Locality
For great salmon fishing, the River Dee is only a stone’s throw away. There is also a stocked fishery at Tulloch, only 3 miles away, towards Ballater.
The “Deeside Way” (an old railway line once used by royalty to travel from Aberdeen to Ballater) is now a footpath and cycle way passing through Dinnet, and is a great route to walk to the neighbouring villages or cycle to Crathes Castle (20 miles).
From the cottage towards Braemar you will arrive at Ballater, a picturesque village with plentiful traditional shops (where you can play "spot the royal warrant"), pubs and restaurants of all types.
From the cottage towards Aberdeen you will arrive at Aboyne after 5 miles which has a supermarket and local shops including Strachan’s of Deeside: if they don’t sell it then you don't need it! There are a couple of pubs there for you to refresh before your walk back.
For those who like the high life, the Deeside gliding club, which is open to the public, is only 2 miles from the cottage towards the village of Aboyne. A fantastic activity if you want to see Royal Deeside from a bird’s eye view.
If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground...
What to do near your holiday accommodation
From the cottage, it is a mere 5 minutes walk to the first of three stunning lochs with breath-taking views and wildlife.
Loch Kinord, the largest of the three Lochs, set in the Muir of Dinnet, can be accessed by walking anti-clockwise around the first loch. This waymarked trail is approximately a 4½ miles walk, taking around 2-3 hours. On route, you can visit “Burn-O-Vat” said to be the hiding place of Rob Roy, the notorious outlaw. On completing your walk, you can relax in the Loch Kinord Hotel bar and sample some of their extensive array of whiskies from across Scotland; it is only a few minutes walk/stagger from the cottage.
Photo: River Dee
Holiday cottage guests' favourite activities
Photo: golfers will be lost for choice
... you could visit a castle during your stay (see our historical architecture page). Crathes Castle, situated just beyond Banchory, has many events throughout the year.
For golfers, there are a selection of great golf courses within a short drive from the cottage. There is so much choice for golf that we have a dedicated golf page.
For those who believe golf is a good walk spoilt, there are dozens of picturesque walks through forests or in the local countryside.
Nature spotters will love the waymarked trails along the Coy Burn- keep an eye open here for buzzards, herons and kingfishers.
For whisky lovers, you may want to visit our local “Royal Lochnagar” distillery, famous for its royal warrant and its outstanding flavour. Located only a mile from Balmoral Castle, it’s fed by the crystal-clear water of the Scarnock Springs. Take a tour of the distillery followed by a dram of Royal Lochnagar 12-year-old single malt. Alternatively, there are half a dozen distilleries offering tours.
During the summer months, you will be able to visit the Highland Games:
August first Saturday in Aboyne,
August second Thursday in Ballater,
September first Saturday for the Braemar Highland Gathering.
Here, you will see traditional events such as hammer throwing, caber tossing, tug-o-war, highland dancing and much more, with mass pipe bands playing throughout the day. There are always lots of stalls for you to purchase local wares, including in the beer tent.
Photo: Plenty of choice for stone circles
Photo: Balmoral Castle grounds are free
Photo: Beautiful countryside everywhere
Photos: Linn o' Dee
Visit Linn o' Dee, even if only to see the exquisitely carved natural circular pools, or "linns", in the river by the bridge. We won't spoil the surprise by providing a photo.
- so much to do
Ready to book yet?
These other suggestions might help you plan your itinerary. You'll be glad to get home for a rest!
Arts and Culture
- museums and art galleries: free in Aberdeen city centre
Visit www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM
- other heritage, arts and culture
The Great Outdoors
- parks and beaches
What to do if it rains?
What guests say about the holiday cottage
Cottage reviews ...