North East: From mountain to shore, this is a place you'll adore

IT is a land so majestic that it has captured the hearts of queens.

From craggy mountains and raging rivers to towering seacliffs and golden sands lapped by and crystaline waters, north-east
Scotland has it all.

Queen Victoria was so beguiled by the region’s beauty that she had a castle built at Balmoral, pictured above, on Royal Deeside in 1853. And it has been the cherished holiday home of the Royal Family ever since.

This is a region of breathtaking contrasts. Its coast – lauded by National Geographic as one of the world’s most outstanding – stretches along the eastern seaboard from picturesque St Cyrus at its southernmost edge northwards to Lossiemouth in Moray.

Inland, it encompasses the rich, rolling fields of Aberdeenshire’s rural heartland and “Castle Country” with more than 300 historic castles and stately homes – more per acre than anywhere else in the UK.

Some of the most precious jewels in Scotland’s tourism crown can be found in this rich and varied land. Braemar, home to the world famous “Gathering” or Highland Games, is beloved by the Royals who visit every year.

An angler fishing for salmon at the River Dee (Alamy)

It also boasts part of the spectacularly rugged Cairngorm National Park, a mecca for hikers, climbers and snow sports enthusiasts. The region’s rivers – like the famous Spey – have some of the best salmon and sea trout fishing in Europe. And it is in the heart of Speyside that visitors can savour the world’s only Malt Whisky Trail.

Scotland is the home of golf and the north east is no exception. It is has two of the top 10 oldest courses in the world, while set amid the great dunes that stretch along the coastline, are some of the most challenging links courses.

American President Donald Trump so loves the region he decided to site a new course here – the Trump International Golf Links at Balmedie.

With its bustling market towns, vibrant coastal communities, great eateries and activities, the north east is a holiday location quite above par.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be a Royal or a president to afford it.