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Wild and exhilarating, the hills surrounding Braemar offer lovely views.  The heather clad hills are at their best towards the end of the summer when the hills are covered in a dense pink carpet.

Sheep roam freely.  There is absolutely nothing for miles except moor, deer and more wildlife.

Small streams trickle their way down the hills.

Long abandoned stone  cottages gradually collapse back into the land.  

The town of Braemar with its solid granite houses is cheery with a touristy feel despite the harsh weather conditions in winter.  A small town with a few shops, tea rooms, hotels and a couple of art galleries it welcomes visitors all year round for both sun and snow. Souvenirs for tourists are on sale in various shops and range from the usual tartan rugs and clothing to crystal light catchers. The Highland Heritage Centre which houses the tourist office and souvenir shops provides a small audio visual exhibition about the attractions of the area, including its royal connections. 

The town centre	One of the two galleries in pink

The River Dee, in turbulent mode, flows over its rocky bed through the town.

The Linn of Dee, about 6 miles west of Braemar, is a popular spot with walkers and day trippers, where the Dee is forced through a narrow rocky gully to produce fierce and turbulent currents.  There is a plaque here as a memorial to the deaths of two youngsters from drowning and a warning to others.  Further along the path, the Dee is shallow and ideal for paddling.  

Another beautiful location is the Linn of Quoich on the nearby Mar Lodge Estate.

To the north of the town,  Braemar Castle  with its fairytale turrets (open daily, except Fridays, Easter to September, 10 am - 6 pm, free car park, small admission fee) offers a good historical  introduction to the area. 

The ski slopes of Glenshee lie a few miles to the south of Braemar. 

Here you can hire ski equipment, take lessons in skiing and snowboarding, enjoy  refreshments and purchase ski wear and accessories. 

The best months for skiing are January to March.

If you have visited a place that you have particularly enjoyed, then please tell us about it.  Photographs would be most welcome.

Click here for a list of Scottish self-catering holiday cottages and apartments.

Honey Cottage is a delightful semi-detached dwelling situated up a quiet lane in the village if Dinnet, in the heart of Royal Deeside within easy distanc eof Braemar.

Built out of granite in the 19th century, Honey was originally used as a cottage to accomodate workers from the local estate.

Nowadays, Honey Cottage offers clean and cosy accommodation to tourists and vistors, providing an excellent base for exploration, adventure or relaxation. Furbished to a very high standard throughout, Honey Cottage has an open-plan kitchen/sitting room with wood burning stove. Upstairs are 2 bedrooms - one double and one with 3/4 sized bed - and a bathroom with bath and shower. The cottage also has a clematis clad patio area to the back with seating for four with barbecue and chimniere. Rent is inclusive of all linen and towels, fuel and logs.

For the hill walker, the hills of Deeside start at the front door; for the skier, the cottage is conveniently placed for Braemar, The Lecht and Glenshee ski slopes; golf, hunting, shooting, fishing, pony-trekking, gliding and many more outdoor and water sports activities are all available locally and can be arranged.

Click on the cottage photograph for email link and prices.

Self-catering holidays in Royal Deeside,  Scotland

Sleeps 2-6: Stranduff Lodge Croft is a delightful detached country cottage situated in an idyllic location, just outside the charming village of Kincardine O'Neil , in the heart of Royal Deeside.

Built out of granite in the 19th century, Stranduff Lodge Croft was originally a working croft, since upgraded to provide superior and spacious accommodation for tourists and visitors, the croft is an excellent base for exploration, adventure or relaxation. With the addition of the superb views (see the peak of Lochnagar on a fine day) and the spacious garden grounds (over half an acre) with barbecue and garden furniture, a stay in Stranduff will be a stay to remember.

Please click on the photograph to find out more about a stay in this country cottage near Braemar with views of Lochnagar.

Click on the cockerel at the top left of the page to return to the Country Cottages home page and extra self-catering accommodation options at any time.

Speyside