Irene's Guidebook
EQUESTRIAN
Recommended for anyone interested in horses and/or riding/ hacking
Midstrath Equiworld Club
MidstrathOnly an eleven minute drive from Fair Havens
Riding lessons, hacking, trekking available.
Here there is mile upon mile of untouched, open wilderness. Here there is quiet. Here there is room to roam free. By foot, by bike, or on horseback, this Highland estate is here to be explored. We offer fully accessible guided Estate Safaris for those wishing to enjoy Glen Tanar from the comfort of a Land Rover.
For a closer look at the spectacular wildlife that resides here, Wildlife Photography sessions provide a unique opportunity to capture images of the stunning species that call Glen Tanar their home.
Our Salmon Fishing Courses can teach you the art of fly fishing on the magnificent River Dee. Join one of our Wildlife Watch activities and see badgers, black grouse, or the spectacular sight of the red deer rutting season in October. You might even capture a golden eagle on film.
CONTACT US
For further information please submit an enquiry or call us on +44(0)13398 86451
6 paikallista suosittelee
Glen Tanar Equestrian Centre
Riding lessons, hacking, trekking available.
Here there is mile upon mile of untouched, open wilderness. Here there is quiet. Here there is room to roam free. By foot, by bike, or on horseback, this Highland estate is here to be explored. We offer fully accessible guided Estate Safaris for those wishing to enjoy Glen Tanar from the comfort of a Land Rover.
For a closer look at the spectacular wildlife that resides here, Wildlife Photography sessions provide a unique opportunity to capture images of the stunning species that call Glen Tanar their home.
Our Salmon Fishing Courses can teach you the art of fly fishing on the magnificent River Dee. Join one of our Wildlife Watch activities and see badgers, black grouse, or the spectacular sight of the red deer rutting season in October. You might even capture a golden eagle on film.
CONTACT US
For further information please submit an enquiry or call us on +44(0)13398 86451
FOOD SCENE
A must for anyone interested in the welfare of horses. Beautiful setting. Nice cafe/restaurant with large decking area overlooking the countryside.
7 paikallista suosittelee
World Horse Welfare Belwade Farm
A93A must for anyone interested in the welfare of horses. Beautiful setting. Nice cafe/restaurant with large decking area overlooking the countryside.
Located on Stonehaven sea front, Stonehaven. MULTIPLE AWARDS OVER THE YEARS and recommended in the Times.
So popular you may have to queue!
33 paikallista suosittelee
The Bay Fish & Chips
Beach RoadLocated on Stonehaven sea front, Stonehaven. MULTIPLE AWARDS OVER THE YEARS and recommended in the Times.
So popular you may have to queue!
Stunning setting on the banks of the river Feugh for something a bit special.
Lunch specials available as well as soup and sandwiches, burgers etc. Dinners served in the evening with locally sourced produce and incorporating some international cuisine.
This is one of my favourite eating spots for sure.
Check from the bridge for salmon leaping in season when water is high!!
6 paikallista suosittelee
The Falls of Feugh Restaurant
Stunning setting on the banks of the river Feugh for something a bit special.
Lunch specials available as well as soup and sandwiches, burgers etc. Dinners served in the evening with locally sourced produce and incorporating some international cuisine.
This is one of my favourite eating spots for sure.
Check from the bridge for salmon leaping in season when water is high!!
This is one of my favourite eating places in Ballater. The cakes are amazing.... always fresh and moreish! The pies are absolutely delicious ... chicken and leek, venison and various others. They are huge so if you have a smaller appetite ask for two plates and share.😃
I always have a pie to share but everything else looks equally good.
7 paikallista suosittelee
Rocksalt & Snails
2 Bridge StThis is one of my favourite eating places in Ballater. The cakes are amazing.... always fresh and moreish! The pies are absolutely delicious ... chicken and leek, venison and various others. They are huge so if you have a smaller appetite ask for two plates and share.😃
I always have a pie to share but everything else looks equally good.
Lovely wee coffee shop with a delicious selection of lunchtime favourites using local produce. Something different on the menu, mainly for the adult palate. Scones and cakes delicious as well. Best for adults as there is also a wee emporium with lots of breakables!!
At The Sign Of The Blackface Sheep
1 Ballater RdLovely wee coffee shop with a delicious selection of lunchtime favourites using local produce. Something different on the menu, mainly for the adult palate. Scones and cakes delicious as well. Best for adults as there is also a wee emporium with lots of breakables!!
Modern establishment in a rural setting. Great ambience and wide choice of quality food.
Great for the whole family or for a nice meal out. Ample parking available.
6 paikallista suosittelee
The Cowshed
Raemoir RoadModern establishment in a rural setting. Great ambience and wide choice of quality food.
Great for the whole family or for a nice meal out. Ample parking available.
Best place if you want to grab a takeaway lunch.
Drive on from here through Aboyne till you reach
a parking and picnic spot where you can watch the gliders take off and land. Fabulous sandwiches, paninis, bacon rolls, steak & gravy pies etc On the right day you may get poached salmon or home roasted beef or ham for your sandwich. 😋
A tiny place with a great reputation! Great value for money in my opinion.
Kincardine O'Neil Village Store and Post Office
40 N Deeside RdBest place if you want to grab a takeaway lunch.
Drive on from here through Aboyne till you reach
a parking and picnic spot where you can watch the gliders take off and land. Fabulous sandwiches, paninis, bacon rolls, steak & gravy pies etc On the right day you may get poached salmon or home roasted beef or ham for your sandwich. 😋
A tiny place with a great reputation! Great value for money in my opinion.
Lovely views and nice food on the banks of the Dee..... or just a morning or afternoon tea. Dining both indoor and out. Totally worth a visit for scenery, a stroll along the river bank and food!
9 paikallista suosittelee
Banchory Lodge Hotel
Dee StreetLovely views and nice food on the banks of the Dee..... or just a morning or afternoon tea. Dining both indoor and out. Totally worth a visit for scenery, a stroll along the river bank and food!
Michelin star dining in Ballater.
Nestled besides the rugged contours of the Craigendarroch Hills, the Rothesay Rooms in Ballater is at the heart of a vibrant and welcoming community. It is a collaborative project between local groups and the outreach programme of HRH The Duke of Rothesay’s charity, in the wake of disastrous floods.
In December 2015 Storm Frank battered Scotland and the River Dee, which flows through some of the most scenic parts of the country, burst its banks and decimated local homes and businesses in Ballater.
His Royal Highness The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay visited the village, which is just six miles to the east of Balmoral Castle, shortly after the incident and pledged his support to rejuvenate the village. A Ballater Flood Appeal was quickly established and the generosity from companies and individuals in the surrounding area was incredible.
In response to such overwhelming support, the idea to create a new eaterie to help rejuvenate the community and drive local business was formed. The project was galvanised further by the Cooperative Group, who kindly offered the use of a former convenience store in the village.
The result is a restaurant championing the best in organic, locally-sourced produce. The 40-seat restaurant is located on the ground floor and is perfect for both intimate tables and larger groups. Decorated in the Highland style throughout, the relaxed interior boasts an array of antiques and bespoke wooden tables. The vibrant Duke of Rothesay tartan and soft glow of candlelight provide a charming accompaniment to an elegant meal or post-prandial drink.
Since opening in 2016, the Rothesay Rooms has won North East of Scotland Restaurant of the Year Award 2017 and gained entry into the Michelin Guide.
In 2019 The Rothesay Rooms was awarded the North East of Scotland Restaurant of the Year for the third year running.
16 paikallista suosittelee
Rothesay Rooms Restaurant
Station SquareMichelin star dining in Ballater.
Nestled besides the rugged contours of the Craigendarroch Hills, the Rothesay Rooms in Ballater is at the heart of a vibrant and welcoming community. It is a collaborative project between local groups and the outreach programme of HRH The Duke of Rothesay’s charity, in the wake of disastrous floods.
In December 2015 Storm Frank battered Scotland and the River Dee, which flows through some of the most scenic parts of the country, burst its banks and decimated local homes and businesses in Ballater.
His Royal Highness The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay visited the village, which is just six miles to the east of Balmoral Castle, shortly after the incident and pledged his support to rejuvenate the village. A Ballater Flood Appeal was quickly established and the generosity from companies and individuals in the surrounding area was incredible.
In response to such overwhelming support, the idea to create a new eaterie to help rejuvenate the community and drive local business was formed. The project was galvanised further by the Cooperative Group, who kindly offered the use of a former convenience store in the village.
The result is a restaurant championing the best in organic, locally-sourced produce. The 40-seat restaurant is located on the ground floor and is perfect for both intimate tables and larger groups. Decorated in the Highland style throughout, the relaxed interior boasts an array of antiques and bespoke wooden tables. The vibrant Duke of Rothesay tartan and soft glow of candlelight provide a charming accompaniment to an elegant meal or post-prandial drink.
Since opening in 2016, the Rothesay Rooms has won North East of Scotland Restaurant of the Year Award 2017 and gained entry into the Michelin Guide.
In 2019 The Rothesay Rooms was awarded the North East of Scotland Restaurant of the Year for the third year running.
Tor-Na-Coille Hotel
Inchmarlo RoadGreat for lunch or for evening meal.
Located in Stonehaven. Simple menu to suit the whole family and not too expensive. Food always fresh and tasty.
The Villa
13 Arbuthnott PlLocated in Stonehaven. Simple menu to suit the whole family and not too expensive. Food always fresh and tasty.
This is my go-to place for lunch or coffee.... the Scolty Cafe, near Morrison’s. It is attached to a really nice furniture shop. The food is excellent and reasonable, the staff friendly and efficient. Parking at the back.
Play area outside for small children as well as seating in summer.
A three course lunch in mini bowls will set you back £7.95 at time of writing and really delicious.
Duncan's of Banchory
6 N Deeside RdThis is my go-to place for lunch or coffee.... the Scolty Cafe, near Morrison’s. It is attached to a really nice furniture shop. The food is excellent and reasonable, the staff friendly and efficient. Parking at the back.
Play area outside for small children as well as seating in summer.
A three course lunch in mini bowls will set you back £7.95 at time of writing and really delicious.
ACTIVITIES & LOCALLY SOURCED FOOD
Archery, cart racing, clay shooting, off road drives.....something for young and old
range of activities to suit all tastes and occasions. From motor sports through target sports to water sports. You can choose to do some quiet fishing or some loud shooting. Do it alone or with your mates (it's more fun with your mates!). Book a package or just one activity. Either way you'll have some fun.
Remember to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Small coffee shop and cafe on site with locally sourced produce.
Good home made food and sandwiches to suit all the family.
Check for Sunday carvery during winter months. Locally reared Beef is amazing!
22 paikallista suosittelee
Deeside Activity Park
A93Archery, cart racing, clay shooting, off road drives.....something for young and old
range of activities to suit all tastes and occasions. From motor sports through target sports to water sports. You can choose to do some quiet fishing or some loud shooting. Do it alone or with your mates (it's more fun with your mates!). Book a package or just one activity. Either way you'll have some fun.
Remember to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Small coffee shop and cafe on site with locally sourced produce.
Good home made food and sandwiches to suit all the family.
Check for Sunday carvery during winter months. Locally reared Beef is amazing!
Bike Station
Station SquareGreat cycle trails for all levels ..... located in Ballater
Less than fifteen minutes away.
Learn how to canoe, paddle board .... or just have a picnic in a lovely setting. Bike and walking trails. Different events staged. Small cafe on site. Usually open on weekends only so check details before going.
Knockburn Loch
Less than fifteen minutes away.
Learn how to canoe, paddle board .... or just have a picnic in a lovely setting. Bike and walking trails. Different events staged. Small cafe on site. Usually open on weekends only so check details before going.
Aberdeenshire Highland Beef
SIGHTSEEING
Ballater is a quintessentially Scottish village in a beautiful setting near Balmoral Castle. You can spend a day here just browsing the area and the village shops. Popular with tourists and locals alike, there are plenty places to eat with something for everyone to enjoy. Many of the shops are by Royal appointment and there is both a family butcher and bakery. Dee Valley Confectioners has its own little factory where you can sometimes see the process of making old fashioned sweets .... like Granny Sookers! Visit the old railway station/museum and tourist board which has been recently upgraded.
If you want something a bit more strenuous you could climb Darroch Hill or hire a bike for the day.... or have Trek round Loch Muich. A visit to Balmoral Castle is also worthwhile and it has a lovely coffee shop. Don’t forget to visit the ice-cream shop!
7 paikallista suosittelee
Ballater Royal Deeside
Ballater is a quintessentially Scottish village in a beautiful setting near Balmoral Castle. You can spend a day here just browsing the area and the village shops. Popular with tourists and locals alike, there are plenty places to eat with something for everyone to enjoy. Many of the shops are by Royal appointment and there is both a family butcher and bakery. Dee Valley Confectioners has its own little factory where you can sometimes see the process of making old fashioned sweets .... like Granny Sookers! Visit the old railway station/museum and tourist board which has been recently upgraded.
If you want something a bit more strenuous you could climb Darroch Hill or hire a bike for the day.... or have Trek round Loch Muich. A visit to Balmoral Castle is also worthwhile and it has a lovely coffee shop. Don’t forget to visit the ice-cream shop!
Stonehaven is a lovely spot for browsing, sightseeing, photography. There’s a really interesting wee museum at the harbour with free entry, a heated outdoor swimming pool and Dunnotar Castle famously used to imprison the Covenanters. Although now a ruin it can be reached by foot and makes an outstanding photo opportunity. Enjoy an ice cream at the harbour or fish and chips at The Bay, recent winner of the best chip shop in the UK award.
40 paikallista suosittelee
Stonehaven
Stonehaven is a lovely spot for browsing, sightseeing, photography. There’s a really interesting wee museum at the harbour with free entry, a heated outdoor swimming pool and Dunnotar Castle famously used to imprison the Covenanters. Although now a ruin it can be reached by foot and makes an outstanding photo opportunity. Enjoy an ice cream at the harbour or fish and chips at The Bay, recent winner of the best chip shop in the UK award.
If you want to enjoy a short circuit walk with outstanding viewpoint and interesting rock formation at the Burn o’Vat you will enjoy this idyllic spot and small visitor centre near Dinnet.
14 paikallista suosittelee
Burn O' Vatin vierailukeskus
If you want to enjoy a short circuit walk with outstanding viewpoint and interesting rock formation at the Burn o’Vat you will enjoy this idyllic spot and small visitor centre near Dinnet.
Full or half circuit walk in stunning scenery. Wrap up well unless it’s a warm day! The loch is popular with walkers as it is picturesque, has a fairly flat path around its perimeter and is accessible by road. There is a parking area before reaching the Loch.
The bothy behind Glas-allt Shiel, a hunting lodge built for Queen Victoria, lies at the western end of the north shore.
Loch Muick (pronounced Loch Mick)lies approximately 5 mi (8.0 km) south of Braemar, Scotland at the head of Glen Muick and within the boundary of the Balmoral estate. A wide variety of bird and animal life can be found in and around the loch including red squirrel, red deer, oyster catchers.
9 paikallista suosittelee
Loch Muick (Balmoral Estate)
Full or half circuit walk in stunning scenery. Wrap up well unless it’s a warm day! The loch is popular with walkers as it is picturesque, has a fairly flat path around its perimeter and is accessible by road. There is a parking area before reaching the Loch.
The bothy behind Glas-allt Shiel, a hunting lodge built for Queen Victoria, lies at the western end of the north shore.
Loch Muick (pronounced Loch Mick)lies approximately 5 mi (8.0 km) south of Braemar, Scotland at the head of Glen Muick and within the boundary of the Balmoral estate. A wide variety of bird and animal life can be found in and around the loch including red squirrel, red deer, oyster catchers.
Just fifteen minutes away.
On a hot day 😊the water temperature can be lovely enough to
swim in and jump in from the rocks under the bridge. There are grassy areas for picnics beside the river. The Potarch cafe/restaurant is very close and there are also public toilets by the car park across the bridge. (Designed by Thomas Telford)
I haven’t eaten at the cafe so unable to comment on food.
Potarch Bridge
B993Just fifteen minutes away.
On a hot day 😊the water temperature can be lovely enough to
swim in and jump in from the rocks under the bridge. There are grassy areas for picnics beside the river. The Potarch cafe/restaurant is very close and there are also public toilets by the car park across the bridge. (Designed by Thomas Telford)
I haven’t eaten at the cafe so unable to comment on food.
GARDEN CENTRES
Plants, food, gifts, a bit of everything for everyone!
Vast range of plants, household goods, gifts and delicacies! Two eateries, one self-service, the other seated service. Something for everyone! There’s a play area outside as well for the kids.
11 paikallista suosittelee
Raemoir Garden Centre
Raemoir RoadVast range of plants, household goods, gifts and delicacies! Two eateries, one self-service, the other seated service. Something for everyone! There’s a play area outside as well for the kids.
CASTLES
Whether you want to stroll through the gardens, explore the walks, visit the castle or have a coffee and cake this is worth a visit. This is only one of the many castles in Aberdeenshire.
Wander through the historic walled garden and admire the iconic yew hedges, planted as early as 1702.
Explore this magnificent 16th-century castle, with its intricate maze of turrets, towers, oak panels and painted ceilings.
Don’t miss the Horn of Leys, given to the Burnett family in the 14th century by Robert the Bruce.
Spot a rich variety of wildlife along our six waymarked trails, including roe deer, red squirrels, woodpeckers, buzzards and herons.
Standing against a backdrop of rolling hills and set within its own glorious gardens, Crathes Castle is every inch the classic Scottish tower house – and a fantastic day out for all the family.
77 paikallista suosittelee
Crathes Castle
Whether you want to stroll through the gardens, explore the walks, visit the castle or have a coffee and cake this is worth a visit. This is only one of the many castles in Aberdeenshire.
Wander through the historic walled garden and admire the iconic yew hedges, planted as early as 1702.
Explore this magnificent 16th-century castle, with its intricate maze of turrets, towers, oak panels and painted ceilings.
Don’t miss the Horn of Leys, given to the Burnett family in the 14th century by Robert the Bruce.
Spot a rich variety of wildlife along our six waymarked trails, including roe deer, red squirrels, woodpeckers, buzzards and herons.
Standing against a backdrop of rolling hills and set within its own glorious gardens, Crathes Castle is every inch the classic Scottish tower house – and a fantastic day out for all the family.
This dramatic and evocative ruined cliff top fortress was the home of the Earls Marischal, once one of the most powerful families in Scotland. Steeped in history, this romantic and haunting ruin is a photographer’s paradise, a history lover’s dream and an iconic tourist destination for visitors the world over. Visit Dunnottar Castle for your own unforgettable experience and discover the importance of Dunnottar – an impregnable fortress that holds many rich secrets of Scotland’s colourful past..
Some say one of the best castles to visit in Scotland for scenery and historical interest.
175 paikallista suosittelee
Dunnottarin linna
This dramatic and evocative ruined cliff top fortress was the home of the Earls Marischal, once one of the most powerful families in Scotland. Steeped in history, this romantic and haunting ruin is a photographer’s paradise, a history lover’s dream and an iconic tourist destination for visitors the world over. Visit Dunnottar Castle for your own unforgettable experience and discover the importance of Dunnottar – an impregnable fortress that holds many rich secrets of Scotland’s colourful past..
Some say one of the best castles to visit in Scotland for scenery and historical interest.
Definitely worth a wee visit. For a returnable deposit you can get an earpiece which guides you round the various areas open to the public. On a dry, sunny day especially it’s lovely to wander round the grounds and garden at leisure. Check before visiting though .... sometimes the Royals are in residence and access is restricted. Lovely gift and coffee shop on site.
Following Her Majesty’s passing, Balmoral sees a few changes in 2023 including an exhibition dedicated to the late monarch and a new audio guide, which will shift focus from Queen Victoria to Elizabeth II. The audio guide will offer insight into the life of the late Queen's time at her beloved Scottish holiday home.
120 paikallista suosittelee
Balmoral Castle
Definitely worth a wee visit. For a returnable deposit you can get an earpiece which guides you round the various areas open to the public. On a dry, sunny day especially it’s lovely to wander round the grounds and garden at leisure. Check before visiting though .... sometimes the Royals are in residence and access is restricted. Lovely gift and coffee shop on site.
Following Her Majesty’s passing, Balmoral sees a few changes in 2023 including an exhibition dedicated to the late monarch and a new audio guide, which will shift focus from Queen Victoria to Elizabeth II. The audio guide will offer insight into the life of the late Queen's time at her beloved Scottish holiday home.
SWIMMING & SPORTS
Stonehaven Open Air Pool
The LinksIt’s heated!!! 😄
Inchgarth Community Centre
Aboyne PlaceSwimming Pool, cinema screenings, various other activities
Banchory Sports Village
Provost Webster Road