BRIDGE OF FEUGH
The Bridge of Feugh , which is at the Restaurant, has a walkway where
you can, in season, watch the salmon jumping as they try to get up the
rapids.
CRATHES CASTLE
Some 3 miles east of Banchory and 14 miles south-west of Aberdeen, Crathes
Castle is a real fairytale castle – a definite must if you are
in the area. The walled garden is really eight gardens, ranging from
the formal to the modern. The massive yew hedges were planted as early
as 1702, while the Golden Garden was introduced by the National Trust
in 1973. Most famous of all are the June Borders, two lavish beds of
herbaceous colour with the castle itself as a backdrop. The avenues
of lime trees may be even older.
Follow one of the waymarked trails out into the surrounding countryside. There are woodlands, farmland and freshwater habitats where you may see roe deer, red squirrels, woodpeckers, buzzards, kingfishers and herons. If you are very lucky you may catch a glimpse of an otter.
DRUM CASTLE, GARDEN & ESTATE
Around 8 miles East of Banchory and 10 miles west of Aberdeen you will
find Drum Castle. A visit to Drum Castle is a little like striding across
the centuries. Its chameleon-like character has evolved with the additions
made to the building over the years. Here you will find a medieval tower,
a Jacobean mansion house and several ‘modern’ additions
by Victorian Lairds. Picture the castle under siege, with archers shooting
arrows from the battlements, but the family and servants are safe inside
the 12ft thick walls. Sited high on a ridge, Drum was the perfect defensive
stronghold and hunting lodge for the Laird and his family. Climb the
ladder to the battlements and take in the amazing views of the surrounding
countryside.
In contrast to the tower, the Garden of Historic Roses is a remarkably peaceful corner. Here you can see roses from the shores of Japan, rugged yet delicately perfumed, and roses from China bringing peach and orange to a colour palette of reds, pinks and whites. Drum Castle is certainly worth a visit and to complete the picture you may, on occasions, be lucky enough to call on a day when a game of Croquet is being played on the lawn in front of the castle.
BALMORAL CASTLE
Balmoral Castle on the Balmoral Estate, Deeside, is the private residence
of The Queen. Loved by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Balmoral Castle
has remained a favourite residence for The Queen and her family during
the summer holiday period in August and September. The Castle is located
on the large Balmoral Estate, a working estate which aims to protect
the environment while contributing to the local economy.
The Estate grounds, gardens and the Castle Ballroom are open to visitors from the beginning of April to the end of July each year, under the management of the Balmoral Estate Office. Take a leisurely run up Royal Deeside and visit Balmoral.
ROYAL LOCHNAGAR DISTILLERY (neighbour
to Balmoral Castle)
Royal Lochnagar Distillery is situated on the south side of the River
Dee close to Balmoral Castle. Age old traditions and craftsmanship produce
one of Scotland’s most exclusive whiskies. A visit to Royal Lochnagar
is a timeless experience. You can see the distillers tending to the
tradidional mashtun and gleaming copper stills. At the tour end your
complimentary dram will confirm that Royal Lochnagar is a malt whisky
worthy of the “Royal” prefix to its name. Telephone +44(0)1339742700
for opening hours.


