Upper Donside is a gateway into one of the natural treasures of Scotland, the Cairngorms. Lying between the straths of Spey to the north, and Dee to the south, Upper Donside is essentially a narrower glen with a widely varying landscape from the sparse hills at Corgarff to the fertile valley of Alford. The changing character of the valley includes the small, but distinct, villages of Kildrummy, Glenkindie, Glenbuchat, Forbestown, Bellabeg, Roughpark and Corgarff. Rich in scenic beauty and places of interest, Upper Donside offers relaxed motoring and peaceful surroundings. The opportunities for fishing on the Don are superb.
Pony trekking and hillwalking deserve particular mention, and in winter there is excellent skiing.
All around there are castles, gardens and museums waiting to be explored and nature waiting to be enjoyed. Ospreys feed on the Don and buzzards and even eagles can be observed. Red deer are common and herons and otters are to be seen in the river. Each month and season brings its own distinct colourwash onto the landscape. For the interested observer, taking time out from the daily hustle of human life, the rich resources of the area could provide a satisfying interlude.