Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
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.
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.
This highly regarded country manor restaurant has a 'Taste of Scotland' menu which includes haggis and smoked salmon among many other delights. Tony Blair has visited this manor house twice.
A welcome addition to the eating out scene in Inverness. Set in a wonderful position overlooking the river, it serves superb, fresh food prepared with skill and care. Choose from the lunch, dinner or Sunday lunch menu.
Fun Days Out
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.
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).
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.
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.
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!
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.
At the site of the last battle fought on British soil, the visitors' centre has an interactive exhibition, 360º immersive film bringing the battle to life, battle field tour, licensed restaurant and shop. Culloden has always been a memorable place — and is now even more so.
Trips depart from Inverness harbour out onto the Moray Firth, where you will have the best chance of seeing the most northerly group of bottlenose dolphins in the world, plus common seals, grey seals and porpoise.
Awarded 5 Stars by VisitScotland.com, this fantastic, world famous Exhibition incorporates a 7 room automated walk through telling the story of Loch Ness from the beginning of the Ice Age through to the present day. using animations, lasers and special effects.
The Dolphin and Seal centre is run by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, and provides information about dolphins, seals and other wildlife you can see in this area.
Forres Highland Games take place annually in Grant Park and usually take place around the first Saturday in July, regardless of the weather. They incorporate a range of traditional highland games together with many other attractions making for a great day out for all. Anyone can get involved in the fun and activities, just fill in an application form and you could be competing and being cheered on by the supportive and encouraging crowds who gather to watch. It is a popular event and draws large crowds who come to enjoy the colourful, energetic and cheerful occasion. In addition to cheering on at the games that include, Tug O' War, Heavy events, Athletics, Highland dancing, Grass Cycling and a road race, you can watch the bands perform, enjoy some delicious local food and treats and shop on the many craft and local stalls found here. Be prepared for for all weathers and you will have a fabulous day and see some fantastic athletes, maybe witness a new record being set, and see and hear amazing performers, highly recommended.
Beach
The Beach at Loch Morlich - 3.7 Miles (5.9 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
From Achiltibuie, this estate reserve encompasses mountains, moorland, peatbog and a chain of lochs. lPtarmigan, great northern diver, Grey seal, otter and red deer are among the wildlife and the from Strathkannaird to Achiltibuie is a wonderful coastal walk.
Inverfarigaig - Foyers - Loch Ness - Inverfarigaig - 24.5 Miles (39.2 KM)
A 6.4 mile walk overlooking Loch Ness. Taking about 4 hours, the route starts from the Information Centre at the Inverfarigaig car park and continues to Upper Foyers. The route then descends overlooking the falls.
Pattack Falls and Druim an Aird - 24.7 Miles (39.5 KM)
This easy to follow walk takes you through Pattack gorge waterfalls (used as a location in 'Monarch of the Glen') and the ruins of Druim an Aird, the deserted village.
Golf & Sports
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eleven miles of purpose-built, all-weather challenging singletrack mountain bike routes graded red and black, including a blue-graded Fun Park. Hire a mountain bike and they'll even shuttle you to the start to save the climb. Or if you'd rather, take a pony trek or a quiet walk.
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!
A completely mobile outdoor activity company with headquarters near Inverness, they use venues throughout the Highlands for canoeing, rock climbing, abseiling, gorge walking, canyoning, archery, mountain biking, hill walking, weaselling, winter mountaineering, telemark and cross country skiing and snowboarding.
Nature Reserves
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gardens & Woodlands
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.
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.
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)
Who would have thought that in the Heart of the Highlands you would find a subtropical oasis, with greenhouses, cactus house, landscaped gardens, and tropical fish pond!
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.
Local Attractions
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.
A remote distillery with routes as far back as the 15th century. Set in spectacular scenery, Tomatin is one of the highest distilleries in the country at over 315 metres above sea level. It is also a family affair with 25 families housed on the 140 acres the site encompasses. Take the tour of this unique, four star attraction, hear about whisky-loving angels and try a drop yourself.
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.
No visit to Scotland would be complete without a guided tour of a distillery. At Dalwhinnie, the admission price includes a discount voucher redeemable against a 70cl bottle of single malt. Children under 8 are welcome, but are not admitted to production areas.
Discover 'The Story of Tartan' and join in the weaving exhibition at this working factory site. The Mill shop offers a superb range of tartans, knitwear, gifts and souvenirs. Situated in the City Centre.
Logie Steading is located within the Logie Estate in the gorgeous Findhorn Valley, it is a unique shopping village with the purpose of promoting Scottish craftsmanship and produce. The setting is lovely, the sandstone buildings are gorgeous and are set around a courtyard, offering a really relaxed and casual shopping experience. You will find a great selection of shops as well as the lovely Olive Tree Cafe. Artisan makers, producers and retailers have established themselves here to sell a host of high quality products including, books, a farm shop, whisky shop and much more. The Olive Tree Cafe serves a lovely selection of quality beverages, snacks and light lunches in a pleasant and welcoming environment, prices are reasonable and the staff are lovely. Owing to its lovely rural setting it never gets too busy so you can stroll around at a leisurely pace and is idyllic on a sunny day. The grounds have lots to offer too once you have finished shopping with lovely walks and a playground for younger visitors, as well as a garden centre. Logie Steading might be a bit out of the way but it is certainly worth the trip the goods on offer are fantastic and the setting is beautiful a real treat and a real change from the typical high street experience.
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.
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.
Castle Cruises Loch Ness operates boat trips around Loch Ness. You are collected from the Loch Ness visitor centre where you can buy tickets and are returned here by minibus. The tour lasts about three quarters of an hour you get to see the loch and Great Glen from a different perspective, as well as getting great views of Urquhart Castle. The cruiser is comfortable and accommodates about twelve people, so groups are small. It does have a covered area in case of rain as you are out in the open. Onboard are underwater scanning equipment and GPS that are continually scanning the waters, you might not find the elusive Nessie but will certainly find plenty of fish. There is as an audio and visual presentation system that plays as you travel around the loch and narrates the history of the loch and the local area together with local stories, folklore and facts. The cruises are operated by skippers Gordon or Dick who have vast knowledge of the area and are happy to share this with you and answer any questions that you might have. They are friendly, knowledgeable and passionate and the tours are fun and interesting and cater to all ages on board. Trips are accompanied by ducks who come to be fed and a loaf of bread is kept on board to feed them. Tours run from Easter through to the end of October and are dependent on the weather and numbers. Make sure to take along a camera as there are plenty of photo opportunities. Castle Cruises Loch Ness provide an indepth and fascinating insight into the loch, the infamous Nessie and the local area, cruises cater to all ages and it is a fabulous tour with lots to see and learn and is excellent value too, and the skippers ensure that everyone has a memorable trip, highly recommended.
Loch Ness Cruises offer the opportunity to cruise around Loch Ness and join in the continuing search for the infamous Loch Ness Monster. The vessel is comfortable and offers plenty of shelter from the elements if needed, the cabin is heated and is surrounded by glass so you still get great views from inside, or you can sit outside on the decks and enjoy the views and abundance of fresh air. Tours operate from Easter to end of October, they are popular so booking during the summer months is essential. Tours last about an hour in total including the pick up and drop off at the harbour. Skippered by a local highlander who is really friendly and jovial, you are assured a first class trip with the best knowledge around of the loch, local history and the elusive Nessie and plenty of anecdotes and stories, tours are both interesting and informative. The vessel is fitted with full colour sonars, radar GPS, underwater cameras and satellite navigation that continually scans the loch for any suspicious movement. You get the best views of Urquhart Castle from onboard and the views of the loch are fabulous so make sure to take along a camera. Loch Ness Cruises are excellent value for money with great commentary and excellent customer service as well as some fabulous scenery, a definite if you are visiting this area, you won't be disappointed.
Highland Beauty Clinic and Day Spa are located in Forres, on the High Street and are well established being a fixture here for many years. There is a welcoming reception area and the clinic has a tranquil and relaxed atmosphere. It is beautifully decorated and has a nice modern but cosy feel about it. They offer a large choice of treatments and are one of a few clinics in Scotland offering a new Elemis Biotec electric facial treatment. They use high quality products and all treatments are carried out by professional and highly trained therapists who will go through your requirements with you. The staff are great really friendly, capable and very accommodating, a real pleasure to deal with. They are open Tuesday through to Saturday and offer a choice of monthly promotions so worth checking these out, as they offer great value. Highland Beauty Clinic and Day Spa offers a calm oasis where you can escape the hustle and bustle for a few hours you will leave feeling refreshed and relaxed definitely worth a visit.
Babalu - 29.8 Miles (47.7 KM)
Babalu can be found on the High Street in Forres. It is an eclectic shop that stocks a delightful range of hand made goods from all over the world as well as locally. The goods on sale are made by artists or artisans and the shelves are full of interesting and unusual items. They stock jewellery, bags crystals, clothes, accessories, gifts, treats and much more. The shop is colourful and bustling with goods, it offers a casual and relaxed shopping experience. Many of the items are sale are made from recycled products the result are quirky and unique products. Babalu is a real treasure trove and definitely worth a visit, come to browse and you are sure to find something special, great for gift ideas.
Benromach - 29.8 Miles (47.7 KM)
Benromach have being producing since 1898 a fine collection of single malt scotches using the traditional hand made method and the finest ingredients. This small distillery is located in Speyside, next to the coast and the team are dedicated to producing a high quality whisky. They use spring water from the nearby Romach Hills and this together with other locally sourced ingredients are put through the various stages producing a high quality product that has stood the test of time. During a guided tour you will see all the stages of production ending with a tasting session. There are a choice of tours that vary in duration and detail and range from an introductory tour through to a personal experience where you get to fill your own bottle from the special single cask. You will find the tour guides to be warm and friendly and very jovial with lots of anecdotes to share, tours are interesting and informative and pitched at just the right level to keep them entertaining. Tours operate throughout the year but advance booking is recommended particularly if you are a group. Benromach has a lovely welcoming atmosphere, with a nice visitor centre with lots of history on the distillery and a well stocked gift shop with whisky's and other related memorabilia for sale, all at really reasonable prices. Whether you are a whisky connoisseur or not you will enjoy a visit to this family run distillery, a must if you are in the area.
Historical & Heritage Sites
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.
This major social history museum gives a fascinating insight into the way life was lived in the Highlands over the past three centuries.
An extremely well preserved set of prehistoric burial cairns are an intriguing attraction to pay a visit to. Dating from about 4000 years ago, the cemetery has a collection of kerb cairns, ring cairns, passage graves and some chapel remains. This Bronze Age cemetery was first excavated in the 1990s.
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.
Cawdor will be forever linked with Macbeth. This fairy-tale castle dates from the 14th century and is still home to the Cawdor family. Along with the castle there are three gardens, the Cawdor Big Wood, and a 9 hole golf course.
Recently refurbished, this museum collects and displays images, objects and memories that relate to the Highlands. Explore haunting stories of the past, the people and the traditions of the Highlands.
A stunning and romantic ruin on an unusual perch overlooking Loch Ness. Steeped in history, this castle is also deeply embedded in local folklore and legend as it sits at the site of the infamous Loch Ness Monster! In more proven history, it has played a significant role in both Edward I's reign and Robert the Bruce's.
Now you can take the official guide and explore those murky waters for yourself. Examine the evidence and find out some important facts about Scottish history.
Fort George - 28.2 Miles (45.1 KM)
This vast Artillery Fortification was built following the Battle of Culloden. The fort includes reconstruction of barrack rooms in different periods and a display of muskets and pikes. The cafe is open during the summer only.
A great museum, with some original artwork which explores Pictish history and provides a forum for current research in that area. It also features the impressive Rosemarkie cross-slab, decorated with its mysterious Pictish symbols.
