Deeside Activity Park

More activity? You got it. Take a gentle stroll from the park along the surrounding woodland trails and down to the Dess Waterfall (15 minutes’ walk) or along to the Peel Ring of Lumphanan (half an hour), where Macbeth took his last stand. Craigievar Castle (15 minutes' drive) also makes a fine place for an amble, taking in the pink castle itself, its collections of art and armour, and a stroll along its wooded paths. There are more trails to wander along at Glen Tanar Estate (15 minutes), and at the royal family’s holiday home Balmoral Castle (half an hour) – both are also good places to ride bikes or saddle up for horse riding. For something more challenging, take an uphill route at Lochnagar (45 minutes), the area’s tallest munro, or the mountain bike courses at Tarland Trails (15 minutes). Need a little drink after all the excitement? Lost Loch Spirits is just next door for tours, tastings and spirit school experiences or it’s a half-hour drive to the Royal Lochnagar Distillery for top-notch whisky.