Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
This small family run franchise is situated in the main building at the Great Glen Water Park. The Restaurant offers a choice of freshly prepared light snacks throughout the day as well as a wide range of freshly prepared evening meals using great local produce.
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.
Ideally situated at the foot of Glen Lyon,one of Scotland?s most beautiful glens with a 5,000 year old yew tree nearby, The Fortingall Hotel provides a delightfully traditional, relaxed ambiance in which to enjoy good food and friendly service.
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
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.
Whatever your age, you'll enjoy panning for gold in a purpose built panning flume at Scotland's first Safari Lodge, based in Aberfeldy. Join an award winning Land Rover safari, take a walk round the Deer Park or just sip a coffee in the Farm shop Cafe.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Beach
The Beach at Loch Morlich - 25.4 Miles (40.6 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
Pattack Falls and Druim an Aird - 4.9 Miles (7.8 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.
Craigower - 21.8 Miles (34.9 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.
Caledonian Canal: Fort Augustus - Kytra Lock - 22.1 Miles (35.4 KM)
A good 5 mile family walk along the canal. You can park in the village centre and set off from Fort Augustus. There is a picnic area at Kytra Lock.
Inverfarigaig - Foyers - Loch Ness - Inverfarigaig - 25.4 Miles (40.6 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.
Golf & Sports
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.
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.
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.
Whitewater rafting, mountain biking, water sports, target sports and clay pigeon shooting are just a few of the things on offer at this centre. There's something for everyone to enjoy particularly if you are an adrenaline junkie.
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.
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.
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.
Affordable, fast and adrenaline packed game with scenarios in beautiful countryside around Aberfeldy. They have standard and replica guns, fully trained staff and all equipment is provided including refreshments.
Beyond Adventure is a specialist outdoor company, based in Aberfeldy, and will happily tailor activities such as open canoeing to suit the ages of the children and adults within your group.
Take a breathtaking whitewater river journey in the expert and very safe hands of guides experienced on the world's largest white water rivers. Operating around Perthshire and Argyll for over 12 years, Splash is AALA approved.
Nae Limits - 29 Miles (46.4 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.
Nature Reserves
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.
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.
Gardens & Woodlands
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.
Glen Roy - 22.9 Miles (36.6 KM)
Created by Glacial action, the famous 'Parallel Roads' of Glen Roy are among the most remarkable landforms in Britain. The shorelines of lakes created during the last Ice Age can be clearly seen in the hillside today.
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.
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.
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.
A historic walled garden of about 4 acres with splendid views over the Tay Valley, Bolfrack's is a plantsman's garden with many interesting features from early spring to late autumn. Look out for ten gnomes dotted about! Of German origin, they date from the 18th century.
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
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.
At Iceberg Glass, Douglas Wilson and his staff produce a large range of free worked glass pieces, including contemporary jewellery for sale to the public. Formerly at Drummnadrochit, the studio has now relocated to Fort Augustus by Loch-Ness.
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.
Opened by Michael Palin and awarded UK Independent Bookshop of the Year, this beautifully restored watermill houses a bookshop, art gallery and coffee shop as well as a music department where you can listen to tracks from CDs of classical, jazz, world and Celtic music.
With whisky history, a traditional working distillery, great café, picnic area, Nature Trail and unique souvenir shopping, you can see why Dewar's is acclaimed as 'the ultimate Scotch Whisky visitor centre'.
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.
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.
Historical & Heritage Sites
This major social history museum gives a fascinating insight into the way life was lived in the Highlands over the past three centuries.
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.
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.
Explore living history from discoveries made underwater at Scotland's only authentic recreation of a Celtic loch-dwelling. Artefacts, wet-tanks, video, ancient crafts, friendly staff and personal attention bring the past to life.
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.
Based at Achnacarry, 12 miles from Fort William, the museum tells the history of Clan Cameron and its involvement with the Jacobites and the 1745 uprising. There are displays about the Queen's own Cameron Highlanders and the commandos who trained here in World War II.
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.
