Meall Darroch

Meall Darroch sits on the banks of the River Dee, a detached cottage with an open fire that actually works—fuel is included. The two-bedroom layout gives you a double on the first floor and two singles in the second bedroom, with a bathroom and bath. Downstairs there's a living room, a kitchen with a dishwasher and electric cooker, and a utility room with a washing machine. Bed linen and towels come with the booking, along with electricity and heating. One dog is welcome here.

The garden is natural rather than manicured, and there's parking for two cars on site. The location straddles two kinds of Deeside: moorland and mountain country that draws serious walkers, and the tourist corridor that includes Braemar and the Linn of Dee. A pub and shop are 4 miles away. The cottage does not allow smoking. A cot and highchair are available if you need them.