try and stop at" cafe, the food is AMAZING, the decor is fun - especially the reading material on the walls in the toilets! and it has such a lovely vibe, but word of warning parking is very limited and I am sure during peak season it can get very busy.
Thanks for reading
Em & Fred
*Footnote: If you have enjoyed reading about our adventures or have any comments, we would love to hear from you. If you would like to buy us a coffee to show us your appreciation that would be AMAZING!!!! and you can do so here
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