The Cairngorms National Park, established in 2003 covers the whole of the catchment of the Dee, including tributaries, down to as far as Dinnet. As well being included as part of the Cairngorms National Park the Deeside area, along with the mountains surrounding Lochnagar as far south as the head of Glen Doll, are together classified as the Deeside and Lochnagar National Scenic Area, one of 40 such areas in Scotland. The designated national scenic area covers 40,000 ha, extending from the Geldie down to Ballater.