Eat and Drink
The Fish Shop, Ballater
The best locally caught seafood with impeccable service to match. No visit to Glen Dye is complete without a trip here. But be sure to book!
The Lobster Shop, Johnshaven
An absolute must, specially after a windblown walk along St Cyrus beach. You can’t get fresher crab or lobster sandwiches, literally straight from the sea.
Paddleboarding at Knockburn Loch or Durris
Needs no introduction! Test your balancing skills and have fun in the water. All equipment provided.
Tàrmachan Café, Crathie
A fabulous architect-designed café serving the best coffee and excellent food. A perfect stop off on your way up Royal Deeside.
Rockpool Café, Cullen
For very, very best, genuine Cullen Skink there is. Cullen has some great antique shops too. Be sure to venture a couple of miles along the coast to Portknockie to see Bow Fiddle Rock, too.
Finzean Farmshop
Well worth a visit for warming soups, excellent cakes and a great array of food and gifts to buy.
Red squirrels at Glen Dye
What’s your favourite British animal? If I had to choose one, it would probably be the squirrel.
On my culture radar this month September 2025.
On my Culture email for September 2025 words written by Charlie Gladstone.