Deeside Nature Activities

Habitat @ Ballater

Set in the village of Ballater with a range of shops, pubs and restaurants, this is a stunning, purpose built hostel ideal for families, groups and independent travellers. Within the Cairngorms National Park it is a great position for enjoying a variety of outdoor activities.

All rooms are ensuite, ranging from 8 bed dorms to 4 bed rooms suitable for families. Bedding is included. There's a large kitchen /dining / lounge area with wood burning stove and under-floor heating throughout. There is an excellent drying and laundry room and secure storage for bikes.

Lochgoilhead

Lochgoilhead stands on the shores of Loch Goil. It's in amongst the Arrochar Alps. The town is accessed by a single track road that goes over the Arrochar Alps and the views are amazing. The area is popular for mountain climbing and other outdoor activities. There are three Munros (Scottish mountains over 3,000 feet) near the town.

Goil Inn:

Armadale Cottage:

Duchess of Cambridge Attends Military Parade

Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, attended the Beating Retreat at Horse Guards in London on Thursday, an event celebrating and showcasing the British Army.
More than 750 soldiers in ceremonial uniforms staged the display with pageantry, horsemanship, precision drills and fireworks.
Crowds of bystanders cheered as the Duchess arrived and took her seat between senior officers at Horse Guards Parade as the only royal in attendance. (AP)

Aerial panoramic HD view of Braemar from above the Highland Games field

HD video showing the Royal Highland Games field in Braemar and a 360 degree view around the village from above.

Cairngorm National Park

Weekend in the Cairngorms

JOURNEY TO SRISEAILLAM.....

Absorb stunning mountain landscapes and glittering loch views as you travel through the majestic west coast scenery of Argyll. Look out for the famous Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint, fine views across the Firth of Lorn to the Inner Hebrides, the towering peaks of Ben Nevis and the Outdoor Capital of the UK, Fort William, which is just a short drive from Ballachulish.

Start: Tarbet

Finish: Ballachulish

Length: 149 miles (238 km)

Nearby towns: Inveraray, Lochgilphead, Oban

Nearby attractions: Loch Lomond, the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint, Loch Fyne, Crinan Canal, Connel Bridge, Ben Nevis
Borders Historic Route

Abbotsford House garden exterior

Discover the lush scenery of the Scottish Borders on this historic route through the south of Scotland. Take in the peaceful countryside that inspired Sir Walter Scott's romantic novels, discover the unique Border textiles that are produced in the area and buy tasty treats and Scottish crafts in nearby towns.

Start: Carlisle

Finish: Edinburgh

Length: 95 miles (142 km)

Nearby towns: Langholm, Hawick, Selkirk, Galashiels, Newtongrange

Nearby attractions: Scots Dyke, Borders Textile Towerhouse, Abbotsford House, National Mining Museum Scotland
Clyde Valley Tourist Route

Strathclyde Country Park Dinghy

Follow the River Clyde through lush farmland and rolling hills as you journey up through the south of Scotland to the bustling town of Hamilton, close to Glasgow.

Start: Abington

Finish: Hamilton

Length: 42 miles (67 km)

Nearby towns: Biggar, Lanark, New Lanark, Blantyre

Nearby attractions: River Clyde, New Lanark World Heritage Site, Chatelherault Country Park, Strathclyde Country Park, David Livingstone Centre
Deeside Tourist Route

Ballater River Dee aerial

Travel along Britain's highest main road - the A93 - from the Fair City of Perth, via the Cairngorms National Park, to Aberdeen, the Granite City. Take in views of soft fruit fields near Blairgowrie, majestic mountains in the Cairngorms and the lush splendour of Royal Deeside.

Start: Perth

Finish: Aberdeen

Length: 107 miles (171 km)

Nearby towns: Scone, Blairgowrie, Braemar, Ballater, Aboyne, Banchory

Nearby attractions: Scone Palace, Glenshee Ski Centre, Balmoral Castle, Royal Lochnagar Distillery, Deeside Activity Park, Drum Castle
Fife Coastal Route

Fife aerial coast village

Enjoy views of the impressive Forth bridges as you drive along Fife's sparkling coastline. On route you'll pass rolling farmland, picturesque seaside towns, and beautiful beaches. Why not finish your trip by crossing the Tay Bridge into Dundee and enjoy the many attractions in this fantastic city?

Start: Kincardine

Finish: Newport on Tay

Length: 85 miles (136 km)

Nearby towns: Dunfermline, Dalgety Bay, Elie, Anstruther, St Andrews

Nearby attractions: Royal Burgh of Culross, Deep Sea World, Dunfermline Abbey, Aberdour Silversands beach, Kingsbarns Distillery, Old Course at St Andrews
Forth Valley Tourist Route

Blue skies over The Falkirk Wheel

Take in views of rolling hills and sprawling farmland on this route through central Scotland. Explore the historic towns you pass through and discover their fantastic attractions.

Start: Edinburgh

Finish: Stirling

Length: 40 miles (64 km)

Nearby towns: South Queensferry, Linlithgow, Bo'ness, Grangemouth, Falkirk

Nearby attractions: Forth bridges, Hopetoun House, Linlithgow Palace, Bo'ness and Kinneil Steam Railway, The Falkirk Wheel, The Kelpies at Helix Park, The Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre
Galloway Tourist Route

Burns Birthplace Museum and statue

Explore the land that inspired Scotland's National Bard, Robert Burns, on this route through the south west of Scotland. Look out for Burns attractions in Dumfries and Alloway in Ayrshire and take in the beauty of the Galloway Forest Park.

Start: Gretna

Finish: Ayr

Length: 96 miles (154 km)

Nearby towns: Dumfries, Dalbeattie, Castle Douglas, Carsphairn, Dalmellington, Alloway

Nearby attractions: Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop, Burns House Museum, Threave Gardens, Threave Castle, Galloway Forest Park, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
Highland
Everything in life is somewhere else, and you get there in a car