Aberdeen Airport 40 miles, Braemar 16 miles, Balmoral 8 miles. Shops, pubs and restaurants 2 minutes' walk. Golf, fishing, bowling 5-10 minutes' walk.
Ballater is an excellent touring centre and is popular for all sorts of activities.
Golf can be played on the local Ballater course, nearby courses at Aboyne, Braemar, Tarland and Banchory, or one of many other courses in the surrounding area. Ballater is conveniently situated between the downhill ski areas at nearby Glenshee and The Lecht (which also features a variety of summer activities), while the Cairngorm Ski Centre is also within reach (Ski Scotland). There is a gliding centre at nearby Aboyne, and the Cairnwell at Glenshee Ski Centre is the centre of the Hang Gliding School attracting top fliers from all over the country.
There is a swimming pool at a local timeshare resort which can be used by non-residents. Local walks range from the old Aberdeen to Ballater railway track to the drover paths to Angus. Climbers can scale the peaks of Lochnagar and other local mountains. The River Dee runs through Ballater and there are stocked lochs for fishing; permits can be purchased locally. Pony trekking is also available locally.
Not least, there is ample opportunity for rest and recuperation.
Local attractions incude Balmoral Castle, the Braemar Gathering, the Lonach Gathering and other agricultural shows and Highland Games.
The remarkably high number of awards won by local hotels, restaurants and shops make eating and drinking in the area an experience not to be missed. There is something for everyone here looking for healthy activities and a "Taste of Scotland" – whether on the plate or in the glass!
Royal Deeside and the North East offer everything you can imagine for a perfect Highland holiday.
