Among the long list of activities you can participate in the area are :-
Adventure Park-
Just 10 miles away is Landmark Forest Adventure Park. It offers a range of rides from the runaway timber train to the wild water coaster. Everything has a forest theme and there is plenty of educational information and activities for all ages.
Beaches:-
There is a lovely beach at the eastern end of Loch Morlich with the backdrop of Cairngorm behind and offering various water sports.
It is a 45 minute drive to the Moray Firth at Nairn or Findhorn Bay both worth a visit.
Bird Watching:-
A paradise for ornithologists with many rare species such as ospreys, capercaillie, crossbills and crested tits and lots of advice and events put on by The RSPB.
At Balciuin you look straight out over the Abernethy Reserve and it is 4 miles to The Osprey Centre on Loch Garten. The RSPB run a series of natural history walks and wildlife lectures.
Cairngorm Funicular Railway:-
Takes you to the Ptarmigan Restaurant, the highest in the UK. On a clear day the views are amazing. Cairngorm Mountain
Castle Tours:-
Surrounded by beautiful,historic castles you can organise your own tour from Roy Castle our own 13th century fortress to Balmoral Castle, The Queen’s summer residence.
Ceilidh Nights on Cairngorm:-
Ride the funicular train to The Ptarmigan Restaurant for a traditional 3 course Highland Buffet and then dance to a ceilidh band (instructions are given by a 'caller'). Join in or just watch the sunset and enjoy the view over Highland Scotland. Every Thursday in July and August. Other ceilidh nights are run by local hotels see ‘What’s On’ for details.
Distillery Visits:-
There are plenty to choose from around here. Many distilleries run tours some charge and some are free, all will offer you a sample. Among the largest, free and most organised for tourists are Glenfiddich at Dufftown and Glenlivet near Tomintoul.
Dolphin Watching:-
Pods of bottle-nosed dolphins are a common sight around Scotland’s coasts. A particular good spot is in the narrow part of The Moray Firth especially at Charnery Point near Rosemarkie. Boat trips can be taken from several locations including Nairn about 30 miles away.
Explore Abernethy:-
We have our own ranger based in The Explore Abernethy Area of The Community Centre. She organises regular walks and special seasonal events and is available for information about local flora and fauna. Free guided walks are on Tuesdays 10 -11.30AM and Sundays 2 – 4PM
Highland Folk Museum:-
Spend a day here and experience centuries. It is well worth a visit and includes a reconstructed highland village from the time of the clearances, (See Here for a history of the clearances). Currently offering free entry it is an attraction not to be missed, www.highlandfolk.com
Railways:-
The Strathspey Steam Railway operates a service between Aviemore, Boat of Garten and Broomhill throughout the summer. Some trains offer lunch, dinner or afternoon tea as part of a package.
Fort William to Mallaig
Another great journey passing over The Glenfinnan Viaduct of Harry Potter fame. This journey offers stunning scenery along The Road to The Isles and can be completed by steam train or its more modern replacement.
Scot’s Nights:-
Enjoy a family night out with piping, highland dancing, singing, music, Scottish country dancing and join in the ceilidh dancing (full instructions given by a 'caller'). These are held on the first Wednesday in August and two weeks earlier and two weeks later, in The Community Centre at Nethybridge. Similar events are available on other nights in neighbouring villages.
Wildlife Tours and Guides:-
- Why not visit The Highland Wildlife Park at Kincraig, home to many endangered species, showcasing an array of Scottish wildlife and some species that are now extinct in the wild.
- What about feeding the reindeer? www.cairngormreindeer.co.uk
- You can spend an evening in The Speyside Wildlife Hide at Rothiemurchus waiting for pine martins, badgers and other nocturnal creatures.
- There are many guided walks and tours offered in the area. Particularly around Rothiemurchus estate, on Cairngorm and around Nethy Bridge.
Why not hire your own personal guide for the day, Dave Pullan
