Dog-friendly glamping near Banchory
The pretty little town of Banchory is the idea setting for enjoying outdoor adventures.
Dog-friendly glamping near Banchory guide
Where to go
Falls of Feugh
Just a short walk from the centre of town, the Falls of Feugh in Banchory is a spectacular sight when the salmon return to swim upstream in the fast-flowing waters of the River Dee and River Don. The stone Bridge of Feugh footbridge spans the Water of Feugh and makes a great viewpoint. In the valley of the Feugh, the small, family-run Feughside Caravan Park has pitches for tents and motorhomes.
Crathes
Less than a 10-minute drive east of Banchory, the turretted 16th-century Crathes Castle is known for its painted ceilings and fine furnishings, and is home to some of the most impressive gardens in Scotland. Around the Crathes Estate, you’ll find several way-marked woodland walks. On the castle grounds, Go Ape Aberdeen has zipwires, rope ladders and a variety of other challenging activities for thrill seekers. A five minute drive east, Silverbank Caravan Club Site sits on the River Dee.
Scolty Woodland Park
A number of walking trails run through Scolty Woodland Park, at the east end of Blackhall Forest, two miles (3.2 kilometres) west of Banchory’s centre. For panoramic views over Royal Deeside and the Grampian Mountains, you can climb Scolty Hill and to the tops of Scolty Tower perched on top of the hill.
When to go
For long daylight hours and your best chance of getting good weather, summer is the ideal time to visit Banchory and the surrounding region. This is peak season, however, especially for exploring the Cairngorms National Park, so make bookings in advance and try to avoid weekends and school holidays. The best months to see salmon leaping in the Falls of Feugh are from September to November and February to March.
Know before you go
- Wild camping is legal throughout Scotland as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
- You can reach Bachory by public bus from Aberdeen. However, having your own transport is preferable for exploring the area.
- Don’t worry if you forgot something, Bachory has several well-stocked supermarkets.