Where heritage, landscape and adventure meet.
Deeside is where Aberdeenshire meets the Cairngorms National Park, and where the River Dee begins its journey from mountain to sea. Roam freely for miles across the Highland estates, beneath Caledonian pines and along the River Dee where salmon come to spawn.
Communities are strong, and Doric — the language, poetry and music of the North East — is still proudly spoken and sung. Along the valley, every village has its Highland Games, and a sense of heritage endures through centuries of stewardship. Granite walls, legendary castles and mysterious standing stones tell a story of the people who’ve shaped this place — hunters, farmers, foresters and clans who still gather here today.
Image credit: Aboyne Highland Games / Clive Hodgetts
Royal Deeside is home to a thriving community of growers, makers and producers who share a commitment to quality and sustainability. Across the valley, you’ll find independent food shops, artisan bakeries, small-batch producers and family-run farms supplying some of Scotland’s finest ingredients.
From locally reared beef and venison to honey, preserves, cheeses and handmade chocolates, the region’s produce reflects its rich natural landscape and deep respect for the land. Many of these ingredients feature in the dishes served at nearby restaurants and cafés — all championing the flavours of the North East.
Royal Deeside boasts a fantastic range of restaurants, cafés, and bars to make your time here truly special.
The Boat Inn, Aboyne
A classic Scottish pub and restaurant just a stone’s throw from Glen Tanar. It’s quickly reached by parking on Aboyne Bridge and enjoying a short walk across.
Finzean Farm Shop, Finzean
A perfect place to visit for lunch, with the added bonus of being able to pick up delicious local produce.
Cambus O' May Cheese Factory, Ballater
An ideal stop on the way to Ballater for a toastie and a coffee, with lots of excellent local cheese to buy and take home.
Fish Shop, Ballater
Indulge in outstanding local seafood at this Michelin Bib Gourmand–awarded restaurant, celebrated for its fresh, beautifully prepared fish dishes.
The Balmoral Arms, Ballater
Dine in comfort and style with a menu showcasing locally sourced produce and traditional Cairngorms-inspired cuisine.
Tor Na Coille, Banchory
Enjoy a memorable meal at this charming Victorian country house hotel, known for its warm hospitality and excellent food.
Fife Arms, Braemar Visit Braemar and experience the esteemed Fife Arms, where exceptional seasonal Scottish produce is paired with a fantastic selection of whiskies that Scotland is famous for.
Image credit: The Boat Inn
Glen Tanar offers many wonderful trails, but Royal Deeside is home to even more unique and beautiful outdoor adventures.
Mount Keen – Glen Tanar
A rewarding hike to one of Scotland’s most accessible Munros, with wide-reaching views from the summit.
Burn O’ Vat – Muir of Dinnet
An easy walk to a dramatic natural rock cauldron carved by glacial meltwater.
Loch Kinord – Muir of Dinnet
A peaceful lochside walk rich in wildlife, ideal for a relaxed day outdoors.
Loch Muick – Ballater
A beautiful circular loch walk beneath Lochnagar, offering stunning mountain scenery.
Dess Waterfall – Kincardine O’Neil
A short woodland walk leading to an impressive waterfall on the Water of Dess.
Scolty Hill – Banchory
A gentle climb through woodland to a summit viewpoint with panoramic Deeside views.
Prince Albert’s Pyramid Walk – Balmoral
A pleasant woodland walk to a historic granite pyramid with lovely views over Balmoral Estate.
Lochnagar – Balmoral
A classic mountain hike offering dramatic scenery and one of the most iconic views in the Cairngorms.
Royal Deeside’s markets celebrate the best of local produce, crafts and community spirit.
Aboyne Farmers’ Market
On the Green in Aboyne — second Saturday of every month, 10am–2pm.
Banchory Farmers’ Market
At Bellfield Car Park — third Saturday of every month, 10am–2pm.
Ballater Farmers’ Market
At Glenmuick Church Green — fourth Saturday of every month from May to October, 10am–2pm.
Image credit: Ballater Farmer's Market
From golfing and gliding to Highland Games and farmers’ markets, there’s so much to explore across Royal Deeside — all within easy reach of your base at Glen Tanar.
Ride in Peace Adventures Mountain Biking
RIPA Bike Hub is based at Deeside Activity Park and provide everything you need for a guided day out on the trails, forests and hills.
Deeside Gliding Club
Home to the UK altitude record of 38,600 feet, Deeside Gliding Club is the foremost wave soaring site in the British Isles — offering spectacular aerial views across the Cairngorms.
Deeside Activity Park
A go-to destination for both family-friendly and adrenaline-fuelled fun. From karting and quad biking to clay pigeon shooting and archery, it’s perfect for adventurers of all ages.
Image credit: Ride in Peace Adventures
Royal Deeside is home to a collection of historic castles, from grand royal residences to atmospheric medieval ruins, each offering a glimpse into Scotland’s fascinating past and stunning surroundings.
Balmoral Castle – Ballater
The royal residence in Scotland, surrounded by beautiful gardens and estate walks; open to visitors during summer months.
Crathes Castle – Banchory
A 16th-century tower house famous for its stunning gardens, woodlands, and vibrant interiors.
Braemar Castle – Braemar
A picturesque 17th-century fortress overlooking the village, with displays on the Jacobite uprisings.
Dunnottar Castle – Near Stonehaven
Dramatically perched on cliffs above the North Sea, famous for its history and panoramic views.
Image: Braemar Castle
Whether you’re perfecting your swing or enjoying a relaxed round in beautiful surroundings, Royal Deeside offers a collection of scenic courses just a short drive from Glen Tanar.
Aboyne Golf Club
A picturesque 18-hole course beside the Loch of Aboyne, only 15 minutes from Glen Tanar.
Ballater Golf Club
An 18-hole, par 70 course that follows the banks of the River Dee and offers striking mountain views.
Inchmarlo Golf Centre, Banchory
A 9-hole course with a 20-bay driving range and short game area — ideal for practice or a quick round.
Image Credit: Aboyne Golf Club
From centuries-old traditions to family-friendly festivities, Royal Deeside’s calendar is rich with cultural highlights.
Aboyne Highland Games
Held annually on the first Saturday in August, this historic event has drawn thousands of visitors for over 140 years. Experience traditional Scottish sport, music and dance in one of the most scenic parts of Aberdeenshire.
Ballater Victoria Week
A lively family celebration held during the second week of August, featuring a duck race, pet show, picnic, parade, fayre and live music — all in the heart of Ballater.
Braemar Gathering
Held annually on the first Saturday in September at the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park, the Braemar Gathering is one of Scotland’s most prestigious Highland Games. With roots dating back 900 years to the reign of King Malcolm Canmore, it continues today under the stewardship of the Braemar Royal Highland Charity.
Image Credit: Braemar Gathering
McEwan Gallery, Ballater
Specialising in Scottish and European paintings and watercolours from the 18th to 20th centuries, McEwan Gallery showcases exceptional works by British artists in a welcoming countryside setting.
The Black Faced Sheep Cafe & Art Gallery, Aboyne
Discover The Black Faced Sheep in Aboyne – an independent Scottish café, homeware and gift shop, and art gallery in the heart of Royal Deeside.
Milton Art Gallery, Crathes, Banchory
Built on a strong reputation for showcasing some of Scotland’s finest artists and makers, this gallery exhibits a wide range of prints, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, glass, and artisan furniture. Milton of Crathes also boasts a variety of shops, including Twin Peaks and Hidden Scotland, as well as the chance to enjoy experiences aboard historic steam trains.
Image credit: McEwan Gallery
Take time to relax, recharge or simply enjoy a leisurely swim or spa experience.
Deeside Community Centre, Aboyne — 25m pool and gym, 15 minutes from Glen Tanar.
Hilton Craigendarroch Country Club, Ballater — Day membership available for the 55 ft lagoon pool, sauna and steam room.
Banchory Sports Village - 25m pool, gym, squash & badminton courts.
Image Credit: Craigendarroch Country Club & Spa / Hilton Grand Vacations
Royal Deeside is perfectly placed for winter adventure, with two ski resorts close by.
Glenshee Snowsports Centre — I3,504 ft of mountain adventure that beckons to skiers and snowboarders alike – 22 lifts, 36 runs, less than an hour from Glen Tanar. Equipment hire is available on-site.
Lecht 2090 Resort — Lecht 2090 is based 2090 feet (645m) above sea level amid the beauty of the Eastern Cairngorms. The Lecht Snowsport Centre is situated in the heart of Scotland’s largest National Park at the top of the pass between Tomintoul and Strathdon. With 12 lifts and a height of 645 m above sea level, the Lecht is just 50 minutes away from Glen Tanar by car.
Image Credit: Glenshee Snowsports Centre
No visit to Royal Deeside is complete without exploring the region’s exceptional distilleries — each with its own flavour, story and character.
Royal Lochnagar Distillery
Next to Balmoral Castle, this historic distillery offers guided tours through every stage of whisky-making.
Dalwhinnie Distillery
Tucked away in a remote yet accessible spot, Dalwhinnie is home to the famed 15-year-old ‘gentle spirit’. Tours include a whisky-making demonstration and tasting.
Tomintoul Distillery
Set within the scenic Glenlivet Estate, Tomintoul is the highest village distillery in the Highlands and produces beautifully smooth single malts.
The Glenlivet Distillery
Located in Ballindalloch, Glenlivet features an award-winning visitor centre with a range of engaging tours.
Fettercairn Distillery
One of Scotland’s oldest malt whisky distilleries, nestled at the foot of the Cairngorms and drawing spring water straight from the mountains.
From mountain peaks to market greens, ancient forests to friendly villages — Royal Deeside is yours to explore.
