As the only comprehensive guidebook to North East Scotland in print, it also contains all the practical information you could need to plan and enjoy time in this thrillingly diverse yet largely under-explored part of Britain. This region of mountains and coasts, ancient Caledonian pine forests and salmon-rich rivers harbours much to enthral and surprise.

Long famous among hillwalkers, mountaineers and nature lovers, the Cairngorms is the UK's largest National Park and abounds in fairy folklore. Balmoral Estate has been a royal residence since Queen Victoria's reign, while Aberdeenshire has Scotland's highest density of castles and numerous Pictish stones and stone circles among an astounding 30,000 sites of historical and archaeological interest.

Between Inverness and Aberdeen lies the less-familiar region of Moray, which hosts the world's most northerly population of bottle-nosed dolphins, Scotland's oldest independent museum and Forres, where Shakespeare's Macbeth met the three witches. Here the Scots language and culture are celebrated through gatherings such as fire festivals.

This guidebook's Slow approach to travel fits with a growing ethos of sustainability in this part of Scotland, from Findhorn Ecovillage to a celebration of locally sourced, artisan and organic food alongside the well-known products of Speyside whisky, Aberdeen Angus beef and River Dee salmon. Key heritage attractions are described in intimate detail - but so are opportunities to see some of Scotland's most special wildlife, from pinewood-dwelling crested tits to the largest mainland gannet colony in the country.

Whether you are keen to visit castles or indulge in whisky-tastings amid Britain's highest concentration of distilleries, to stroll around sparkling forest lochans or to stride boldly along miles upon miles of coastline, discover North East Scotland with Bradt's unique Slow guide.