Estates in Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms, Scotland

Much of the countryside of Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms lies within a number of great Highland Estates that have managed and conserved the land and the landscapes for centuries and now proactively welcome visitors with a host of public facilities and amenities.

Here are brief details of some of the best known estates in our area. Click on their websites for full information on all that they offer visitors.

Balmoral Estate - Set in the shadows of Lochnagar is the Balmoral Estate. Purchased by Queen Victoria in 1848, the Estate has been the Scottish Home of the British Royal Family ever since. The Estate extends to just over 50,000 acres of heather clad hills and ancient Caledonian woodland. Over the past 150 years, careful stewardship by the owners, The Royal Family, has preserved the wildlife, scenery and architecture which is available for all generations to enjoy. Facilities include: guided tours; landrover safaris; waymarked walks; salmon fishing; wildlife watching; running holidays; painting holidays and a Ranger service. Holiday cottages are also available on the estate. Click on to www.balmoralcastle.com for more information.

Glen Tanar Estate - Since it was built as a traditional Highland estate in 1869 by Sir William Cunliffe Brooks M.P., Glen Tanar near Aboyne has been inviting people to relax and enjoy the great outdoors amidst a beautiful 25,000 acre landscape encompassing farmland, river, pine forests and heather clad moors. Facilities include: Braeloine Visitor Centre; a Countryside Ranger service; salmon & trout fishing; waymarked footpaths; cycle routes; landrover safaris; horse riding; and deer stalking. Glen Tanar also offers holiday cottages and a wide range of facilities for corporate groups and weddings. Click on to www.glentanar.co.uk for more information.

Invercauld Estate - Invercauld Estate is located near to the village of Braemar. The Estate has been in the ownership of the Farquharson family for many centuries and extends to approximately 200 square miles. Facilities include: grouse shoots, deer stalking; salmon fishing; walks of all levels; and wildlife watching. Click on to www.invercauld.org for more information.

Mar Lodge Estate - Owned by the National Trust for Scotland, Mar Lodge Estate to the west of Braemar covers 29,340 hectares of some of the most remote and scenic wild land in Scotland.Within it's boundaries are fine examples of classic features of Highland landscapes. Facilities include: guided walks, waymarked footpaths; deer stalking; grouse shooting; and salmon fishing. Click on to www.marlodgeestate.org.uk for more information.