Drumoak, Crathes And The Deeside Railway

The original area now known as Drumoak was originally called Dalmaik, taken from the holy well and church of St Maik. The present church was built in 1836 to the design of the Aberdeen architect Alexander Simpson. North of Drumoak lies the 12th Century Drum Castle, once a royal residence and...

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Banchory

The first main town on Royal Deeside - only 30 minutes by car from Aberdeen - is Banchory. The Water of Feugh joins the River Dee at Banchory and the Bridge of Feugh is a great place to watch for salmon. The modern town dates from the late...

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Kincardine O'neil, Lumphanan, Torphins And Aboyne

Kincardine O'Neil is the oldest village in Deeside. St Erchard established a church there in the 5th century. A well was later erected in his honour at the edge of the village. It is said that in 1057 Malcolm Canmore, rested with Macduff and some followers...

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Ballater, Balmoral, Crathie And Braemar

The Rivers Muick and Gairn join the Dee at Ballater. Ballater is famous for the Pannanich Wells said to cure arthritis amongst other ailments. The railway reached Ballater in 1866, and served the town for about 100 years. For many years the Royal Family used the line, but it was never extended...

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