Accommodation Historic Interest Services Outdoor Activities Local Arts & Crafts
Located 40 miles due west of Aberdeen on the banks of the River Don. Donside's boundary markers are the Morven hill to the south, with Ben Newe and the Ladder Hills to the north and the Cairngorm foothills to the west. Upper Donside is a gateway into one of the natural treasures of Scotland, the Cairngorms.
Lying between the straths of Spey to the north, and Dee to the south, Upper Donside is essentially a narrower glen with a widely varying landscape from the sparse hills at Corgarff to the fertile valley of Alford.
The changing character of the valley includes the small, but distinct, villages of Kildrummy, Glenkindie, Glenbuchat, Forbestown, Bellabeg, Roughpark and Corgarff.
Rich in scenic beauty and places of interest, Upper Donside offers relaxed motoring and peaceful surroundings. The opportunities for fishing on the Don are superb. Pony trekking and hillwalking deserve particular mention, and in winter there is excellent skiing. All around there are castles, gardens and museums waiting to be explored and nature waiting to be enjoyed. Ospreys feed on the Don and buzzards and even eagles can be observed. Red deer are common and herons and otters are to be seen in the river.
Each month and season brings its own distinct colourwash onto the landscape. For the interested observer, taking time out from the daily hustle of human life, the rich resources of the area could provide a satisfying interlude.
Heather burning on the moors. Ptarmigan and hares turn white with the first snows. Skiing (downhill and cross-country). Brilliant clear snowy nights. Birds of prey cruise over the hills.
Lambing in March. Rivers fill with melting snow. Migrant birds arrive. Wild flowers appear, castles and gardens open. Fishing for salmon and brown trout in the Don. Late spring, young deer are born
Riding through forests and glens. The Corgarff Games and Lonach Gathering (fourth Saturday in August). Gardens in full bloom and twenty hours of daylight in which to see them.
Hillwalking over the moors, the heather flowering a rich purple. Harvest on the farms, grouse shoots on the hills. Changing colours in the woods and Aurora Borealis in the northern sky.
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Some gardens in the area open under the Scottish Gardens Scheme, allowing people the pleasure of visiting private gardens not normally open to the public.
Kildrummy Castle Gardens Trust, Kildrummy 019755 71264 or 71277
Open April-Oct daily 10.00am-5.00pm. A unique collection of alpines and shrubs in a landscaped setting with water garden and protected by silver firs, larch and tsuga. Woodland walk, video, play area, plants for sale. Wheelchair access - assistance required.
Mossat Burn Nursery and Water Garden, Kildrummy 019755 71235
Complete range of pools, pumps, liners, fish and aquatic plants. Large selection of fountains and garden ornaments. Professional advice freely given.
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The natural beauty of Donside is a result of the landscape, wildlife and those who manage the land. This natural asset is valuable and one which should be looked after. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is the official body with responsibility for the care of Scotland's wildlife, landscape and geology. SNH also wants people to enjoy the countryside and encourages this through the grant aiding of footpaths and other facilities. However in encouraging people to visit and enjoy the countryside we must also be careful not cause damage to the landscape and wildlife people come to enjoy. Please help us in this task by:-
· Showing care and courtesy for people living and working in the countryside
· Leaving no litter
· Causing minimal disturbance to wildlife and the land
Fred Gordon, Senior Ranger 01467 620981 ext 399
Organised by the Ranger Service and taking place throughout the year, these day events are designed for you to have fun and learn about the variety of nature in the Grampian countryside at the same time.
For more information on walking in the area, please see the Outdoor Activities page. More details and landmarks of the area are to be found on OS "Landranger" Map, Sheet 37, Strathdon.
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Crossplan is a participatory landscape plan that is co-sponsored by the Forestry Commission and Cairngorms Partnership and is part funded by the European Regional Development Programme.
The focus is on the Northern Periphery of Europe and the projects will be carried out in Finland, Norway, Sweden and Strathdon in Scotland. The purpose of the project is to seek ways of involving local people in planning forestry and moorlands in their own area.
To find out more, read our newsletters: June 1999 * September 1999 * April 2000
Accommodation Historic Interest Services Outdoor Activities Local Arts & Crafts
Discover Donside Home Page
Published March 1996 by Upper Donside Community Trust
Updated April 1999
All information correct at time of going to press, however all visitors are advised to check personally before making travel plans .
O.S. "Landranger" Map, Sheet 37, Strathdon.