A number of highly successful independent businesses, which contribute to the thriving local economy are based in and around Ballogie. We collaborate with many of these businesess, to showcase the unique products and experiences that they offer, here is just a small selection that we would recommend you visit while staying at Ballogie, or can find out more online, before you arrive.
The Butterworth Gallery is an established 4 star Visit Scotland attraction in Royal Deeside, which was formerly Ballogie village shop and post office. The gallery still has the original petrol pump located outside.
The gallery exhibits a range of beautiful art work and gifts by renowned local artist Howard Butterworth, and his daughter Mary Louise Butterworth.
The village telephone box located outside the gallery is now a self-service coffee shop, which is thought to be the smallest in Europe.
Currently the gallery is offering private exhibition viewings; click here to book your appointment.
Midstrath Equiworld Club is a family-run, professional riding club offering a high-quality personal service. The Maher family offer a variety of services to suit all levels of rider from beginner, to the more serious competition rider looking for expert tuition.
Riding lessons, pony activity days, stable management courses, competitions, clinics, various activity days and gift vouchers are all available through Midstrath.
Located in Ballogie Estate’s walled garden, The Seed Box is a horticulture and outdoor therapy centre. It aims to improve the social, emotional and physical health of its service users through horticulture and outdoor activities. As a social enterprise, profits are generated for the benefit of the users.
Visitors are welcome to visit and purchase plants and locally grown produce. The Seed Box also sells seasonal produce at local farmers markets and also provides the estate and the Potarch Café and Restaurant with vegetables, fruit and other fresh products.
If you are planning to fish on the River Dee during your stay at Ballogie, why not buy your salmon flies from someone who knows the water well? Sean Stanton is the Head Ghillie at Ballogie and the creator of the original Franc N Snaelda fly. If you enjoy the experience of landing a salmon with a fly you tied yourself, but find it difficult to source good quality raw materials such as tubing, hackles and hooks, log onto Sean’s website to buy what you need before you visit.
Tom and the team at Aquaplay Scotland offer bespoke guided paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking, experiences on the picturesque rivers, lochs and seas around Scotland.
Catering for all abilities and offering a wide range of locations to meet the needs of individuals and group sizes, the business has bases in Royal Deeside, Speyside and the Moray Coast, however, they are willing and able to travel to where you are or would like to paddle!
One of the most popular sessions run by the team is a paddleboarding experience at Potarch bridge, on the majestic River Dee. Not only is this a fun session, but there are fantastic opportunities to swim and jump in the rapids while understanding the river environment safely.
Aquaplay Scotland provide all your equipment; including winter wetsuits and helmets, so all you need to do, is book, turn up, have some fun and take away great memories!
Scotland is a world renowned destination for mountain biking, and the North East of Scotland is a hidden gem. There are single track trails that are an easy ride from all estate accommodation, that thread through the forest, glens and up onto the beautiful moorland. There is a wide range of terrain and plenty to see, from a lowland trip along the river Dee, taking in the cultural history and preserved buildings on the estate to swooping through the forest on rocky trails.
AN OPEN AIR TOUR OF THE ESTATE
Enjoying Ballogie Estate on bikes is made easy by the miles of estate roads, reaching right up onto the grouse moors. Our local Guide, Mike from Macdui Bike Adventures, will be able to pick the perfect route for you and your group, picking the best spots on the estate and the surrounding area for you to visit. Mike is a talented and experienced British Cycling Mountain Bike Guide and Coach, who has lots of local knowledge.
Macdui Bike Adventures will deliver the bikes and helmets to you at your accommodation. The bikes are modern, high specification mountain bikes; they have suspension forks and rear suspension, dropper seat posts, low gear ratios and off-road tyres, perfect for the variety of terrain you will cover!
The Family Ride
The team set up the bikes for you, check your equipment and give you some riding advice, before heading out on the trails. Every route is curated to suit you and your family, designed to match your abilities, you do need to be able to ride a bike, but you don't need to be an experienced mountain biker!
The pace is family-friendly, and will last up to 3 hours. It is recommended that all riders are over 11 years old, and over 140cm tall.
For more information or to make a booking contact Mike Wilkes:
Email: Wilkesy@macdui-bike-advenutres.com
Telephone: 07825204746
Join the team at Highlands Unbridled for a riding adventure exploring the wild and beautiful landscape of Scotland on horseback. Canter through Ballogie Estate's breathtaking Calendonian forests and climb high onto heather clad hills for beautiful uninterrupted views.
Highlands Unbridled can accommodate all levels of riders, from experienced to novice.
Their shorter rides (1 hour to 4 hours) and day rides (6 hours) will be available from the 1st of May and they will be offering 2 or 3 day short breaks from the 17th of May 2021.
They have full Covid-19 safety measures in place at their yard in line with government guidance; including hand sanitizer stations, masks when greeting riders, fully sanitised tack in between rides and social distancing.
For more information contact www.Highlandsunbridled.com email info@highlandsunbridled.com or call 01339 887676 or 07377 854378
Bothies & Bannocks offers foodie tours & experiences in the North East of Scotland, giving an authentic taste of local culture, food and landscape. They are based in the heart of Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire and are perfectly positioned to deliver some of the finest food tours in Scotland.
The business was born out of a passion for top quality, seasonal produce from the area where Calum (your host) was lucky to have grown up and is proud to call home.
Experience the best food and drink Scotland has to offer and meet the producers who work hard to bring such high-quality food to market. Have a browse at the tours page on their website to see examples of the set itinerary foodie tours and experiences on offer.
If you are looking for something more unique, then get in touch with Calum to start planning your ultimate Scottish foodie experience!
Email: calum@bothiesandbannocks.co.uk or call 07816441205
Contact us: +44 (0)13398 86497
Ballogie Estate, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, AB34 5DT Find Us
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