The place to go for the discerning visitor, offering unrivalled opportunities for some of the best walking, climbing, skiing, cycling, pony trekking and wildlife watching in Britain. Home to the UK's second highest mountain, Ben Macdui, the area is renowned for its rolling purple heather moors, ancient pinewoods, majestic glens, sparkling salmon rivers and spectacular wildlife.

The Angus Glens to the south and Upper Deeside to the north are connected by eight ancient drove roads which today provide routes into the hills and access to some of the most popular Munroes such as Lochnagar and Mount Keen.

Queen Victoria was a regular visitor to the area and explored the mountains and glens during her Great Expeditions. She spent the happiest days of her life outdoors here and in her diary she confided "All seemed to breathe freedom and peace, and to make one forget the world and its sad turmoils".

Today visitors can follow The Victorian Heritage Trail to Balmoral Castle, Royal Lochnagar Distillery, The Old Royal Station and other visitor attractions associated with Queen Victoria. The area offers a range of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets. A variety of attractions from castles to whisky distilleries and nature reserves to a steam railway, and events such as highland games and walking festivals can be enjoyed.