Braemar and Upper Deeside

Braemar is one of Scotland's highest villages and a superb centre for hillwalkers, southern gateway to the Cairngorms. The magnificent pinewoods of Glen Derry and Luibeg may be less extensive than their northern counterparts, but from this side the Cairngorms seem more individual rather than forming a great wall as they do from the Spey; and the long approach walks to reach the arctic plateaux add to the magic.

One of Scotland's fastest flowing rivers, the Dee flows out from the High Cairngorms to carve a beautiful course out, crashing through the Linn of Dee before continuing on to Braemar and beyond. To the south the Cairnwell Pass - often snowbound in winter - climbs high over the mountains, greatly easing the ascent of the rounded hills on either side.