AMENITIES AND ACTIVITIES

Ballater has a varied selection of shops that can provide most of
your holiday requirements. There is, among others, a butcher,
grocery  store, newsagent, hairdresser, and outdoor clothing and
pursuits shop. The town has several places to eat and drink, with
coffee shops, restaurants and hotels.

In an area of historic and cultural interest, Ballater, being only
8 miles from Balmoral Castle, has The Old Royal Station housing
the Victoria exhibition and tourist information centre.
          
Ballater has its own Highland Games held annually on the second
Thursday in August, during which time Victoria Week, with a full
programme of events, takes place throughout the town.

For outdoor activities there is the 18 hole Ballater Golf Club
Fishing: From Salmon on the Dee to sea trout and brown trout on
the Gairn and Clunie burns (permits required) and in the nearby
fisheries and lochs.

For winter sports, both the Lecht Ski Centre, Strathdon, and
the Glenshee Ski Centre 9 miles south of Braemar, provide skiing
and snowboarding facilities.

Nearby on the Balmoral Estate, walkers can enjoy the scenery and
wildlife of Glen Muick with Loch Muick and the more challenging 
assent to Lochnagar.

Scotland is the home of whisky, and a visit to the Royal Lochnagar
Distillery and visitor centre gives an insight to its production. From
Ballater one can travel to many distilleries that form the Whisky Trail.
For sightseers, castles are a major attraction; Braemar Castle  is
approximately 16 miles away, and there is also the Grampian 
Castle Trail to follow.

With its scenery and attractions, Ballater, Royal Deeside and the
surrounding area, will provide you with a wealth of activities and
places to visit during your stay.