Nearby Banchory (2 miles) has a choice of supermarkets as well as various pubs and eateries to sample. Golfers are particularly well catered for here as the town has an 18 hole course and a little 9 hole course. Fishing can be arranged on the wonderful River Dee and there is also a leisure centre with a swimming pool.

Just over a mile down the road it is worth stopping off at the Falls of Feugh, a beautiful waterfall that is particularly impressive after rainfall. From September to March it is possible to witness the fascinating sight of salmon leaping up the falls as they negotiate their way upstream to spawn - which is no mean feat!

For wintersports, The Lecht (42 miles) and Glenshee (50 miles) are both in easy driving distance for a day on the slopes or skills can be practised on the dry slope at Alford Ski Centre (21 miles) where skiing, snowboarding and tubing can all be tried.

Down on the coast the impressive Dunnottar Castle (17 miles) sits proudly on a rocky headland that juts out into the North Sea. This imposing fortress dates all the way back to the 1300s and the extent of what remains to this day stands as testament to the original build quality. It is about a 15 minute walk out to the castle with some steep steps to negotiate but it is well worth it to take in this remarkable stronghold.

The Fowlsheugh RSPB reserve (19 miles) is home to over 100,000 seabirds who return every year to nest. Bird watchers will love picking out and recording the various breeds from guillemots and razorbills to fulmars and delightful puffins. There are also seals and dolphins to spot out in the water so there is certainly something for everyone.