Backing onto the river Dee and sitting at the base of the Morven and Culblean Hills, the village lies on the main road between Aberdeen and Braemar, not far from Aboyne and Ballater. It is often said to be the gateway to the Cairngorms National Park at the foot of the Highlands. With the coming of the Royal Family to Deeside in the mid-19th century, the small village thrived due to its new connection. The area has its own web site www.discoverroyaldeeside.com

Though the railway between Aberdeen and Ballater was closed after a hundred years in 1966, the village is still popular with tourists. Archaeologists in particular cant help but be drawn to the 5000-year-old settlement just outside the village. The area north of Dinnet is also well-known for abundant wildlife in its two nature reserves, and the famous Grampian Transport Museum in Alford.   The spectacular Glen Tanar Estate is a must visit when in this area, it has great walks and also trout fishing from boats on Glen Tanar Loch.

Loch Kinord Hotel in Dinnet offers classic Scottish culinary dishes, all at a really reasonable price.  The restaurant and lovely bar lounge is all about making people welcome, comfortable and feeling at ease. Set in the heart of Royal Deeside in the Cairngorm National Park, the Victoria Restaurant, is also a place where you are assured of a warm welcome, good food, and relaxing surroundings. You must try the Victoria sponge cake.

An 18 hole par 70 course situated by the River Dee, Ballater Golf Club was founded in 1892. Several holes lie close to the River Dee and many a ball has gone to a watery grave. Ballater and its golf course lie within a circle of hills with glorious views, a delightful golfing experience. Eastward there is Aboyne Golf Course.  The course provides a fine test of golf for all abilities. A short drive further east you will find Inchmarlo Golf centre offering two stunning golf courses, the HSBC Regional Course Rankings Silver Award winning Lairds and the beautiful 9 hole Queens.

East of Dinnet is Aboyne, which hosts an Outdoor Festival each September packed with dozens of outdoor events. Westward into Ballater and Braemar, April sees the Balmoral road race, July is the Braemar Gala week and  August is the annual Victoria week where you will find something on each day and evening events.

Situated on low-lying ground, Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve (NNR) consists of extensive Birchwood, wetlands and heather moor. In its centre are two large lochs, Davan and Kinord. To the west, you can find the hidden Vat, a spectacular geological feature famed for concealing the 18th Century outlaw, Gilderoy Macgregor. There is an excellent visitor centre at the Burn O'Vat, to help you make the most of your visit.