YOU may just want to whisper it, but it looks as though spring has sprung on Royal Deeside.
Despite the remaining chill in the air, the first signs of spring have started to emerge, with golden daffodils and white snowdrops blooming across the land.
March is a good time to experience the area, which is surrounded by luscious green hills and blossoming gardens and is rich in romance and charm, but it also has numerous attractions that make a trip there worthwhile.
There are numerous traditional country sports to try, such as fishing either on the River Dee or at a proliferation of excellent stocked loch facilities where you can hire all the kit required.
Clay shooting, stalking and field shooting in season are all easily accessible for the visitors, as are off-road driving and even karting at Deeside Activity Park.
But if you prefer undertaking activities without the tweed plus fours and deerstalker hat, then there is much to choose from – apart from ski-ing at The Glenshee and Lecht Centres.
The old Deeside railway line, a victim of the Beeching cuts, which conveyed royalty from home and abroad west from Aberdeen to Balmoral from the days of Victoria’s reign until 1966, is now, for the most part, a pathway.
This flat route is perfect for walkers and cyclists who don’t want to tackle the peaks, but want to drink-in the magnificent scenery along the River Dee.
The route is peppered with old station buildings which are now private dwellings. It’s also a good place to see the picturesque white iron bridges built across the Dee such as the one at Cambus o’ May.
Seeing the countryside by horse is another option. The Glen Tanar Equestrian Centre, near Aboyne, offers safe riding along riverside, woodland and mountain trails for all abilities.
The magnificent scenery is further enhanced by abundant wildlife, including red and roe deer, red squirrels, capercaillies and golden eagles.
Since Queen Victoria referred to Deeside in her journal as “my dear paradise in the Highlands”, visitors have enjoyed their own royal visit.
In Ballater, the station platform and waiting room have been restored to their Victorian splendour as a visitor centre along with a royal train carriage which is well worth a visit.
One of the smallest visitor centres is to be found at the Royal Deeside Railway Preservation Society at Milton of Crathes, near Banchory, as it is housed in a former railway carriage.
An enthusiastic band of volunteers has been working tirelessly to reinstate at least one short stretch of the railway and has several Victorian carriages under restoration.
No mention of Royal Deeside would be complete without reference to its castles, as it is thought the area houses more castles per square mile than anywhere in Scotland.
These range from 11th-century ruins to sumptuous Victorian buildings that reflect the luxury and opulence of their time.
For a pleasant family day out, it’s hard to beat a relaxing stroll through the beautiful walled gardens which surround a castle.
The Royal Deeside and The Cairngorms Destination Management Organisation (DMO) suggest the gardens at Crathes, Balmoral and Drum Castle are all looking pretty as a picture this spring.
To help you make up your mind, here’s what each has to offer:
Sit back and enjoy the stunning view of the historic Crathes Castle and its gardens situated near Banchory.
It is formerly the home of Sir James and Lady Burnett, whose lifelong interests in nature found expression in the gardens and in one of the best plant collections to be found in Britain.
The magnificent garden is home to eight smaller gardens which are bursting with colour at this time of year.
The tranquil atmosphere provides a great escape from everyday life. Don’t miss the wild garden that many don’t realise is there. It is located beyond the old wall and is well worth a look.
The castle is open from April to October and benefits from a quaint visitor centre and restaurant, but the gardens are open all year round from 9am until sunset.
A 13th-century square tower and a Jacobean mansion house make Drum Castle stand out among Scottish castles.
The magnificent Garden of Historic Roses within the walled garden is a remarkable creation, with the design of each quadrant of roses representing a different century of gardening, from the 17th to the 20th.
This blossoming garden is also surrounded by 100 acres of woodland known as the Old Wood of Drum, which is packed with coniferous plantations and woodland and offers exceptional views across the countryside of Royal Deeside.
The grounds are open all year from 9.30am to sunset.
Enjoy a regal experience in the grounds of Balmoral Castle with picturesque views across the gardens, which are exceptionally beautiful in spring as they begin to bloom.
Enjoy a tour around the Royal Family’s holiday home, before taking a relaxing stroll around the grounds to take in the wildlife and the scenery, and the architecture, which has been preserved by its royal owners for over 150 years.
Make sure to visit the Garden Cottage, a small cottage which was used by Queen Victoria to deal with state correspondence and write her diaries.
The cottage looks out on to the secluded water garden, with the rose garden and conservatory a short walk away.
The grounds, gardens and exhibitions at Balmoral are closed to the public from August to early October as the Royal Family are in residence, making spring the perfect time to visit and enjoy the beauty of the blossoming surroundings.
For further information on visiting Royal Deeside and to learn about what’s on, contact the Royal Deeside and The Cairngorms Destination Management Organisation on 013397 55283 or visit www.discover royaldeeside.com