Royal Deeside is the perfect setting to ‘forget oneself’.
Thumb through Robert Louis Stevenson’s Old Mortality, and you’ll find the words ‘to forget oneself is to be happy’. A simple enough statement but where do you actually go ‘to forget oneself’?
Some might say a remote palm tree-lined island, however, a quick look closer to home presents some very interesting and scenic options, especially if you can only afford ‘to forget oneself’ for, say, a weekend.
Take Royal Deeside with its main artery the River Dee, whose banks are home to everything from turreted stone castles to grand estates, and is surrounded by diverse birds and wildlife as well as an endless list of things to do and plenty of postcard-perfect views.
What starts as a relative trickle near the peak of Braeriach grows, while escaping from the wilds of the Cairngorm Mountains, increasing in speed and volume as it wanders through rich farmland, past historic towns and villages and under classic Victorian suspension bridges, before reaching Europe’s oil capital, and flowing into the North Sea via Aberdeen’s busy harbour.
It’s a source that’s enabled life to not only survive but thrive in areas with some difficult terrain and a challenging climate.
It has provided food, water and employment for centuries, and today continues to pull its weight as the root of major attractions in the Scottish Highlands, from fishing and watersports to some of the world’s most famous distilleries.
It’s unsurprising, therefore, that the Dee caught the eye of Prince Albert who, in 1852, purchased riverside Balmoral Estate as a sanctuary for himself and Queen Victoria, sealing the regal title of the region.
The famed estate, which sits on a meandering river bend roughly eight miles from Ballater, still welcomes the Royal Family every summer, and they’re often spied at the Braemar Gathering as well as services in Crathie Kirk.
Balmoral is itself an interesting place with exhibitions, gardens and even holiday cottages to rent.
If you’re interested in exploring the area’s royal and Victorian connections further, you might consider the Victorian Heritage Trail which plots a route much loved by intrepid Victorians, royal and otherwise.
Venture through the region, from Drum Castle, outside Aberdeen, past the Royal Deeside Railway, to Finzean Estate’s delightful tea room and the Royal Lochnagar Distillery just outside of Balmoral, up to Braemar Castle, with so much more to see in between.
Another special interest route that criss-crosses Royal Deeside is Scotland’s Castle Trail. It takes in no less than 17 major castles and stately homes across Aberdeenshire, including the ruins of cliff top Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven, Castle Fraser and Craigievar Castle among others, which all run events throughout the year.
No mention of historic Royal Deeside is complete, however, without a nod to the various Highland Games which take place each year. From the pipe bands and Highland dancing to the tug of war, caber tossing and a mighty fine display of kilts, these Games evoke a real sense of tradition, pride, passion and good old fashioned fun.
Royal Deeside has been hosting Highland Games since the early 19th Century, and you’re not stuck for choice. The biggest Games take place in late summer, including the Aboyne Highland Games (August 2, 2014), Ballater Highland Games (August 14, 2014) and the Braemar Gathering (September 6, 2014).
Sticking with the outdoor theme, Royal Deeside is bursting with things to do all year round. From walking, hiking, cycling and fishing to golfing, canoeing and skiing, there’s something for everyone. Many of the various castles and estates also run their own activities, such as Go Ape at Crathes Castle (fantastic fun for over 10s) and the safari tour at Balmoral.
If this rich region of Scotland sounds like your cup of tea, you’ll be needing a place to call home while exploring, and you won’t want to look any further than the recently renovated Raemoir House Hotel.
Set in generous grounds off the A980 just north of Banchory, the ornate Georgian building houses a splendidly cosy hotel and much-celebrated Michelin-recommended restaurant. From the high-ceilinged drawing room with roaring fire, to the romantic dining room and bespoke guestrooms, it’s a seriously stunning place to stay.
It succeeds in blending grandeur and a real sense of occasion with a warm, homely feel which is no mean feat. If you’re celebrating something special, splash out on the Raemoir Suite with its expansive views from the curved west wing of the house, and interiors completed with a four poster bed, decadent floor to ceiling mirror and roll top bath.
Whether you opt to stay, visit for the delicious afternoon tea or perhaps indulge in the award-winning cuisine, you’re guaranteed an enjoyable and memorable time at Raemoir House Hotel.
No matter what brings you to Royal Deeside, be it the colourful history, intriguing castles, museums or simply the landscape, you’re sure to find your own slice of paradise right here in Scotland, giving the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and truly ‘forget oneself’.
To book your stay at Raemoir House Hotel visit raemoir.com or call 01330 824884.
For more information on Royal Deeside, including events and further trail information, go to VisitScotland.com.
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