Destination Cairngorms
Wildlife, walking and activities for all ages
INVERESHIE ESTATE AND GOLF COURSE
This beautiful nine hole golf course, by Kincraig, offers complimentary play for guests staying in the estate’s three on-site holiday cottages. With annual and weekly golf membership offered at very reasonable rates, daily play can also be booked by arrangement for the utmost in flexibility. Tel: 01540 651332, www.invereshie.co.uk
SPEYSIDE WILDLIFE
Based within the Cairngorms National Park, Speyside Wildlife’s knowledgeable guides provide fantastic wildlife watching experiences and individually tailored holidays. Badgers and pine marten can be viewed at close quarters during an evening visit to their ‘dusk hide’, and local wildlife guides can show you the National Park’s top species during a private day trip. Tel: 01479 812498, www.speysidewildlife.scot
CAIRNDRUIE – AVIEMORE MOUNTAIN LODGES
This house, which sleeps 15, and Avondruie next door, sleeping 16, are both set by the side of the River Druie. One of four beautiful properties within the Rothiemurchus Estate. This very special home-from-home in the Highlands is ideal for large gatherings, including intimate wedding groups, with bookings taken from two nights to two weeks. Tel: 07714 500586, www.aviemoremountainlodges.co.uk
BRAEMAR CASTLE
Built in 1628, Braemar Castle treasures a fascinating history as a hunting lodge, military garrison and a Victorian holiday home. This year’s exhibition commemorates the 1715 Jacobite Rising, which began in Braemar. Tours of 12 furnished rooms tell the story of its colourful inhabitants. Tel: 01339 741219, www.braemarcastle.co.uk
BALBLAIR COTTAGE
This quirky, well-presented cottage – the largest house built on sleeper foundations in Boat of Garten – is set in large, enclosed mature gardens, offering deceptively spacious accommodation for up to seven people. Ideally situated for exploring the area via the Strathspey Railway, enjoying a spot of fishing or simply relaxing and taking in the wonderful views. Tel: 01542 888455, www.balblaircottage.co.uk
CAIRNGORM LODGES
Five luxury self-catering lodges set in the heart of a Scots pine forest adjacent to a beautiful tranquil lochan. Enjoy days in the fresh air and evening walks marvelling at starry night skies. The perfect forest retreat from which to explore the Cairngorms. Tel: 07583 436040, www.cairngormlodges.com
THE SPEYSIDE CENTRE
This family-run attraction features the unique Heather Story exhibition, supplemented with a dedicated garden centre selling 300 different heathers. Browse the antique and gift shops and gallery, investigate a dram or two at The Wee Whisky Shop, and discover the famous Clootie Dumpling Restaurant and Granny’s Soupery with a children’s play area. Tel: 01479 851359, www.heathercentre.com
COLUMBA HOUSE HOTEL
Eat, sleep and relax at this period Highland hotel with four poster rooms and a penthouse suite, boasting stunning triple views over the walled garden, Cairngorm mountains and the village of Kingussie. Make sure to dine in the highly rated Garden Restaurant and treat yourself to a wee dram at the whisky bar, complete with lounge and baby grand piano. Tel: 01540 661402, www.columbahousehotel.com
TIGHALINE – AVIEMORE MOUNTAIN LODGES
This disabled friendly house, along with Tighguish next door, both sleep up to 16 and sit between the Rothiemurchus Visitor Centre and Coylumbridge, within the Cairngorms National Park. These stunning self-catering lodges, only a short walk from Aviemore, offer a superb base for outdoor activities – including skiing, mountain biking and climbing. Tel: 07714 500586, www.aviemoremountainlodges.co.uk
BUNKHOUSE AT THE ROUNDHOUSE
Uvie Farm, named ‘Place of Beauty’ in Gaelic for its wide valley setting, sits beneath the upland plateau of the Monadliath Hills. Groups of friends and families find comfort, welcome and inspiration here in exclusive use of the bunkhouse, surveying pastures where Highland cattle graze contentedly. Tel: 07811 322722, www.myhighlandbunkhouse.com
ROTHIEMURCHUS
Enjoy the timeless magic of Rothiemurchus. Wonderful walking round Loch an Eilein – it’s an island castle surrounded by ancient forest. Outdoor activities on land, water and in the air for the whole family. Enjoy the cafe/restaurant and different shopping. Stay in the camp and caravan site. Rothiemurchus Centre is five minutes from Aviemore and open daily. Tel: 01479 812345, www.rothiemurchus.net
BALLOGIE ESTATE
The 6,000 acre Ballogie Estate, in the heart of Royal Deeside and on the boundary of the Cairngorms National Park, offers a wealth of countryside pursuits, including fishing, shooting and stalking. The three comfortable self-catering properties on-site – Ballogie House, Greenlands and Ford Cottage – can cater for up to 13 people. Tel: 01339 886497, www.ballogie-estate.co.uk
BIG HUSKY LODGE
Nestled in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, Big Husky Lodge can comfortably sleep 22 guests. Finished to an exceptionally high standard, this luxurious property comes complete with its own spa area, games room, hot tub and luxurious double whirlpool bath with sound and light system. Tel: 07730 338037, www.bighuskylodge.co.uk
SILVERGLADES HOLIDAY HOMES
Just north of Aviemore, these 28 deluxe self-catering holiday homes are perfect for families who love to stay active. Silverglades has teamed up with Full On Adventure to offer a range of discounted activities, from river tubing to white water rafting and mountain biking. Each property also comes complete with a private garden and BBQ – ideal for those longer spring and summer evenings. Tel: 01479 810165, www.silvergladesaviemore.co.uk