ROYAL DEESIDE

Surrounded by the glorious countryside Ballater is a picturesque Victorian village in the heart of Royal Deeside located in the Cairngorm National Park.

Lying eight miles along the River Dee to the west, its rich history and royal connections are world famous. Ballater is the nearest town to Balmoral Castle, one of the residences of the Royal Family, which explains the many ‘By Royal Appointment’ signs that can be seen on local shops and business. Close by is also Royal Lochnagar Distillery which produces one of Scotland’s most exclusive whiskies.

The Old Royal Station is a former station in the village of Ballater and is the nearest to Balmoral Castle. Frequently used by Queen Victoria to reach her beloved Balmoral Castle, the Old Royal Station, contained Queen Victoria’s waiting room, a visitor centre and a replica royal carriage. However, in 2015 it sadly burnt down. The rebuilt station building houses a VisitScotland information centre, a restaurant and tearoom run by The Prince’s Foundation and a public library, as well as the Royal waiting room and carriage.

A few miles to the south lies Loch Muick and the legendary mountain of ‘Dark Lochnagar’ made famous by Lord Byron and Prince Charles who wrote a children’s book about ‘The Old Man of Lochnagar’. Red deer, golden eagles and grouse can be easily spotted on the eight mile footpath around the loch.

For golf lovers there is the Ballater Golf Club, an 18-hole golf course situated in one of the most beautiful parts of the upper Deeside within a circle of hills making the golfing experience truly delightful.

Deeside offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, biking, wildlife watching, and much more!

Nearby Braemar hosts the much loved Highland Gathering and the spectacular Fife Arms Hotel, which is definitely worth a visit.