Aberdeenshire, Morayshire and Royal Deeside

This is not really a definable geographical area but as we have a limited number of properties in these three areas we have put them together on the map.

Moray is the area of Scotland east of Inverness and west of Dufftown and encompasses much of the Speyside area. Low lying to the north, and increasing in height as it rises to the foothills of the Cairngorms, this is quite a diverse landscape. Most notable though are the quiet green glens, rich in flowers, deciduous woodland and winding rivers. Its northern coastline encompasses some superb sandy beaches, such as Nairn, Findhorn and Lossiemouth and, as these all overlook the Moray Firth, there are the dolphins to watch for.

Perhaps most famous for its whisky distilleries - you can follow "The Whisky Trail" and visit as many as 12 distilleries during your stay, as well as castles with rousing names, such as Cawdor, Stuart and Brodie - all open to visitors.

Aberdeenshire lies to the east of Moray and borders the North Sea. It is a land of huge rolling mountains (Grampians), soft farmland fields and hills, pretty villages and an absolute wealth of ancient castles, battlefields and monuments. Again, the landscape varies dramatically from north to south across this area - ever rising to the mountain range which borders our next area - Royal Deeside.

Royal Deeside - home to the Queen when in residence at Balmoral Castle, and an area rich in beauty and wrapped in historical myth and legend - as well as a bit of the truth in there somewhere! This area borders with Perthshire to the west and runs out to the coast on the east, where such sites as Dunotter Castle can be visited. There is excellent fishing to be had on lochs and rivers, and the winter sports are good. Hill walking and cycling are also well provided for.

Fly/drive
Airports:
Moray - Inverness and Aberdeen
Aberdeenshire - Aberdeen
Deeside - Aberdeen, Edinburgh or Glasgow

Roads:
Travelling by road is good with quiet roads and good access roads in and out of the cities from the airports.

It is not uncommon to travel on the more remote mountain roads and hardly see another car for miles and miles.

In Moray, the main A96 from Aberdeen to Inverness can be slow due to few overtaking places and slow moving traffic. This is being addressed by the introduction of more overtaking lanes but still allow plenty of time if travelling this road.

Climate: The east of Scotland experiences greater extremes than the west which is warmed by the gulf stream. Those seeking snow for Christmas are best heading east. Like everywhere else in Scotland, the summers can be hot and dry or warm and wet and we have a saying - "If you don't like the weather - wait 5 minutes".