Day 1

Bright Ideas for Banchory in the rain ROUTE 1

Head to Raemoir Garden Centre for a wide choice of brightly coloured wellies, raincoats and headgear, or pay a visit to Out There – a fully stocked walking and climbing outdoor gear shop at the West end of Banchory High Street.

Pop in to Banchory Museum on Bridge Street (parallel to the High Street) to soak up some of the local history, meet Scott Skinner the famous fiddler and learn about how this part of Deeside was shaped.

History is thirsty work, so head up to the High Street where you'll find Tease, a warm and friendly coffee shop where the food is homemade, and everything is available for take away if you want to get going!

Pop into Yeadon's the Booksellers and pick up a book written by a local author, or one of many titles of interest on Deeside.

Take your books and head to the Woodend Barn – Buchanans Bistro for a long lunch – here you'll find local people and food, and a passion for the customer's comfort. There's even wifi if you want to look at the long range weather forecast.  If the rain has cleared at all by now, you may be able to see Scolty Hill in the distance – that's something for a better day! Check out the Barn's programme, there may be something you'd like to return for later in your stay.

Off now to Crathes Castle, 700 years of history awaits, plus some easy walks that will test out your new raingear and blow the cobwebs away. Crathes gardens are a delight in all seasons and even in the rain!