Welcome to Royal Deeside & the Cairngorms :
Scotland’s Crowning Glory

• Welcome to the Official Visitor Information site for Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms including Ballater, Braemar, Donside, Banchory, Aboyne and the Balmoral area
• Events in 2012 are listed here. Events information is often updated - please check for additions or contact us to add your email address to our What's On newsletter.
  
• Look out for the next B2B meeting in Banchory ( Raemoir House Hotel) on 21 February and our Annual Tourism Conference event in March. Details www.discoverroyaldeeside.com/business-to-business

Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms is Scotland's crowning glory. Visit Ballater, Braemar, Strathdon, Banchory and step inside one of Scotland’s most enchanting landscapes. Explore the timeless beauty of this refreshingly different destination. Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms attracts travellers from far across the world – and all are lured back by the colourful grouse moors, native Scots pine, highland rivers and misty blue mountains. The scenery here truly soothes the soul and captures the imagination. The landscape is ideal for walking, cycling and other outdoor pursuits.

The Royal Deeside area is nestled between the Cairngorms National Park and Aberdeen, Scotland’s third largest city, this regal landscape rests in the magnificent valley of the River Dee. Rising high into the rugged Cairngorm Mountains, the river flows 85 miles through some of Scotland’s finest backdrops.

Follow royal footsteps on the Victorian Heritage Trail in Royal Deeside which will take you through towns, landmarks, beauty spots and attractions with a special connection to Queen Victoria. Balmoral Castle, summer home of the Royal Family, rests in the shadows of Lochnagar, known locally as the jewel of all mountains.

The pretty towns and villages that scatter the Royal Deeside area are as diverse as the people that live in them. Banchory, Aboyne, Strathdon, Ballater and Braemar all offer superb accommodation and outdoor activities, including hill walking, fishing, mountain biking, skiing and running. Hosting unique traditional Highland Games and festivals, the area even attracts Hollywood celebrities!

Royal Deeside is home to many rare wildlife and plant species – exploring the nooks and crannies of the varied landscape will uncover capercaillie, red squirrels, roe deer and golden eagles.

Rich in its history, music and culture, the ancient sites that can be found around the scattered settlings are full of mystery and folk lore. Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms is a treasured gem…but why not find out for yourself?

Whet your appetite for the area by browsing our website for information on events, accommodation and visitor attractions. It is the perfect place to come, whether it's for a short break or a longer holiday. It's guaranteed to persuade you to see the sights for yourself.

This website has been assisted in its design throughout 2010-11 with assistance from VisitScotland Growth Fund.