Royal Deeside, Cairngorms National Park

The Famous Salmon river of Royal Deeside is the River Dee, which flows from its source high in the Cairngorms Mountains through 85 miles of some of the Cairngorms National Park most stunning scenery, finally flowing into the sea at Aberdeen city centre. The valley got its name as it was Queen Victoria's favourite holiday spot and of course the river Dee. The royal Family are still regular visitors to this day, so you'll be following in Royal footsteps when you explore the area. You can even choose to follow the Victorian Heritage Trail which will take you through towns, landmarks, beauty spots and attractions with a special connection to Queen Victoria. A high percentage of Royal Deeside lies within the Cairngorms National Park; an area protected because of its outstanding natural beauty. Explore the colourful grouse moors, native forests of Scots Pines, peaty highland rivers and Highlands Mountains. There are 52 mountains over 900m, including Queen Victoria's favourite, Lochnagar, called the jewel of all mountains. Travelling along Royal Deeside Cainrgorms you'll come to the towns and villages of Dinnet, Ballater, Crathie and Braemar. Although all the towns and villages are individual, they all offer a great range of things to see, friendly locals and a rich history and culture. The two main Village are Ballater and Braemar.

Royal Deeside Ballater

Ballater is a picturesque village in the heart of Royal Deeside surrounded by the Highland countryside of the Cairngorms National Park and situated on the banks of the famous Salmon River, the River Dee. Ballater Royal Deeside is approximately 40 miles west of Aberdeen and 8 miles from Balmoral Castle. Ballater Royal Deeside is beautifully set in the heart of the Cairngorms, with local walking and a number of attractions within the village. The central attraction within Royal Deeside Ballater is the recently restored Old Royal Station. Queen Victoria arrived here frequently on her way to Balmoral, and the museum inside the station contains exhibits on Victoria's visits and a reconstructed waiting room. Ballater Tourist Information Centre is also situated here in the station. Royal Deeside, alongside superb fishing and walking opportunities, has a superb selection of Scotland Golf Courses. For more information on Ballater and its attractions please check out of Ballater Royal Deeside Village page.

Royal Deeside Braemar

Located at the end of the A93, you'll arrive in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Royal Deeside Braemar is a popular base for walkers and cyclists and general the more outdoor enthusiast looking to enjoy the extensive cycling and walking trails into the Cairngorms from the Linn of Dee, just west of Braemar. Braemar itself is small and friendly, with a fine selection of restaurants and takeaways. Originally known as Braigh Mharr in Gaelic, the town lies in a quiet corner of upper Deeside in the middle of a landscape littered with superlatives: it is the UK's highest and most mountainous parish; it boasts 24 munros over three thousand feet and three over four thousand feet; it has the highest 18-hole golf course in the country and, in the Glenshee ski area, the highest road. The chip shop is a very busy place at the end of the days skiing or snowboarding at the Glenshee Ski resort. Arts and crafts shops and coffee and tearooms cram into the town, which also has a superb selection of all accommodation types. For more information on Braemar and its attractions please check out of Braemar Royal Deeside Village page.