Tarland
The pretty village of Tarland sits within the Howe O' Cromar, a strip of fertile land between the Rivers Dee and Don. Located thirty miles west of Aberdeen, visitors arriving from the Granite City will be struck by the stunning views of Lochnagar, Morven and Mount Keen – many are lured to this area every year to scale the lofty peaks.
A quaint market square nestles in the heart of the village, with a finely sculptured war memorial of a Gordon Highlander as its centrepiece. Once a bustling centre for trade, granite houses and shops now scatter the square together with a handful of hotels offering hearty pub grub. A weekly traditional music night takes place in the Aberdeen Arms Hotel with visitors coming from far and wide to hear the toe tapping tunes from a range of instruments including fiddles, accordions, mouth organs and bagpipes. In fact Tarland is renowned for its musical talent and produces world class fiddle players including local resident Paul Anderson – drop by one of the local pubs and it’s likely you’ll catch an impromptu session.
Ideal exploring grounds for naturists and walkers, Tarland is rich in ancient history. Tomnaverie Stone Circle can easily be reached on foot from the village, while just two miles east of the village is the Culsh Souterrain. This mysterious underground chamber once served as a storehouse for the community in the Iron Age.
Cairnton Farm Cottages
Cairnton Farm Cottages originally started life as 3 farm outbuildings, now they are 3 self catering cottages to sleep between 1 and 7 guests. They have been finished to a very high standard with all the mod cons of a mordern home, underfloor heating, fully fitted kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine but all being on the grounds of a working Aberdeen Angus Farm.
The cottages are only 2 miles away from Deeside Activity Park which has various activities from Kart Racing to Quad Biking and Paintballing to Clay Pigeon Shooting. Staying at The Cottages will get you a 10% discount at the park!
Dess, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, AB34 5BD
Tel: 013398 83536
Email: info@deesideactivitypark.com
Cyclehighlands
Cyclehighlands are based in Ballater and specialise in bike rental, guiding and corporate events from the biggest bike shop in Aberdeenshire. The shop is an official demo centre for many leading brands and during the winter months we open our ski and board hire in Braemar. All our staff are qualified mountain bike guides and members of the local mountain bike club so trail and route advice is always available and we can now offer a bike shuttle service to the Lecht Chairlift mountain bike trails. From family cyclist to expert on road or mountain, discover some of Scotland’s best cycling!
The Pavilion Victoria Road, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5QQ
Tel: 013397 55864
Email: info@cyclehighlands.com
Loch Kinord Hotel - Dinnet, Aboyne
A 3-star village hotel originally built in the 19th century by Queen Victoria's doctor. We offer 22 comfortable single, double and family rooms and are famed for our AA Rosette and Taste of Scotland dining that uses the very best of local produce. Great accommodation in this part of Scotland. There is often live folk music taking place with the Deeside Sessions. Our newly built log cabins are an ideal base and each has 2 bedrooms sleeping up to 4. We have access to the River Feugh for fishing and a Ghillie who will pick up from the hotel and return back.
Ballater Road Dinnet, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, AB34 5JY
Tel: 01339 885229
Email: info@lochkinord.com
Hilltrek Outdoor Clothing
An excellent range of outdoor clothing and equipment is available at Hilltrek Outdoor Clothing's shop in Aboyne. As well as stocking major outdoor brands such as Páramo, Hilltrek make their own outdoor clothing for walking, climbing, cycling, angling, nature watching and bushcraft, using special fabrics such as Ventile and Nikwax Analogy.
If you are have forgotten a vital piece of gear, such as an ice axe, GPS or walking poles, Hilltrek's equipment hire service can help you out.
From its Clachan Yell Workshop, named after an iconic hill in Glentanar, Hilltrek operate an outdoor clothing repair service to help restore that beloved jacket to almost pristine condition.
Hilltrek's staff are all outdoor enthusiast pleased to provide up to date information on local walking, skiing and biking routes and conditions.
Clachan Yell Workshop Ballater Road, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, AB34 5HN
Tel: 013398 86062
Email: sales@hilltrek.co.uk
Running the Highlands
Local company, Running The Highlands, offers Training Weekends, Tailored Running Holidays and quickie Guided Runs lasting one hour upwards. The company has established a network of top quality running trails for all standards and staff include qualified running guides, sports physiotherapists and massage therapists, nutrition advisors and fitness instructors. Running The Highlands is the foremost company in its field in Scotland.
Craig Cottage, Lumphanan, Aberdeenshire, AB31 4SJ
Tel: 08451 577422
Email: info@runningthehighlands.com
Glen Tanar Holiday Cottages
A fantastic range of 4 star luxury holiday cottages in beautiful Glen Tanar in the heart of Royal Deeside, Scotland, and within the Cairngorm National Park. No matter how you like to unwind and relax our cottages are an ideal place to start. We have a diverse range of accommodation and are sure to find a house to suit your needs. Each house has its own special qualities be it Rowan Cottage, a little stone bothy; West Millfield, a traditional Granite Cottage or Birkelunn, a truly Norwegian log cabin. All are furnished to a high standard. Brooks House Glen Tanar, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, AB34 5EU Scotla
Tel: 013398 86451
Email: info@glentanar.co.uk
Walkdeeside Ltd
WalkDeeside Ltd offer a wide range of quality outdoor activities and walking holidays based on Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms. WalkDeeside offer qualified guides and instructors for their walking holidays, NNAS map reading and navigation courses, wildlife watching , trail cycling or guided walks. All their activities are based on providing an opportunity for customers to achieve, to be fulfilled, to be inspired and to experience the environment for personal development. 1 Balnastraid Cottages, Dinnet, Aberdeenshire, AB34 5NE
Tel: 013398 80081
Email: info@walkdeeside.com
Aberdeen Arms Hotel
31 The Square, Tarland, Aberdeenshire, AB34 4TX
Tel: 013398 81225