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ART The landscape and wildlife provides a lot of inspiration to the area’s artists whose work is showcased in many local galleries, including the Lost, Butterworth and McEwen Galleries.
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BALMORAL CASTLE Built for Queen Victoria, the castle is the private residence of Her Majesty The Queen and is open to visitors between March and July. Š Jim Henderson of Crooktree Images
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CAMBUS O’ MAY Home to a stunning suspension bridge that spans the Dee and also the name of a tasty handmade artisan cheese maker. Š Jim Henderson of Crooktree Images
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THE DEE Stretching for 87 miles, the river is the backbone of Deeside. It provides salmon fishing, canoeing and kayaking and features beauty spots such as the Linn O’ Dee.
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EQUESTRIAN Trekking along the miles of bridle paths and trails in Deeside is a perfect way to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the area. The World Horse Welfare charity has a rehoming centre near Aboyne with a fascinating visitor centre.
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Š Jim Henderson of Crooktree Images
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FINZEAN The home of Victorian landscape painter Joseph Farquharson, today the Estate offers country sports and has a superb farm shop and tearoom. Also home to the twin trees of Finzean, one of 100 heritage trees of Scotland.
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Š Jim Henderson of Crooktree Images
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GO OFF-ROAD Head for the hills and explore Deeside’s dramatic landscape as part of an organised Land Rover safari and possibly catch sight of red deer and birds of prey. Safaris available at Ballogie, Balmoral, Glen Tanar and Invercauld estates.
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Š Jim Henderson of Crooktree Images
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HIGHLAND GAMES Throughout the summer the area hosts a number of highland games. Featuring dancing, piping, feats of strength and athleticism, and plenty of tartan, these events showcase Scotland’s rich history and heritage.
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Š Ian Halliday/Lonach Highland Society
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INDIGENOUS SPECIES The area is home to over 100 species of rare and endangered plants and animals, many of which are indigenous to Scotland. Capercaillie, golden eagles, otters, pine marten, red deer, red squirrels, Scottish crossbill and even wildcats can be spotted in this magnificent landscape.
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JACK AND JILL They went up a hill, but children will enjoy going down to The Den and The Glen which has a large indoor play area and a magical world of fairy tales and nursery rhymes outside. Š The Den & The Glen
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KING OF A CASTLE On Royal Deeside you can be a king in your own castle and spend a night, or a week, staying in some impressive castles and historic houses.
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Š Kincardine Castle
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LOCHNAGAR A rugged Munro, a fine whisky and a famed story about an old man penned by Prince Charles, Lochnagar’s beauty has inspired generations. © Jim Henderson of Crooktree Images
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MOUNTAIN BIKING Mile upon mile of trails through the Deeside countryside delivers fantastic routes for mountain bikers of all ages and skills. Š Jim Henderson of Crooktree Images
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NINE STANES One of around 70 stones circles in Aberdeenshire, Nine Stanes, near Banchory, is a 4,000-year-old recumbent stone circle – a style unique to the region. Visitors can journey round these Neolithic sites on the Stone Circle Trail.
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© Jim Henderson of Crooktree Images
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OUTDOORS Spectacular scenery and fresh air is in abundance on Royal Deeside giving the ideal conditions for any sport. Hill walking, golf, archery, canoeing and kayaking, climbing, field sports, fishing, horse riding, on and off-road cycling, snow sports, water skiing and much more can all be tackled.
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Š Jim Henderson of Crooktree Images
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PICNIC SPOTS Pack a flask and some sandwiches as regardless of the time of year Deeside offers plenty of perfect picnic spots. From riverside to lochside, castle gardens to woodland settings, or even watching gliders soar skywards, the choice is yours.
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Š Jim Henderson of Crooktree Images
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QUEEN VICTORIA In 1848, Queen Victoria and Price Albert first visited Balmoral Estate and fell in love with Deeside. Their connection with the area is marked by the Victorian Heritage Trail – it’s a journey through Deeside in the monarch’s footsteps.
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RAILWAY Step back in time and enjoy the bygone era of train travel aboard the Deeside Railway. Steam and diesel services operate during summer on part of the old Deeside line. Charters and train driving lessons are also available.
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Š Royal Deeside Railway
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SCOTT SKINNER Music has always been an important part of Deeside life and the area has produced many talented musicians. One of its most famous is fiddler James Scott Skinner, whose life and works are celebrated in Banchory Museum. Š Jim Henderson of Crooktree Images
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TRACTOR DRIVING If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to get behind the wheel of a tractor you can find out at Deeside Activity Park. It is one of the many varied activities on offer.
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© Deeside Activity Park
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UP, UP AND AWAY Take to the sky and experience the thrill of flying. Learn the art of gliding at Deeside Flying Club or enjoying an exhilarating helicopter flight with HJS Helicopters.
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Š Deeside Gliding Club
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BURN O’VAT A geological marvel carved out at the end of the last ice age, Burn O’ Vat is an impressive giant pothole that will amaze all generations.
IS FOR © Jim Henderson of Crooktree Images
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DEESIDE WAY Stretching 41 miles from Aberdeen to Ballater, the Deeside Way is a long distance path that follows much of the old Deeside railway line. Suitable for walkers and cyclists, it’s an excellent backbone from which to explore the area.
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X MARKS THE SPOT Explore Royal Deeside using Scotland’s only GeoTour. Let GPS be your guide as your head off on a geocaching adventure to uncover some of the areas hidden gems.
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YARDS OF FAIRWAY Deeside boasts some of the finest parkland golf courses in north-east Scotland. From picturesque courses like Banchory on the banks of the River Dee, to the highest course in Britain at Braemar, all present their own unique challenge.
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ZIP WIRE Release you inner gorilla and swing through the trees on the aerial assault course at Crathes Castle.
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