I don't know if this affects anyone's route but the Cambus O'May bridge near Ballater is now open again. This gives a more interesting alternative to the Deeside way along the South side of the river between Ballater & the bridge.
Cross the Dee using the road bridge at Ballater, or stay on the South side if you are coming from Glen Muick etc and head straight up to the path through the old logging camp which starts at the road junction at the south side of the road bridge. Eventually the waymarked route returns to the South Deeside road, goes along it (separate footpath) and then heads down to and continues close to the river. The route is still low level and easy going but might be more pleasant than the DSW which I suspect will be mobbed in June.

https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/cambus-omay-bridge-finally-reopened-after-storm-frank-destruction/