Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
A roaring log fire, warm and friendly atmosphere, excellent food and fine selection of beers and wine make this a favourite haunt for those who enjoy the best of Highland produce.
Book a tour of the Cairngorm Brewery, which produces a full range of bottled and cask ales to suit all tastes. The ales have won various awards and accolades.
Charming restaurant and coffee shop, family owned and operated with a reputation for quality cuisine and emphasis on friendly, attentive, high standards of service.
Located on the banks of the river Tummel, and established in 1650, Port-na -Craig Inn has served many satisfied drinkers and diners over the centuries. The famous Pitchochry festival theatre is situated nearby.
Fun Days Out
You could spend a fair amount of time exploring the Cairngorm Mountain, as there are lots of things to see and do. Take a trip on the UK's highest railway, with spectacular views of the Scottish mountain landscape, walk along the mountain footpath or stroll around the gardens. Also a must is to take a look at the stunning landscapes through the camera Obscura... a device that brings the outside in!
Cairngorm Mountain Railway offers a unique visitor gateway into this ancient glacial landscape - for all ages and abilities. The Railway takes you close to the summit for spectacular mountain landscape views.
For a unique experience, join the reindeer herder out on the mountainside where the reindeer graze in their natural environment. These quiet friendly animals are a delight to all ages. Meet these remarkable animals, learn all the interesting facts and enjoy this ?hands on? experience.
One of the 100 most amazing places in the UK. Superb for walking and mountain biking. Activities include fishing, quad treks, pony treks, safaris, archery, bushcraft, wildlife watching, clay shooting, photography. Estate farm shop, visitor centre, restaurant. One of the glories of wild Scotland (David Attenborough).
Explore Abernethy has a visitor centre containing exhibits explaining the history of Nethy Bridge and wildlife in the area. The centre is manned part time by a countryside ranger to provide help and advice. There are eight waymarked trails, many which go through the stunning Caledonian Pine Forest where many of the UK's rarest species are found.
Fun, discovery and adventure for all ages. One of the few places in the UK where you can rock climb, 'skydive', flume ride, meet red squirrels face to face, walk through the tops of tall pine trees and much, much more.
Situated in the heart of Speyside and the Malt Whisky Trail, the Spey Valley Smokehouse explores the fascinating history of Scottish Salmon, not only produces the finest smoked salmon but also offers visitors the opportunity to see the process in action.
Beach
The Beach at Loch Morlich - 16.9 Miles (27 KM)
Loch Morlich boasts the highest beach in Britain. A superb sandy beach and you can explore the loch by hiring a sailing boat, kayak or windsurfer.
Biking & Hiking
Craigower - 22.6 Miles (36.2 KM)
Craigower is an 11 acre old beacon hill. Despite not being very high, the walk can be strenuous in parts but once at the top, you can enjoy views of Loch Tummel, Loch Rannoch, Farragon Hill, Schiehallion and even as far as Glencoe.
The Cateran Trail is a 64 mile circular waymarked walking route in the Perthshire and Angus glens that follows the same ancient drove routes once used by cattle rustlers. Using existing paths and minor roads, the trail can be walked in stages or completed in a relatively leisurely fashion in 4/5 days.
Golf & Sports
With an impressive 20 lifts and 36 runs, this ski centre offers a massive range of skiing & snowboarding facilities. If you are new to skiing, you can hire an instructor or join a class, but if you consider yourself a pro, then just hit the slopes and have fun!
Aviemore is Britain's premier winter sports resort. Experience the thrill of snow sports for yourself at Cairngorm including alpine ski-ing, snowboarding, cross country ski-ing and sledging.
Ballater Golf Club is in a prime location in the beautiful countryside of Upper Deeside. It is an 18 hole, par 70, blend of parkland and heathland, medium length golf course, that is slightly rolling. There are a number of natural hazards with a number of the holes being near to the Rover Dee. It is a picturesque course with stunning views. The course is beautiful and in superb condition with fast fairways and lovely greens. The course will offer challenges to all level of golfer. It is a very warm and welcoming club and they extend a true Scottish welcome to all visitors. The Clubhouse has excellent facilities, it is roomy and has a warm and inviting atmosphere and they have a diverse menu that offers a great choice of dishes that are tasty and great value for money. Ballater Golf Club offers a good round of golf with lovely scenic views for an excellent price.
The first and only daily working sled dog centre in the UK, set within spectacular panoramic views of the Cairngorm Mountains. You will be taken by dog team and guide into some of the very best scenic routes in the Cairngorms, getting close to wild red deer and other wildlife.
From first timer to budding instructor, you can enjoy a wide range of activities under the guidance of a highly skilled and motivated team based in Aviemore in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park.
This interpretation/fun trail and children's adventure area is open all year round. Experienced, qualified instructors, recognised by all governing bodies, offer activities such as sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, river trips and much more.
Nae Limits - 26.1 Miles (41.8 KM)
Scotland's most centrally located outdoor adventure centre, only 1œ hours drive from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Dundee. Open all year round, Nae Limits offer over 13 activities including Scotland's only Sphere Mania facility, Adventure Tubes, River Bugs, and Whitewater Rafting.
For an active day out, choose from an exciting range of sports: white water rafting, canoeing, gorge scrambling, rock climbing, abseiling and mountain biking as well as skiing and snowboarding during the winter. Activities are available to suit individuals, families and groups of all ages and abilities.
Nature Reserves
Cambus o'May is a stunningly beautiful natural forest that is located in the Deeside Way. It provides an escape from all the everyday hustle and bustle, the forest is so tranquil and peaceful. Every season brings its own appeal and enchantment from the wildflowers in the spring to the beautiful autumnal colours and crisp leaves in autumn. There are a choice of trails that you can follow, they are well sign posted and range in length, there is even a wheelchair accessible route. You can stroll through the Scots pine trees and silver birch whilst, watching for the native wildlife including red squirrels, dragonflies and black grouse. Admire the views of the forest from bridge that spans the lochan, it is a popular spot in the warmer months to plunge from the bridge and swim in the fresh waters, this beautiful suspension bridge is also the highlight of the walk here in Cambus o'May. Cambus o'May is an important location for ground nesting birds like capercaille, it is also home to a disused granite mine. There are plenty of opportunities to take a picnic where you can enjoy the views across Strath, Ballater and Craigendarroch. Cambus o'May is ideal for those who want to enjoy a walk in the countryside that is not too strenuous but still has stunning scenery.
Corrie Fee - 12.6 Miles (20.2 KM)
One of 9 national nature reserves located in the Cairngorms National Park, this reserve was sculpted thousands of years ago by ice which left behind corries, cliffs, moraines and a meandering river. This breathtaking landscape is a haven for scarce arctic-alpine plants, birds and animals able to cope with the challenges of mountain life.
Established within Glenmore Forest Park, the reserve provides a haven for wildlife. You can choose to seek out some of the small but beautiful plants living on the forest floor, or just savour the fragrant carpet of needles beneath the ancient granny pines. Woodland specialists like red squirrels, crossbills and crested tits are all resident, and the forest is often alive with the sound of bird song.
Voted ?Scotland?s Best Picnic Site?, Loch an Eileen is a beautiful place, surrounded by ancient forest. Walk or cycle round the loch, enjoy views of the mysterious island castle and glimpse Highland wildlife. There are numerous other superb walking and cycling routes on the wonderful Rothiemurchus estate and the adjoining Glenmore Forest Park.
Situated one mile from Nethybridge, this is the largest native Scots pinewood in Britain. Abernethy is well-known for its many rare northern insects as well as being home to breeding birds such as capercaillie, crossbill, crested tit, osprey and goldeneye.
This exposed rock face named Roches Moutonness in the village of Duldain Bridge bears signs of the sheet of glacier ice that once covered this village. This is a great point from which to view the Cairngorns National Park.
Renowned as one of Europe's most important wetlands, this nature reserve will undoubtedly charm bird watching enthusiasts. Around half of all British goldeneye ducks nest here in spring. You?re also likely to see lapwings, redshanks and curlews, as well as oystercatchers, snipe and wigeon. Easily accessible from Kingussie, this reserve is also the ideal place for a picnic.
Gardens & Woodlands
Glenmore has a unique mixture of ancient pinewoods, high mountain scenery and beautiful lochs. Miles of walking paths - from gentle strolls to high mountain adventures - mountain biking, canoeing or just relaxing on Loch Morlich's beach. Award winning visitor centre and forest cafe.
The hills of Craigellachie are rich in mature birch woodland. Scenic trails throughout provide fine views across Aviemore and Strathspey to the Cairngorms. You may even spot Peregrine falcons, which regularly nest on the cliff here.
Experience Scottish wildlife as well as international endangered animals of mountains and tundra in the spectacular setting of the Highland Park. Drive round the main reserve in your own car and investigate the walk-round areas on foot. (Facilities are available to leave dogs during visit)
Hercules is a 9 acre walled garden of fruit and vegetables grown among ornamental planting schemes and sweet smelling shrubs, overlooked by a fine statue of Hercules by John Cheere, placed on a rise in a shrub walk running east from Blair Castle.
Journey into the mysterious and intriguing Explorers Garden and discover the hidden treasures brought home by the ?plant-hunters?. These men were horticulturalists, botanists and adventurers, masters of the craft and through their explorations throughout the globe; this superb garden is a wonder to behold. Twenty of these figures and their journeys are represented in Explorers Garden.
Set in beautiful surroundings, this sanctuary operates an adoption scheme for its rescued horses, ponies and donkeys. Guided tours are provided. There's also a visitor centre, gift shop and picnic area.
Admire a huge variety of plant life in this stunning woodland garden. With Giant Himalayan lilies, arisaemas, skunk cabbages and blue poppies to enchant and delight and snowdrops and hellebores to marvel at in the winter; this lovely garden can be enjoyed all year round.
Local Attractions
Royal Lochnagar Distillery is positioned beside Balmoral Castle and offers the ideal opportunity to find out how Scottish Whisky is manufactured. Still made to traditional methods, with the original type of equipment you will see the process from start to finish, barley to bottle. Water is taken from the local Scarnock Springs and local barley is also used in the process. The tour guides are very good they are friendly, knowledgeable and passionate in explaining the history of the distillery as well as the process of how the whisky is made. You are given the opportunity to smell the aroma of some of the older casks which, is interesting. At the end of the tour you are rewarded with a testing session of their award-winning Royal Lochnagar 12 year old single highland malt. Unfortunately children under 8 are not allowed in the production areas of the distillery. The tour is very interesting and informative nad there are a choice of tour options, they all offer excellent value for money.
The Braemar Gathering is a popular Highland Games event that always takes place on the first Saturday in September, and is hosted in The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park. It is an extremely popular event that has taken place for the past 900 years and are attended by members of the Royal family. It is not surprising that the event sells out quickly with tickets going on sale almost a year in advance. There are a choice of ticket options available. There are lots of different games and activities taking place including, international athletes participating in the heavy and track events, pipers and dancers, a tug of war, hill race, bagpipe competitions, childrens sack race and lots more. The Braemar Gathering is world renowned for its friendly and hospitable welcome it extends to all visitors. It is a day long event and the weather cannot be depended on so it is best to dress to cover all eventualities. The Braemar Gathering is a brilliant community event with a friendly and bustling vibe and loads of entertainment and fun, a fantastic day out for everyone.
Loch Muick Reserve forms part of the Balmoral Estate. Loch Muick is located at the base of Lochnagar, one of Scotlands best mountains. The area is stunningly beautiful and the panoramic views are amazing, it offers wonderful photo opportunities. There is a real sense of calm and tranquillity about the area it offers the perfect escape from it all. The region has a number of marked walking trails that vary in length and difficulty, you can in fact walk all the way around the loch. If you choose to walk around the loch, you will pass Queen Victoria's hunting lodge where a waterfall cascades down the hills, beautiful. It is also home for a lot of native wildlife including grouse, deer, hare and various birds. The visitor centre is very helpful, it has lots of information and the staff are most helpful and very knowledgeable. It is recommended that you wear suitable footwear and warm clothing as it can get quite blustery here. Loch Muick Reserve is simply stunning and should not be missed if you get the opportunity to visit.
Ace Adventure are based amongst the most dramatic and stunning scenery in Scotland, they have a number of locations throughout the country. A large choice of activities are available at each location including paintballing, canyoning, bungee jumping, white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, river tubing and cliff jumping as well as wildlife experiences. The activities offer lots of thrills and excitement and are aimed at all ages and abilities. Safety has high importance here and a full safety briefing is given before each activity as well as instructions on how to use the equipment. All equipment is provided so it is not necessary to take anything along, equipment is excellent quality and well maintained. The activities they offer are great value for money but do check the website as they often have special offers. Staff are great really friendly, professional and competent, they put you at ease are really encouraging and patient and ensure you get the most from your experience, you receive lots of helpful pointers and information along the way. The scenery is stunning and although the activities can be challenging and frightening, they are so much fun and you get a real thrill. Ace Adventure are the only place to go if you are seeking a thrilling and exciting time here in Scotland, you are in safe hands, customer service is excellent and they are really professional and well organised so you get the most from your time with them, no hesitation in recommending.
Revered by connoisseurs, The Glenlivet can only be made in one particular spot, in a single glen, in the heart of Scotland's malt whisky-making country. Delve into the intriguing mysteries of distilling — and of course, sample the golden magic that is The Glenlivet.
Peel Farm - 24.4 Miles (39 KM)
Peel Farm is a working farm in the beautiful Angus Glens, situated 1/2 mile from the spectacular Reekie Linn waterfall. As well as a coffee shop, snack lunches, scrummy home baking, Farm Shop and the Little Cloth House, it has a great atmosphere and friendly staff.
When JM Barrie was given the freedom of Kirriemuir, he presented the town with the cricket pavilion on Kirrie Hill, and the Camera Obscura within it. At times, it will be unable to operate due to weather conditions, which may result in closure for the whole day.
Take the tour and enjoy a dram at Glenfarclas, one of the few independent distilleries left in Scotland. It has been owned by the Grant family since 1865.
Historical & Heritage Sites
Old Royal Station is beautifully restored with lots of its original features and is a reminder of a time gone by when the railroads were the main mode of transport. The station itself has a nice selection of Victoria and Albert history, with interactive displays and some activities for the children. The waiting room is beautiful so ornate and luxurious a real reflection of the grandeur of that time. The Royal railway carriage is an exact replica of the one that would have been used by Queen Victoria and her family and gives a real insight into how royalty travelled and what it would have been like when the Queen and her entourage arrived to holiday in Balmoral. The exhibition is very well done with lifelike figures all in period clothing. The entrance fee is only nominal and represents great value for money. The station itself has a long and interesting history and this is dealt with as well at the Old Royal Station. Old Royal Station is a lovely museum that gives a true reflection of life during that period, it is both interesting and informative and will appeal to all ages.
The steam trains run through stunning scenery between Aviemore, Boat of Garten, Broom hill (Glenbogle in TV?s Monarch of the Glen) and Grantown-on-Spey.
The museum contains many artefacts and archives relating to the lives of the local people over the past century and displays information about the Glenesk area. There is a tearoom and gift shop.
As well as the stories of the people who built, worked at, and visited the Atholl Palace from the time building began in 1874, the museum looks at the reasons for building a large Hydropathic Establishment in Pitlochry and the impact it had on the town.
This major social history museum gives a fascinating insight into the way life was lived in the Highlands over the past three centuries.
In this two-storey house J M Barrie (1860?1937), the creator of Peter Pan, was born. The upper floors are furnished as they may have been when Barrie lived there and the adjacent house, No 11, contains an exhibition about his literary and theatrical works.
This 16th century castle, family home of the McPherson-Grants, lairds of Ballindalloch since 1546, offers (self-guided) tours, an audio-visual presentation, tearoom, shop, gardens, river walks, electric trains, an observation beehive and famous Aberdeen-Angus cattle herd.
