Much of the landscape was shaped by ice - the last glaciers melted only 10,000 years ago. Typical U-shaped valleys, flat bottomed with steep sides, were gouged out by the glaciers and can be seen today at Glen Mark in Angus, while the melting of giant blocks of ice created lochs such as Loch Muick.

As the ice retreated the cool climate created perfect conditions for the growth of native woodlands. Fine stands of Caledonian Pine can be seen at Glen Tanar, Ballochbuie and on Mar Lodge Estate while Morrone Birkwood National Nature Reserve near Braemar is an outstanding example of an upland birchwood.

Around 2,000 years ago the area was populated by the Picts who left their mysterious carved stones dotting the landscape. The secrets of this ancient tribe are revealed at Pictavia near Brechin.

The present day patchwork scenery of the Eastern Cairngorms has been influenced by the activities of generations of people building villages, managing moors and tending farms. variety of countryside events are held in the area annually.