Banchory
Banchory sits on the banks of the River Dee, about halfway between the Cairngorm National Park and Aberdeen. Referred to as the Gateway to Royal Deeside, the area is dotted with castles, of which the closest is the 16th-century Crathes operated by National Trust of Scotland. The nearby ‘Go Ape’ adventure park will keep kids and adult kids amused and for those seeking a more natural adventure, the Cairngorm National Park is close by. There are plenty of good restaurants and pubs in town, you can watch salmon leap (in season) at the Falls of Feugh or play golf at the renowned Banchory Golf Club.