Explore Royal Deeside by Car

Known as Queen Victoria’s favorite holiday area, the 85 mile valley which the River Dee flows through contains some of the worlds most stunning scenery.

The area is stepped in history and Royalty and while following some of the trails you can walk in the footsteps of the Royal family who still regularly visit the area.

To really get a feel for the area and an excellent oppertunity to explore then the Victorian Heritage Trail will take you through towns and villages, landmarks, beuty spots and attractions which offer a real feel of life in the Queen Victorian times.

Much of Royal Deeside lies within the Cairngorms National Park; an area protected because of its outstanding natural beauty. Explore the colourful grouse moors, native forests of Scots Pines, peaty highland rivers and misty blue mountains. There are 52 mountains over 900m, including Queen Victoria’s favourite, Lochnagar, called the jewel of all mountains.

Travelling along Deeside you’ll come to the towns of Banchory, Aboyne, Ballater and Braemar. Although all the towns are individual, they all offer a great range of things to see, friendly locals and a rich history and culture.