From

£53/ adult

Dunnottar Castle, Braemar & Royal Deeside

Travel like kings and queens through castles and countryside in Royal Deeside

Summary

Itinerary

Highlights

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Dunnottar Castle, Braemar & Royal Deeside

From Aberdeen

4.9/5

Duration:

1 day

Led by:

Expert local guide

Group size:

Max 16 people

Travel by:

Mini Coach

Your story begins...

For almost 150 years, the British royal family have travelled to the River Dee for holidays, an area that encapsulates everything to love about Scotland. Pine forests enclose grand castles. Britain’s highest plateau dominates the Cairngorms National Park and there are enough distilleries to satisfy any enthusiast. Then there’s Dunnottar Castle, one of the most historically important and visually arresting sights in Scotland, waiting to greet you.

Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve

Inhabited since the Stone Age, the lochs and heaths of this protected land showcase ancient Scotland in all its wild glory.

Cairngorms National Park

Sit back, relax and gaze on the monumental peaks and glorious glens of the UK’s largest national park, The Cairngorms

Braemar

Built around an ancient passageway through the Caingorms, this village's traditional Highland games have long been attended by the royal family.

Dunnottar Castle

This cliff top fortress has seen the greats of Scotland’s history pass through its gates. Perched overlooking the North Sea, it’s an unmissable sight.

Falls of Feugh

Listen to the roar of this stunning waterfall where at certain times of year you can watch leaping salmon.

What you'll experience

Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve

Inhabited since the Stone Age, the lochs and heaths of this protected land showcase ancient Scotland in all its wild glory.

Cairngorms National Park

Sit back, relax and gaze on the monumental peaks and glorious glens of the UK’s largest national park, The Cairngorms

Braemar

Built around an ancient passageway through the Caingorms, this village's traditional Highland games have long been attended by the royal family.

Dunnottar Castle

This cliff top fortress has seen the greats of Scotland’s history pass through its gates. Perched overlooking the North Sea, it’s an unmissable sight.

Falls of Feugh

Listen to the roar of this stunning waterfall where at certain times of year you can watch leaping salmon.

Includes

Travel in Luxury 16 Seat Mini Coach
Expert Local Guide
44lbs (20kg) Luggage Allowance
Off the Beaten Track Locations

Optional Extras

Entry to Dunnottar Castle

Excludes

Flights, Transfers and Accommodation
Food & Drink

Day 1

Pick up time: 9.15am

Location: Aberdeen Bus Station Pick Up, Stance 5, Aberdeen Bus Station, Guild Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6NA

Morning

Aberdeen to Dunnottar Castle

You travel straight from Aberdeen to one of Scotland's archetypal structures, Dunnottar Castle. It's a stunning fortress set on a cliff by the sea that has the power to humble you in its presence. It's seen more battles than you've had cups of tea and is an essential Scottish destination. And you'll marvel at the surrounding landscape too. The rocks on which the castle stands began forming some 440 million years ago. That, coupled with the dramatic ruins, makes for a photographer's dream.

Mid Morning

Falls of Feugh, Braemar for lunch and Royal Deeside

Your next stop is the Falls of Feugh. These mesmerising cascading falls formed deep within the Grampian Mountains, and you can stand in awe on the stone bridge that straddles both banks and watch the water rush below you. And if you're lucky, you may even spot salmon jumping up the river. It's now time for lunch in Braemar, a lovely little village in the Cairngorms National Park with royal connections and plenty of local delicacies to try. And all around you are icons of Scotland – the rugged Grampian Mountains, the tranquil River Dee, and quintessential Scottish friends like red deer and golden eagles, so keep your eyes peeled.

Afternoon

Cairngorms National Park and Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve

We journey deeper into the Cairngorms National Park, home to some of the UK's rarest wildlife and a place of unspoiled beauty. Mountainous peaks tower over moorlands and sparkling lochs, not to mention the Caledonian Pine Forests which are among the oldest in Europe. The park is also a popular filming location, including James Bonds' The World Is Not Enough and The Monarch of the Glen. We head to the Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve and get the opportunity to go for a stroll. This nature reserve is a captivating mosaic of landscapes, from mysterious lochs to ancient woodlands. As you wander, be on the look out for otters, birds and adders on this quintessential woodland walk.

Early Evening

Return to Aberdeen

It's time to say goodbye to the beauty of the Cairngorms National Park, but there's still more beauty to be discovered along the ever-changing tapestry of Scotland's landscapes. Rural charm keeps you company as you journey back to Aberdeen, arriving in the early evening.

You return to Aberdeen at approximately 6pm.