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Aberdeen is bounded by the River Don  to the north and the River Dee to the south. Following the two rivers westwards take visitors to the areas known respectively as Donside and Deeside.  

On the left, the banks of the River Don, a popular spot for fishermen and dog walkers at Dyce, Aberdeen. 

Leaving Aberdeen and travelling west on the A944 towards Alford and into Donside, you soon find yourself in very pretty countryside with wooded areas full of delicate birch trees. At Tillyfourie, the road to the right will take you to the Whitehill ancient stone circle and forest walks, and further on, to Bennachie; a much beloved haunt of hill-walkers.

Alford, 26 miles west of Aberdeen, on the A944, has long been a favourite place for family days out. Haughton Country Park in Alford welcomes both caravanners and day visitors. It's a pleasant place for a picnic, with childrens' play areas, environmental displays and short walks. A short trip on the Alford Valley Railway allows you to see more of the countryside at a gentle relaxing pace. Another good place to visit is the Grampian Transport Museum which takes you back in time with a variety of different forms of transport on display. And, if you're into local history and farming, you can view the development of agricultural equipment from years gone by to recent times at the Heritage Centre. One favourite stop of ours used to be the local bakery which sold wonderful fresh currant loaves and cakes of exceptional quality.

Further down the road, following the River Don, Mossat is a good place to stop for a short break.

  The Water Garden Centre opens its doors to visitors as a two star Scottish Tourist attraction with its nicely laid out water gardens and everything for anyone planning a water feature. Entry is free. Next door is a tea shop which sells meals as well as enticing home bakes and ice creams. Two doors to the left, an antique shop appears to be a popular place to rummage for a bargain or forgotten treasure.

Turning left at the junction with the A97, Kildrummy Gardens and 13^th Century Kildrummy Castle, (35 miles west of Aberdeen) are two more distinctly separate (but next door to each other) visitor attractions worth a look. The castle is in ruins, but is an important historical monument which attracts a fair number of visitors.

Both Kildrummy Castle and Kildrummy gardens have a £2.00 entrance fee attached (2001). Both have their own separate car parks and ticket offices. Kildrummy Gardens are open daily from April until October, 10a.m. - 5p.m. Tel: 01975 571 203 for details.

Click here for a list of Scottish self-catering country cottages.

Holiday cottage for self-catering breaks in Dinnet, near Balmoral

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

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