Victorian Trail                

Queen Victoria’s distinctive profile on brown-coloured tourist signs points you along the Victorian Heritage Trail, leading you to some of the spots she herself enjoyed during visits to the area. The trail also takes in two distilleries, one at Fettercairn in the Mearns, and the other below Lochnagar among the Deeside hills. Fettercairn and Royal Lochnagar distilleries - both open to visitors - each produce a distinct and flavoursome single malt.

Look out too for the many businesses which proudly display Royal coats-of-arms. This heraldic flourish indicates that these businesses supply members of the Royal family with goods or services. The little town of Ballater has more "By Appointment" signs than any other comparable place in the world. The Old Royal Station in Ballater has been fully restored and even boasts a replica of Queen Victoria’s royal carriage. Be sure not to miss this charming visitor attraction.

Download a map to enjoy your royal journey through this fascinating region.