Grampian - Countryside places to visit
Bennachie is a range of low hills south of the road from Inverurie to Insh. Despite their low height (the tallest hill, Oxen Craig, is only about 1700 feet high) the Bennachie hills are a local landmark, and they can be seen from as far as 20 miles away on the outskirts of Aberdeen.
Bennachie, Grampian, Scotland
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Buchan Ness is the most easterly point in Scotland. Located just a short distance south of Peterhead, the Ness is composed of a pebble beach leading to a rocky promontory. A lighthouse was built here in 1827, designed by the engineer Robert Stevenson. The lighthouse was converted to electricity in 1978 and is now remotely operated.
Boddam, Grampian, Scotland
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The long, wide sweep of Burghead Bay stretches from Burghead in the north-east to Findhorn in the south-west. For much of the bay, the shore is composed of a broad, sandy beach and low dunes - indeed, the sand stretches well past Findhorn halfway to Nairn. There are WWII pillboxes and tank traps scattered along the dunes, abandoned now, and slowly being absorbed by the sand.
Burghead, Grampian, Scotland
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Burn O' Vat is a striking geological quirk, a deep bowl gouged from the surrounding rocks by the passage of water. The aptly named Vat Burn runs down from Culblean Hill on its way to Loch Kinord. Here, it tumbles down a very small waterfall and into an amphitheatre of rocks scooped out over millennia, before passing out through a narrow opening just wide enough to admit a moderately agile person.
B9119, Ballater, Grampian, Scotland
Attraction Type: Countryside - Walk
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The small hamlet of Cabrach gives its name to an upland plateau on the border of Aberdeenshire, an area of deserted moorland and deer forests. The A94 crosses the plateau on its way between Rhynie and Dufftown.
Cabrach, Grampian, Scotland
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The Cairngorms was only declared a national park in 2003. It is the largest national park in Britain, covering an area of 3,800 kilometres (about 1500 square miles). The Cairngorms takes in a wide range of geographic features, with high mountains and moorlands, ancient forests, rivers and lowland lochs. It is a perfect area for outdoor activities, including walking, cycling, canoeing, and climbing. In addition, the park is rich in cultural heritage, including medieval castles, country houses, and remote estates.
Cairngorms National Park Authority, 14 The Square, Grantown on Spey, Cairngorms National Park, Grampian, Scotland, PH26 3HG
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The suspension bridge at Cambus O' May was built in 1905 to replace a ferry that helped passengers cross the River Dee just east of Ballater. The lovely iron bridge was financed by Alexander Gordon, a native of Glen Girnock who had moved to London and made a fortune in the brewing trade.
A93, Ballater, Grampian, Scotland, AB35 5SE
Attraction Type: Countryside - Bridge
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The Falls of Feugh is a famous beauty spot on the River Feugh immediately south of its confluence with the River Dee, just outside Banchory. The Falls can be easily seen from a footbridge that crosses the Feugh beside the old stone bridge that links to the B974.
Banchory, Grampian, Scotland, AB31 6NH
Attraction Type: Countryside - Waterfall
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Linn O' Dee is a famous beauty spot, much favoured by Queen Victoria. The River Dee runs through a narrow channel and drops into rocky pools below. There are walking trails through the woods and picnic spots beside the falls.
Braemar, Grampian, Scotland
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The Mar Lodge Estate is a 77,500 acre (31,363ha) natural wonderland, a part of the Cairngorms National Park. The Estate contains 4 of the 5 highest mountains in the UK and a remnant of a Caledonian pine forest. Wildlife and birdlife abound, and there are excellent short and long distance walks. Note that there are no visitor facilities.
Braemar, Grampian, Scotland, AB35 5YJ
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