Our experience of Glen Tanar first began on Saturday the 6th September 2014 when we decided to tie the knot on this beautiful Deeside estate.
Why did we choose Glen Tanar? There are so many reasons, but for us the breathtaking Highland scenery was the perfect backdrop we had envisaged for our big day. Our wedding day was magical and a day we will always remember. Glen Tanar made it extra special with a personal touch every step of the way and absolutely nothing was too much trouble. All our guests were wowed at the gorgeous Glen Tanar ballroom and spacious dance floor. Having exclusive use of the Ballroom and grounds meant it was the perfect location for memories to be made and the surrounding area lends itself to magical photos with great light.
The beauty, simplicity and personal touch of Glen Tanar that we experienced at our wedding has led us to return every year to stay in the holiday cottages, now with our 16 month old son. The estate is gorgeous, we see something new each time we visit, from a deer stopping next to our car, watching red squirrels chase each other in the trees and fish jumping in the loch. It is nature and the great outdoors at their best.
We have created so many special memories at Glen Tanar and now we hope that our son can enjoy the estate as well and make even more memories. There is a great expanse of outdoor space and amazing walks through the forest and along the river. All the cottages are well equipped and family friendly with travel cots, high chairs and everything you could need for a family Sunday roast or autumnal garden BBQ!
When we visit we always go for a walk to the loch when we arrive, on our last visit we saw tiny frogs, dragonflies and a lizard in the first 30 minutes! We like to take a champagne picnic on our hike, which of course involves the obligatory game of pooh sticks at every bridge! The weekend we visit every year coincides with the Braemar gathering so we always go to see the Queen. Glen Tanar is the perfect base for travelling to Braemar on these occasions.
On our next trip we are planning to take our bikes and ride to the foot of Mount Keen, the estate offers the easiest access to Scotland’s most easterly Munro. Features like these are what we enjoy most about Glen Tanar. We love the great outdoors and the fantastic scenery and tranquillity it offers. There is almost no light pollution, which makes for fantastic stargazing and photos of the stars. It feels as if you are in the middle of nowhere, however you are only 10 minutes from Aboyne and an hour from Aberdeen in the heart of Royal Deeside.
One of my favourite return visits has to be when we went on a land rover safari with our own personal driver for the afternoon. We saw parts of the estate we never knew existed, got to know the history of the estate and even saw black grouse lekking. We were then surprised with a homemade lavender cake and a lovely glass of wine. We love that we have come to know all the staff and it is times like these when you can really appreciate the extra personal touches.
Glen Tanar has such a special place in our hearts and it means so much to visit every year to experience the magic of the estate and catch up with the team who we now class as our dear friends.
Amie Long