Aberdeen - Gateway To The Highlands
Oct 8th, 2008 by Peak District Cottages
Aberdeen gives us a wealth of stunning scenery from an old-world waterfront on its eastern coast to the awesome Grampian Mountains in the west. With so so many sights to take in, it’s pretty much essential to hire a car from Aberdeen Airport. Considering that it’s the third biggest city in Scotland, expect the city to offer a wide selection of cosmopolitan merits from theatre, cinema etc to old historical sites and endless shopping possibilities. This area of Aberdeen and the Grampians is responsible for that mad drawer of crowds and alcohol lovers, the Malt Whisky Trail. Once you have recovered from imbibing the whiskies of eight distilleries, there is the Castle Trail to explore amidst the breathtaking views of this majestic region. There is a whole host of activities such as fishing, golf, skiing, whisky tasting and loads more on offer here in this picturesque region of Scotland.
Don’t be surprised to find a gala or celebration to be going on whilst you are in the city. Tourists and locals regularly meet to celebrate the area’s past with traditional entertainment and events like the Lonach Highland Gathering and Games. Locally known as the “Friendly Games” the Games are held each year on the fourth Saturday of August at Strathdon in Aberdeenshire. Other events worth attending whilst visiting Aberdeen include, the Aberdeen Jazz Festival (March), the Braemar Telemark Festival (March), the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival (April-May), the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival (June), The Wickerman, Tartan Day and the Stonehaven Fireball Festival. The Stonehaven festival is one of last remnants of an east coast fire festival traditionally held to welcome in the New Year.You will find a big selection of value for money Aberdeen hotels
The new town of “Granite City” Aberdeen offers superb granite buildings and a wonderful range of superb restaurants, a superb range of top shops and a very lively ‘what’s on’ listing whatever time of the year you arrive. In fact, if Aberdeen has such a wealth of riches, why are its own people recognised as internationally well travelled? Why would anyone ever want to leave this marvellous place? They say you never seem to appreciate what is beneath your nose but the truth is that Aberdonians are able to look more forward to returning home more than the rest of us. Who would blame them? They have everything! A pleasant climate, sandy beaches, the Lemon Tree (Aberdeen’s own perpetual Festival Fringe), picturesque streets, warm friendly people, fishing villages worthy of a place on a postcard and Union Street where you find a plethora of shops, as well as 3 shopping malls!
Aberdeen is often known as the “City of Roses” with good reason. A popular landmark and attraction in this area is that of Duthie Park’s Rose Hill with more than 12,000 different brilliant varieties and assortments of Rose.
The Old Town district of Aberdeen has a nostalgic air about it. The area known as Old Aberdeen is a preserved site, and was once a single burgh. Here you will encounter its cobbled high street with Provost Ross’s House, the Aberdeen Art Gallery, the harbour and many other attractions within a few hundred yards of one another. Don’t miss a chance to visit Aberdeen University’s ancient King’s College with its 15th century chapel and fixtures.
While in Aberdeen a lot of visitors explore the relationship between the city and North Sea. For many years North Sea oil reserves have fueled the growth and prosperity as well as devastating losses of life in the region. Visitors can pay their respects at the Piper Alpha Memorial, a memorial garden situated in Hazelhead Park dedicated to the loss of 167 North Sea oil workers lost in the 1988 tragedy. If you would like to find out more about oil exploration in the North Sea, the 5 Star Maritime Museum situated on the Shiprow, offers exhibitions on the fascinating subject well as an in depth insight to earlier (but equally as dangerous) forms of fishing and shipping in the region.
On the map, the region of Aberdeen and the Grampians seems to be very compact. This is deceiving. In actual fact, there is a vast acreage of ground to cover with plenty of attractions at every corner and much will be missed if limited to public transport. Cycling out in the countryside around Aberdeen is amazing and highly recommended for all able-bodied souls. For the rest of us, swapping two wheels for four and exploring the glorious surrounding from behind the wheel of a rental car from Dyce Airport has many attractions. For those outdoor types hiking is a wonderful way to explore beautiful landscapes “off the beaten track”.
The Grampian Highlands
Hiking is possibly the foremost activity in the Grampians with vast areas to explore and unspoilt landscapes which can only be found when travelling on foot. Walkers will experience a wide range of challenges from the wild coast to the heights of the Grampian and Cairngorm mountains. If you are looking for an active pursuits holiday this Grampians region of Scotland will not let you down! The possibilities are generous from water-sports to gliding and cycling to horse riding. Off road driving is also on offer as well as exploring Scotland’s official Long Distance footpaths.
Take a trip to Balmoral and instantly discover why Queen Victoria fondly nicknamed this magical estate her “Paradise”. Constructed as a royal holiday destination, the estate is now enjoyed by many (non-royal) visitors for its legendary sporting activities such as salmon and trout fishing in the River Dee and road races across the Royal estate.
Across at the coast there are a number of excellent facilities for water sports. A notable event is that of the annual sailing race to Stavanger and back. The marina at Peterhead is extremely popular with visiting yachtsmen whilst sailing enthusiasts make for Findhorn at Moray Firth.
