This is the westernmost parish in the Gordon District of the eastern Cairngorms. It is a place mixing rugged Highland beauty with fertile farmland on the banks of the River Don. The river rises in the eastern Cairngorms and winds its way eastward through Corgarff, Strathdon, Glenkindie and Kildrummy on its way to the rest of Aberdeenshire. The area has its own community website www.upperdonside.org.uk

Kildrummy Castle Gardens has a unique collection of alpine shrubs in a landscaped setting with a water garden. When in the area, drop into the Kidrummy Inn for a wee drink or nip. The Mossat Burn Nursery and Water Garden has a great selection of plants and aquatic plants and is a great little place to peruse. Glenbuchat Castle is an ancient seat of the Gordons and was built in 1590. Corgarff Castle was restored in the 16th century with star-shaped ramparts set amid spectacular scenery.

Set in the breathtaking Highlands, the Kildrummy Hotel enjoys an enviable location amongst some of the worlds most beautiful scenery. It offers some of the best fine wining and dining in the area.  At Colquhonnie Hotel the food is freshly prepared by their award-winning chef, using the finest quality local produce. The Allargue Arms is a friendly informal local hotel with great food overlooking the historic Corgarff castle. The Glenkindie Arms Hotel offers great food and drink at an affordable price from a brasserie menu including dishes such as haddock & chips, braised beef, and lamb casserole.

Ballindalloch Castle golf course, with its nine holes and eighteen tees, provides a fair test for golfers of all standards and is well placed to become the finest course in Scotland. Head over to Royal Deeside to play courses such as Ballater and Braemar.

Upper Donside hosts a unique event on the fourth Saturday in August each year. Nowhere else will you see the March of the Clansmen. The Men of Lonach, in full Highland dress and armed with pikes and Lochaber battleaxes, march around the arena having already accomplished a long march early in the morning around the homes of the patrons of the gathering.

The Lost Gallery is one of the most interesting and unusual venues in Northern Scotland. It has an exciting and eclectic selection of paintings, sculpture and photography. The Goodfellows association with the Scottish Sculpture Workshop provides access to large-scale international and domestic sculpture. You must drop by if you are in the area.