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Strathdon 

Strathdon is rich in scenic beauty and places of interest with marvellous opportunities to observe wildlife.  There are small communities scattered throughout.   Every year, on the fourth Saturday of August, the ‘Clansmen of the Lonach Highlanders’ can be seen marching through the village of Bellabeg for the Lonach Gathering, a unique and friendly Highland Games.

This remote and tranquil oasis boasts stunning scenery and is the perfect place for wildlife watchers and explorers looking for history and hidden gems.

Strathdon lies in Upper Donside in the Cairngorms National Park.  It’s an area rich in scenic beauty and places of interest with marvellous opportunities to observe wildlife.  As the River Don winds its way through, the landscape goes from farmland to dramatic woodland lined with birch and pine and moorland.  A photographer’s dream, especially in the spring and autumn when the contrasts are most marked.


There are small communities scattered throughout Strathdon, the largest being Bellabeg.  Every year on the fourth Saturday of August the ‘Clansmen of the Lonach Highlanders’ can be seen marching through the village for the Lonach Gathering, a unique and friendly Highland Games.


Strathdon is steeped in history and visitors can discover stories of the past and stunning views at Corgarff and Glenbuchat Castles and explore the Doune of Invernochty, one of the finest examples of Norman earthwork in Scotland.  Nearby the Lecht Ski Centre offers activities year-round, including skiing and snowboarding in winter and mountain biking in the summer.

Gallery

Area map

Places of interest

Activities & Attractions

Corgarff Castle

Unfortunately at this time Corgarff Castle is closed to visitors. We hope to have the site open once again in May 2023. An isolated tower house in the Cairgorms that was a residence of the high-status Forbes family. After Culloden in 1746, it... read more

Corgarff Castle

Unfortunately at this time Corgarff Castle is closed to visitors. We hope to have the site open once again in May 2023. An isolated tower house in the Cairgorms that was a residence of the high-status Forbes family. After Culloden in 1746, it was converted to become a Redcoat garrison fortress, largely to suppress Jacobite activity. What to see and do: Admire the splendid isolation of the castle, which is situated at the head of remote Strathdon. Check out the star-shaped perimeter wall - the castle's most distinctive feature was added when it became a military base. Visit the reconstructed barrack rooms to imagine being stationed here in 1750 as a Redcoat from Pulteney's 13th Foot regiment. Guided tours available on site Check out a variety of souvenirs from the gift shop. Open summer only - 26th March - 30th September Admission: Adult £6, Child £3.60, Concession £4.80 Visitor parking and bus parking available

https://www.historicenvironment.scot

Email

01975 651460

8 Miles W of Strathdon on A939, Corgarff, AB36 8YP
Corgarff
Strathdon
AB36 8YP

Activities & Attractions

Lecht Chairlift

Take a trip on the chairlift to the top and enjoy the stunning Scottish views. Open every day throughout the Summer holidays (weather permitting!)

Lecht Chairlift

Take a trip on the chairlift to the top and enjoy the stunning Scottish views. Open every day throughout the Summer holidays (weather permitting!)

https://www.lecht.co.uk

Email

01975 651 426

Lecht Ski Centre, Corgarff, AB36 8YP
Corgarff
Strathdon
AB36 8YP

Activities & Attractions

Lecht Ski Centre - Mountain Biking

Take a trip to the top with your bike on the Chairlift and try out your skills on the 2 downhill mountain trails and skills park.

Lecht Ski Centre - Mountain Biking

Take a trip to the top with your bike on the Chairlift and try out your skills on the 2 downhill mountain trails and skills park.

http://www.lecht.co.uk/

Email

01975 651 440

Lecht Ski Centre, Corgarff, AB36 8YP
Corgarff
Strathdon
AB36 8YP

Activities & Attractions

Lecht Ski Centre - Winter Activities Skiing & Snowboarding

Lecht 2090 is based 2090 feet (645m) above sea level amid the beauty of the Eastern Cairngorms. The Lecht Activity Centre is situated in the heart of Scotland’s largest National Park at the top of the pass between Tomintoul and Strathdon. Winter... read more

Lecht Ski Centre - Winter Activities Skiing & Snowboarding

Lecht 2090 is based 2090 feet (645m) above sea level amid the beauty of the Eastern Cairngorms. The Lecht Activity Centre is situated in the heart of Scotland’s largest National Park at the top of the pass between Tomintoul and Strathdon. Winter activities are ideal for all levels of skiers and snowboarders but especially good for beginners and intermediates. A total 12 different lifts, including a 3 person chairlift and a magic carpet travelator which get novices going on day one. All equipment and clothing can be hired on site, equipment can be booked on line, the ski school can develop your skills from basic to racers and all in a safe environment close to the beautiful purpose built day lodge, which houses cafe, bar, ticket office, shop, ski hire, toilets all under one roof.

https://www.lecht.co.uk

Email

01975 651 440

Lecht Ski Centre, Corgarff, AB36 8YP
Strathdon

Activities & Attractions

Goodbrand & Ross Ski Hire

Ideally located for the Lecht ski centre, we have a good selection of skis, boards and accessories in a variety of sizes (adult & junior) to suit everyone. Please call the shop to pre-book, or turn up on the day. Note, however, that in peak... read more

Goodbrand & Ross Ski Hire

Ideally located for the Lecht ski centre, we have a good selection of skis, boards and accessories in a variety of sizes (adult & junior) to suit everyone. Please call the shop to pre-book, or turn up on the day. Note, however, that in peak periods stock goes fast! You can even have a coffee in our coffee shop while you wait or, get one to go!

http://bit.ly/2xzFVY3

Email

019756 51433

Corgarff, AB36 8YL
Strathdon

Food & Drink

Goodbrand & Ross Tea Room & Gift Shop

Just passing through? Need a rest? Why not stop by for a refreshing cuppa or a delicious Luca's ice-cream! We have a variety of teas and coffee and we also keep a stock of cold drinks in the cooler. Relax in comfort and enjoy the... read more

Goodbrand & Ross Tea Room & Gift Shop

Just passing through? Need a rest? Why not stop by for a refreshing cuppa or a delicious Luca's ice-cream! We have a variety of teas and coffee and we also keep a stock of cold drinks in the cooler. Relax in comfort and enjoy the picturesque view o

http://bit.ly/2xzFVY3

Email

01975 651 433

Corgarff
Strathdon

Activities & Attractions

The Lost Gallery

The Lost Gallery is set deep in the beguiling tranquility of Glen Nochty, a delightful drive through the woodland that surrounds Strathdon, in Upper Donside. It is housed in a 19th century farmhouse that crouches low into the side of Moss Hill.... read more

The Lost Gallery

The Lost Gallery is set deep in the beguiling tranquility of Glen Nochty, a delightful drive through the woodland that surrounds Strathdon, in Upper Donside. It is housed in a 19th century farmhouse that crouches low into the side of Moss Hill. one of the gentler sisters of the nearby Cairngorms. It is an idylic setting which engenders just the mood to appreciate the gallery's innovative show of contemporary art and enjoy respite from the furore and fumes of modern life. The guiding policy at the Lost Gallery is simply stated. It is to show works by modern artists who most excite the owners, artist Peter Goodfellow and his wife Jean. Today The Lost Gallery is clearly identified as one of the most interesting venues in northern Scotland, with an exciting eclectic collection.

http://www.lostgallery.co.uk/

Email

01975 651287

Strathdon, Donside, AB36 8UJ
Donside
Strathdon
AB36 8UJ

Accommodation

Rose Cottage

Self catering holiday cottage sleeping up to 4

Rose Cottage

Self catering holiday cottage sleeping up to 4

https://www.rosecottageglenbuchat.com/

Email

07748967215

Glenbuchat Strathdon AB36 8UA
Strathdon

Accommodation

Tornashean

Tornashean is an elegant Edwardian lodge set in a very tranquil and beautiful location within 65 acres of fields and woodland overlooking its own beat on the River Don. The house is let by the week, very spacious and comfortable, 7 bedrooms,... read more

Tornashean

Tornashean is an elegant Edwardian lodge set in a very tranquil and beautiful location within 65 acres of fields and woodland overlooking its own beat on the River Don. The house is let by the week, very spacious and comfortable, 7 bedrooms, sleeping up to 16 people. Light, airy and spacious bedrooms, modern and stylish shower room, three bathrooms. .Central heating, open fire and wood burning stoves, large kitchen, formal dining room. Large sitting room and snug. Billiards room with full sized billiards table. Dogs allowed in kitchen and kennel. Beautiful and secure gardens with lovely view down to the river. A number of really nice walks can be taken from the house. The house is available to rent from Saturday to Saturday from April to the end of October. Long weekends are also available out of season. We are taking bookings for this spring,, summer and autumn 2023.

https://www.scottishholidayaccommodation.com

Email

01481 265961. 07849 420074

Tornashean, AB36 8UR
Strathdon
AB36 8UR

Strathdon Holiday Lodges

Email

019756 51244

Forbestown, AB36 8UN
Strathdon
AB36 8UN