Activities in Ballater Royal Deeside Aberdeenshire Highlands Scotland

Things to do in Royal Deeside

Set in magnificent scenery, Ballater is an attractive village with many interesting shops and restaurants, many of which are "By Appointment". It is perfectly possible to pass the days just sitting on the village green, browsing in the shops or taking a picnic to a secluded spot by the river. For those who want to explore further, here are just some of the many places within easy reach of our cottages.

Balmoral Castle The home of the Royal Family for seven generations. Balmoral Castle is open to the public from April to July. (right - Balmoral Castle)

Crathie Kirk - This picturesque granite church is attended by the Royal Family while at Balmoral. It is open to the public (church business permitting).

Royal Lochnagar Distillery - The local distillery for Balmoral, it offers tours and tastings. To the North lies the only Malt Whisky Trail in the world!

Castles Braemar, Balmoral, Crathes (with its world famous gardens) and Drum are within easy reach. It is worth exploring Scotland's only Castle Trail, which takes in thirteen unique castles, from the fairy-tale Craigievar to the elegant grandeur of Leith Hall. (right - Crathes Castle)

Nature Reserves - There are four major nature reserves: Glen Muick, Glen Tanar, Muir of Dinnet and Morrone Birkwood. At 1310 feet and covering 960 acres, Loch Muick is one of the most remote spots in Britain and the starting point for the ascent of Lochnagar and other long distance paths into the eastern Cairngorms. There is also a path around the loch, passing by Queen Victoria's hideaway royal lodge.

Cairngorms National Park - The Park takes in some of the most spectacular landscapes in Britain, from the wild tundra of the high mountain tops to the seclusion of the ancient pinewoods. There is a wonderful variety of wildlife - it would be possible to see red squirrels, herds of Red Deer and a soaring golden eagle in the course of one day.

The Lecht Ski Area - Take the chairlift to the top, or try the go-carts, quad bikes and giant tubes in the summertime.

Golf - Experience true Scottish golf in the North East, at one of 45 inland courses or 25 links courses. Ballater Golf Course is set in spectacular scenery, and locally Aboyne, Tarland, Banchory and Inchmarlo are all well worth visiting. Braemar is the highest 18 hole course in Scotland, while Royal Aberdeen is the 6th oldest golf course in the world. Ballater Golf Week features a programme of events every year.

Fishing - There is plenty of good quality fishing throughout the Aberdeen and Grampian area, and many stretches of the Dee, Don and Spey are world famous. Fishing permits are available locally. (right - Tullich Fishery)

Walking - Spectacular mountains, attractive woodlands and beautiful rural scenery make Deeside hard to beat for walkers of all levels. Our cottages have some guide books, and also a list of some of the shorter local walks around the village which are less demanding, but still very beautiful. Deeside Walking Week features a varied programme of walks each year.

Pony trekking - Balmoral and Glen Tanar Estates offer pony trekking for all abilities.

Aberdeen - About an hour's drive from Ballater, the "granite city" has excellent museums, parks, galleries and cinemas. Children (and adults) will enjoy the Satrosphere which provides hands-on science fun for all ages, the Leisure Pool and the long, sandy beach. There are also all the shops you would expect from a major city, and the harbour is worth visiting, with its mixture of boats from trawlers to huge oil supply vessels.

There is no shortage of things to do in Deeside even if there is the odd rainy day, the only problem is fitting it all in!

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