Royal Deeside Tour & River Dee Salmon Fishing

Welcome to the regal splendour that is Deeside. You will be staying at the magnificent Banchory Lodge Hotel which is located on the banks of the River Dee . Banchory is a charming town in Deeside with quaint independent shops, nice cafes and restaurants and some nice traditional Scottish pubs. 

Banchory Lodge has beautiful grounds with some nice walks along the River Dee. Guest can enjoy drinks outside overlooking the River Dee and the restraint serves mouth-watering meals using freshly sourced local produce. Spend the rest of your day at your leisure.

On days’ 1 & 3 you will be salmon fishing on the famous River Dee. You will be fishing on one of the most productive private beats on the River Dee. 

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, your Salmon Fishing Holidays Scotland guide will be waiting to meet and greet you at Banchory Lodge Hotel in the morning. (Private transfers can be arranged if required).

Your guide will be with you throughout your time on the Rive Dee, providing you with a unique service. He will give you advice on what tackle to use, point out the best salmon fishing spots, help you with your fishing techniques if required and fly casting. When you hook a wild Atlantic salmon, your guide will be there to advise you during the long and exciting fight, ensuring that you have the best chance of landing a prize salmon.

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast today you will experience some of the delights Deeside has to offer. We recommend that you visit Balmoral Castle which is only a short drive away from Banchory and located near Braemar. Balmoral Castle is the summer residence of the British Royal family. It is located on the banks of the River Dee and is truly regal. Enjoy the stunning architecture inside the castle itself and explore the majestic rooms. After visiting the inside of the Castle enjoy a stroll around the extensive grounds. A favourite among visitors is the gardens especially the vegetable garden. As the castle is located on the banks of the river there are stunning walks along the Dee for you to explore. 

The elegant restaurant at Balmoral Castle serves delicious home cooked meals as well as luxury afternoon teas. Be treated like royalty and see at first-hand how the British Royal family spend their summer holiday. We recommend to get the best from you Balmoral Castle experience that you allocate around half day for the visit.

After enjoying the delights of Balmoral Castle continue on the royal theme by visiting Crathie Kirk which only a very short drive away. This is the famous church where the royal family attend services when staying at the castle.
Following your visit to the church drive back to Banchory Lodge Hotel and spend the rest of your day at your leisure.

After having breakfast today you will enjoy a drive along the River Dee taking in all the small villages and towns. In addition to this you will also visit the Royal Lochnagar whisky distillery. 
From Banchory enjoy a relaxing drive up the North Deeside road towards Aboyne. Aboyne is another beautiful town located on the banks of the river. Continue north towards Ballater taking time to explore the town itself. Ballater is traditional Deeside town with nice cafes, galleries and local shops to visit. 

After enjoying some time in Ballater take the short drive over to the Royal Lochnagar distillery which is located close to Balmoral Castle. The distillery was established in 1826 and has a rich history. It was granted it’s royal title after it was visited by Queen Victoria in the late 1840’s. 

Enjoy a distillery tour where visitors will get to know the secrets behind one of the most famous malt whisky’s Scotland produces. For those who prefer, a private tour of the distillery can be arranged. After the tour you will have the opportunity to have a wee dram and even purchase a bottle if you wish.

Following the distillery tour take the South Deeside road and enjoy a leisurely drive back to Banchory. You will drive along the banks of the iconic River Dee and drive through famous sporting estates like the Glen Tanar Estate absorbing the magnificent scenery. On return to your hotel spend the rest of your day at your leisure.

After a leisurely breakfast you will leave for your onward destination. Checkout is at 1100am.