In & around the area

Woodend Chalets are situated close to the charming town of Banchory.

Here you will find everything needed for your holiday including a large supermarket, two delicatessens selling local and Scottish produce and a fish shop that receives daily supplies of fresh fish and seafood from the east coast. A FarmerÕs Market selling local Aberdeen Angus Beef, bacon, vegetables and herbs is held on the third Saturday of each month.

Banchory has a Tourist Information Centre and local Museum and a wide variety of events are held at Woodend Barn throughout the year. Woodend Barn (no relation) is situated 2 miles east of Banchory.

A visit to the Bridge of Feugh to watch the salmon leaping up the Falls is not to be missed.

Out & about

Within a short drive there is an unrivalled selection of things to see and do including:
The National Trust for Scotland properties of...
Crathes Castle, with it's world famous gardens
Drum Castle with it's 13th century square tower
The fairytale Craigievar Castle
and Castle Fraser, one of the Castles of Mar.

Follow in Queen Victoria's footsteps on The Victorian Heritage Trail and visit Balmoral Castle (open April 1 to July 31), Royal Lochnagar Distillery and The Old Royal Station, Ballater.

Grampian Transport Museum is a must for kids with it's 'climb aboard' exhibits and popular outdoor events. Whilst in Alford, take the mini train (summer only) to Haughton Country Park, for a picnic & play.

A short drive takes you to the spectacular Kincardineshire coast. Start at the beautiful harbour at Stonehaven and follow the Coastal Trail to cliff-top Dunnottar Castle, scene of Zeffirelli's 'Hamlet', the charming fishing villages of Gourdon and Johnshaven and the stunning beach at St Cyrus National Nature reserve.

Within half an hours drive the City of Aberdeen provides a vibrant centre for shopping, eating out, entertainment and culture.

The five-star Maritime Museum tells the story of Aberdeen's relationship with the sea from fishing to ship building and on to the oil industry.

The beachfront area is a family paradise and includes indoor and outdoor attractions for all ages including the new 'Miami Beach', interactive science museum Satrosphere, the Beach Leisure Centre and a multiplex cinema.

Driving west for less than half an hour will bring you to the new Cairngorms National Park, a huge area of lochs, forests and mountains offering some of the best opportunities for outdoor activities in Britain.

Walking, climbing, mountain biking, gorge walking, abseiling, riding, wildlife watching, fishing, golf, skiing and snow boarding are just a selection of what is available.

Wildlife

The grounds at Woodend are visited by Roe Deer and Red Squirrels and you might be lucky enough to see them from your chalet!

Birds you may see close by include Great Spotted Woodpecker, Buzzard, Heron, Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Lapwing, Oystercatcher and many more. The surrounding area offers great opportunities for those interested in wildlife.

Ospreys can be seen fishing on the rivers Dee, Don and Spey and at Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve.

Red Deer are common at Loch Muick and Lochnagar Wildlife Reserve and can often be seen near the main road through Glenshee.

A visit to the magnificent Caledonian Pine Forests of Glen Tanar can result in sightings of Scottish Crossbills, Capercaillie and Black Grouse.

The high moorlands support large numbers of Red Grouse and Mountain Hare with lucky visitors also seeing Hen Harriers, Merlins and Short-eared Owls.

Golden Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Ravens and Ring Ouzels all occur in the Cairngorms National Park.

Over the coast, the cliffs at Fowlsheugh RSPB Reserve hold vast numbers of Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Razorbills and a few Puffins.

The Sands of Forvie National Nature Reserve, north of Aberdeen, near Newburgh, holds Britain's largest breeding concentration of Eider Ducks.

The world famous Moray Firth Dolphins can be seen on a boat trip from the Moray Firth Wildlife Centre at Spey Bay.