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- Balmoral Castle
Local Favourites
- Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve
- Rob Roys Cave & the Burn o Vat
- Braemar Highland Games
- Gordon Highlanders Museum
- Malt Whisky trail
- Grampian Castle Trail
- Aberdeen City & Shire
- Cairngorm National Park
- Balmoral Castle
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Loch Kinord hotel
The Gardens and Forests of Royal Deeside
Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve
The Muir of Dinnet (area 2287ha) is an SSSI and a Natural Nature Reserve designated because of its value as a habitat for flora and fauna, and important geomorphological features. The Muir forms the south-western corner of the Howe of Cromar, a wide saucer shaped plain at the foot of the Grampian Mountains. Loch Kinord possesses a rich aquatic flora, and a full range of hyrdoseral plant communities ranging from emergent fens dominated by sedges, to bog myrtle scrub, fen carr and birch woodland. It also has a rich invertebrate fauna and is an important site for aquatic beetles. About 80 species of birds breed within the SSSI and the lochs are important refuges for passage and wintering wildfowl, particularly greylag geese and wigeon. Since the early 1980's, introduced ospreys have colonised the area, and both lochs are important rearing and feeding grounds for young otters.
Now a famous nature reserve with excellent visitor centre containing information on the surrounding area. An ideal location for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts. A beautiful national nature reserve of regenerating woodland surrounding two small lochs. It is a wonderful place for wildlife. The Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve on Deeside has not only fine birchwoods, but also a spectacular rock cauldron at Burn o' Vat.
Loch Muich and Lochnagar wildlife reserve
Beautiful Highland Glen between Braemar and Ballater with the towering Lochnagar as a backdrop. This is where Queen Victoria built a cottage to stay in splendid isolation. The reserve was established in 1974 between the Balmoral Estate and the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Lochnagar is classified as a special protection area for upland birds, with large numbers of breeding dotterel.
National Nature Reserve Morrone Birchwood
Access is from Chapel Brae. The finest example of upland birchwood in Britain. 225 hectares. Footpaths, reserve signs, car park.
Mar Lodge
A large estate containing some of the wildest countryside in Scotland including Ben McDhui, the second highest mountain in Britain and 3 of the other 5 highest mountains in he UK. Recently bought by the National Trust for Scotland. Also takes in the upper parts of the River Dee and native Caledonian Pine Forests. Many areas are sites of special scientific and National scenic Areas, and contain an extensive variety of wild/birdlife.
Cambus O'May Forest Walks
Four routes of varying distance run through woodland, including one specifically designed for wheel chair users. Offering wonderful views across Deeside from various points.
Click here for more information
Crathes Castle Gardens
A sixteenth century castle with a twentieth century Arts and Crafts garden.It might be described as 'The Sissinghurst of Scotland'. The baronial tower, beside which the garden stands, dates from the late 1500s. For centuries the tower stood in lonely isolation, protecting the Burnett family and allowing them fine views of the woods and moors. In the twentieth century a fine garden was made by Sir James Burnett of Leys. It is a walled garden with sculptured topiary and brilliant planting. 595 acres.
BALMORAL Castle & Gardens
Set amongst the magnificent scenery of Royal Deeside, in the shadows of Lochnagar is the Balmoral Estate.
Purchased by Queen Victoria in 1848, the Estate has been the Scottish Home of the British Royal Family ever since.
The Estate extends to just over 50,000 acres of heather clad hills, ancient Caledonian woodland, policies and of course the beautiful River Dee is nearby.
Over the past 150 years careful stewardship by the owners, The Royal Family, has preserved the wildlife, scenery and architecture which is available for all generations to enjoy.