Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms is home to some of Britain's rarest and most spectacular wildlife. Braemar Highland Safaris offer spectacular half day land rover safaris deep into the heart of the Cairngorm mountains. Contact them for wildlife activity holidays and breaks.
Golden eagles are resident in the area and can often be seen in the skies in areas such as Glen Muick, Glenshee and Upper Donside. Ospreys are becoming more widespread and can be spotted fishing at Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, along the River Dee and at many of the small fishing lochs in the area. .
The magnificent and endangered capercaillie is found in our pinewoods, along with the Scottish crossbill - a bird that is unique to the Cairngorms. Our higher mountains are home to species such as dotterell, ptarmigan and snow bunting and you should also be able to spot mountain hares, which are fairly common in areas such as Glen Muick, Morrone Hill near Braemar, and Gairnshiel on Donside.
Our lower moorland terrain supports large numbers of red grouse and breeding populations of hen harrier, golden plover, dunlin and short-eared owl. You may also see crag-nesting species such as peregrines and ravens on our rocky hillsides and steep corries.
Magnificent red deer frequent the higher ground throughout our area. In October, the hills can reverberate with the roars of rutting stags as they clash antlers and vie to maintain their herds of females. Particular vantage points include Glen Muick and the main A93 road between Braemar and Glenshee Ski Centre. Watch out - deer sometimes come down onto the road creating a somewhat unusual traffic hazard. If you come face to face with a huge stag in the middle of the road, stay in the car and let him decide when you can drive on!
If you are lucky you may glimpse otters, pine martens and even wildcats in our pinewoods, which are also home to red squirrels. Once widespread throughout the UK, their numbers have been steadily declining so that Royal Deeside is one of the last places where they can be seen frequently.
They are smaller than the more common (and less attractive) grey squirrel and can sometimes be seen in local gardens raiding the food put out for birds.
» more info
Travel in a comfortable 4x4 into remote parts of the Cairngorms National Park where you are likely to see red and roe deer, mountain hares, red and black grouse, red squirrels, golden eagles and perhaps ospreys. Relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery. Your experienced guide will tell you about the local history, folklore and management of the mountain areas. Binoculars and a telescope are available in the vehicle. Tours last four hours and normally start at 1000 from Braemar Monday to Friday.
For further info call 013397 41420 or email neil@braemarhighlandsafaris.co.uk, download our brochure and browse through the photo gallery!
North View
Hillside Drive, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5YU
Tel: 013397 41420
Email: neil@braemarhighlandsafaris.co.uk
www.braemarhighlandsafaris.co.uk#http://www.braemarhighlandsafaris.co.uk#
Finzean Estate Farm Shop & Tearoom
» more info
Quote from the newly launched 10th edition of Peter Irvine's book "Scotland the Best" - FINZEAN FARM SHOP, DEESIDE - "This one's fabulous, a new one for the book. It's not on the main road, but between Banchory and Aboyne, in an estate. Kate and Catriona run it and it's just lovely, looking out on to the mountains. A lot of food sold here is from the estate – meat and game – and loads of stuff they make themselves, carefully sourced and very well presented. It's really special – one of the best in Britain, I'd say. A real foodie destination."
Balnaboth Steading, Finzean, Aberdeenshire, AB31 6PA
Tel: 01330 850710
Email: catriona@finzean.com
www.finzean.com
» more info
Glenmuick Estate is a traditional sporting estate situated in the heart of Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms National Park, surrounded by some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery and filled with all the wildlife, epic landscapes and sporting opportunity that make Scotland such a truly special place. The estate offers driven and walked up grouse shooting, Red and Roe deer stalking and Salmon and Sea Trout fishing on the world famous River Dee. Luxury accommodation is available in either the truly spectacular Sporting Lodge or in one of the two delightful holiday cottages. Within walking distance of the attractive village of Ballater, Glenmuick estate and its accommodation is ideally situated to make the perfect base for your walking, photographic, sightseeing or sporting holiday.
Glenmuick
, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5SL
Tel: 01335 350279
Email: enquiries@glenmuick.com
www.glenmuick.com
Deeside Nature Activities
» more info
Friendly Luxury Land Rover Safaris, guided walks, and wildlife excursions in Upper Deeside, Balmoral a speciality! (Full or part days available). From Eagles and Ospreys to Capers and Coal Tits, Black Grouse “leking”, Red and Roe Deer all year and a whole host of other birds and wildlife. Binoculars if required and a Telescope for that close up view.
Knockandhuie, Crathie, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5TP
Tel: 013397 42033
Email: enquiries@deesidenatureactivities.co.uk
» more info
Outstanding salmon and sea trout fishing on the River Dee in the heart of Royal Deeside. Walking in the heart of the Cairngorm Mountains as well as holiday lodges and cottages to let.
4 The Keiloch
Invercauld, Braemar, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5TW
Tel: 013397 41224
Email: office@invercauld.org
www.invercauld.org