Kincardine O'Neil, Royalk Deeside

The historic village of Kincardine O'Neil is an ideal location for a family holiday or a fishing holiday in Deeside.

Designated as an Oustanding Conservation Area, Kincardine O'Neil is a small village in the middle of Royal Deeside and a great location to explore the many places and sites of interest in the area - the surrounding scenery is stunning.

For the active there is a myriad of walks from a 15 minute circuit to the river Dee to a day-long hike through the mountains. The Dee is, of course, a world famous salmon river and even if you don't want to fish for them it is fun to sit a while on the beautiful bank and see the salmon jumping whilst enjoying the peace, the wild flowers and the wildlife such as otters, dippers, oyster catchers, duck and deer. Other activities include golf, riding, gliding, cycling, and for those wanting organised action the nearby Deeside Activity Centre is only 3 miles away.

To the west the hills surrounding the Dee get higher and steeper and the scenery ever more spectacular. The Cairngorms National Park is just 7 miles away. Drive up to Loch Muick and take a 10-mile hike around the loch in true highland solitude and understand why this area has been a favourite of our Royal Family for 150 years. The Queen's highland home, Balmoral Castle, is open to visitors from Easter to the end of July and is a 30 minute drive away.

There are shops in Kincardine O'Neil, including an excellent village store, as well as in nearby Banchory, Aboyne and Ballater. Skiing is available at Glenshee and the Lecht, both approximately a 35 mile drive. The Deeside Gliding Club is 7 miles away. Fishing can be arranged on local stocked ponds or the river Dee and the Cairngorms National Park is on your doorstep. You are guaranteed not to be short of things to do and places to explore if you spend a holiday or short break in Deeside!