Strathdon
Srath Dheathain
Alert
Strathdon is an area in Upper Donside, a fertile strath spanning the river Don (low-lying land beside the river) that contrasts with the wilder, more rugged landscape of the nearby Cairngorms.
Strathdon’s village, Bellabeg, sits where the River Don meets the Water of Nochty. While small, it features a couple of helpful amenities typical of a Highland village: a shop and the Lonach Hall, which has a bar and hosts community groups and events.
Every August, the village upholds over 200 years of tradition to host the Lonach Highland Games. The games unite the Strathdon communities in a celebration of Scottish culture and famously feature the march of the Lonach Highlanders, a band of non-military men. Following patronage from Scottish comedian and former Strathdon resident Billy Connolly, the event gained widespread fame.
The area's remoteness makes it popular as a place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. No matter the season, the local woodlands are a quiet corner of the Cairngorms. There are a number of walks from Bellabeg, including the easy-access stroll to the Doune of Invernochty, a 12th-century moated motte. This is one of the finest examples of Norman earthwork castles in Scotland.
Alford and Ballater, both a 30-minute drive, provide a range of shops and other amenities, such as schools, community groups and a swimming pool. Aberdeen is just over an hour east for national travel connections. The Lecht Ski Centre is under 12 miles away to the north, and the 418-metre climb to get there is a popular challenge for road cyclists.
Strathdon is an area in Upper Donside, a fertile strath spanning the river Don (low-lying land beside the river) that contrasts with the wilder, more rugged landscape of the nearby Cairngorms.
Strathdon’s village, Bellabeg, sits where the River Don meets the Water of Nochty. While small, it features a couple of helpful amenities typical of a Highland village: a shop and the Lonach Hall, which has a bar and hosts community groups and events.
Every August, the village upholds over 200 years of tradition to host the Lonach Highland Games. The games unite the Strathdon communities in a celebration of Scottish culture and famously feature the march of the Lonach Highlanders, a band of non-military men. Following patronage from Scottish comedian and former Strathdon resident Billy Connolly, the event gained widespread fame.
The area's remoteness makes it popular as a place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. No matter the season, the local woodlands are a quiet corner of the Cairngorms. There are a number of walks from Bellabeg, including the easy-access stroll to the Doune of Invernochty, a 12th-century moated motte. This is one of the finest examples of Norman earthwork castles in Scotland.
Alford and Ballater, both a 30-minute drive, provide a range of shops and other amenities, such as schools, community groups and a swimming pool. Aberdeen is just over an hour east for national travel connections. The Lecht Ski Centre is under 12 miles away to the north, and the 418-metre climb to get there is a popular challenge for road cyclists.
Alert
Strathdon
key
facts
Elevation
300m
Location
NE
Location
Relevant alerts
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The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a wildfire warning impacting parts of the National Park from Wednesday 13 August until Tuesday 19 August. If you are out and about in the Cairngorms National Park please observe the following guidance:
- Do not light any fire or barbecue.
- Always ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and take your litter (including glass) away with you.
- Enjoy the outdoors responsibly - most wildfires are caused by human activity.
- Stay alert - with dry vegetation and warm weather, fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and burn intensely.
- If you see a wildfire, dial 999.
For further updates on wildfire risk across Scotland, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website.
