Active days out

Wolftrax Mountain Bike track. A great day out for all ages. Bring your own bike or hire on site. Café. There are also pony rides on the same site at Haflinger trekking centre. 01528 544786 www.forestry.gov.uk/WolfTrax

Highland Activities caters for most outdoor adventures for all ages and abilities. For those who wish to explore the wilderness of the highlands and enjoy an outdoor challenge. 08450 945513 www.highlandactivities.co.uk

Nae Limits. Ballinulig. White water rafting and lots of other challenging activities.Tel: +44 (845) 017 8177 E-Mail: info@naelimits.co.uk
http://www.naelimits.co.uk

Hafflinger trekking centre. An fun day for young and inexperienced riders also catering for disabled. Yolande Robertson 079261 78529

Newtonmore Riding Centre. Riding, trekking and instruction available. 07000766437 / 07831 338012 www.newtonmoreridingcentre.com

Blair Trekking Centre, Blair Atholl Set in the grounds of Atholl castle open April to October except Saturdays. 01796 481568

Newtonmore Folk Museum.
Just off the A9 at Newtonmore. Well worth a visit from anyone staying in the area wanting a relaxed and enjoyable day and you will learn about the history and people of the area. Fascinating day out. Play area for kids. Café. Summer opening only. Free entry! 01540673551 www.highlandfolk.com

Highland Wildlife Park.
Just off the A9 between Aviemore and Kingussie.
Experience Scottish wildlife as well as international endangered animals of mountains and tundra in the spectacular setting of the Highland Wildlife Park.
Drive around the Main Reserve in your own car and then investigate the walk-round area by foot, looking out for the snow monkeys being fed and Amur tigers!
Open daily - opening times are from 10am - 4pm (last entry 3pm) and extended in summer.
The Highland Wildlife Park
This was opened in 1972 and, along with Edinburgh Zoo, is run by the Royal Zoological Society
01540 651270 www.highlandwildlifepark.org

Landmark Centre. Carrbridge.
A great range of outdoor active outdoor play activities for bigger kids. Café. Open all year but dress for the cold in winter.
0800 3313446/ 7313446 www.landmark-centre.co.uk/LocalInfo.htm

Hilton Coylumbridge Funhouse
4 miles out of Aviemore on Glenmore Road great covered play area for small kids. Located at Hilton Hotel. There is also a swimming pool here open to non residents.
01479 810661

Pitlochry Children’s Amusement park.
Open Daily Easter to the End of October
Highland Perthshire's N°1 Kids Action Zone! Have a fun day out in Pitlochry for all the family, young and old. Pirate Ship, Cups & Saucers, Magic Roundabout, Bumper Cars, Boats & Orbiter Shuttles, Water Blasters, Kiddies Track Ride, Family Amusement Arcade, Carousel and Snack Bar.
T: +44(0)1796-472876 F: +44(0)1796-473320

Rothiemurchus Shooting School, Aviemore.
There is nothing quite like the sheer thrill of shooting at clay targets as they soar across the sky and the range of facilities make for the most exhilarating days shooting. They offer a wide range of sporting targets in natural surroundings with 26 automatic traps, each with multiple shooting positions, including high pheasant tower, bolting rabbit:, driven grouse, springing teal.
They have full-time and part-time experienced instructors who provide expert one-to-one tuition giving you the confidence to really enjoy this exciting sport. Lighter weight guns and low recoil cartridges are available for ladies and children so that everyone can have a great time, and before you know it you’ll be hitting more clays than you thought possible! 01479 811272
http://www.rothiemurchus.net/Pages/Activities/Clay-Shooting.html

Gleneagles Shooting School.
Whether a novice or crack-shot you will enjoy and benefit from time spent at the Gleneagles Shooting School in Perthshire, Scotland.
If you would like more practice on simulated teal, high pheasant or running hare or simply enjoy the exhilaration of our clay pigeon target shooting ranges, the Shooting School offers the very best in terms of sporting clays facilities and equipment.
The Gleneagles Shooting School has a reputation for providing an unrivalled sporting layout and the most expert instruction in sporting clay target shooting, at all levels of skill.
08003893737 www.gleneagles.com/activities/shooting.aspx

Swimming pool at Aviemore Highland Resort.
0844 879 9152

Cairngorm Mountain and Glenmore Forest Park. Funicular railway and ski tows in winter. Café at the top is disappointing in spite of the great views. Funicular is available in the summer but not allowed to walk from the top. Great location for biking walks, picnics and hill treks in summer. Take the Glenmore road out of Aviemore. ( Cairngorm Mountain Railway 01479861261). Ski hire, mountain bike hire all available.

Loch Morlich Water Sports
Situated at the foot of the Cairngorm, Loch Morlich is situated right at the heart of the National Park. This beautiful location provides an ideal site for you to enjoy a wide range of activities. From water sports to walking, mountain biking to fishing, you'll find activities to give many fun filled days!
Loch Morlich Watersports Glenmore Forest Park, by Aviemore, Inverness-shire, PH22 1QU Tel/Fax 01479 861221
info@lochmorlich.com www.lochmorlich.com

Loch Insh Water Sports
Home of the Cairngorm Canoe and Sailing school or try some snow board or ski instruction on their 60m dry slope.
Loch Insh Watersports Kincraig Kingussie Inverness-shire PH21 - 1NU
Tel:      +44 (0) 1540 651 272 www.lochinsh.com

Places to visit

Cawdor Castle Historic Castle and Gardens. 01667 404401 May to October only.

Blair Castle Historic Castle and Gardens. 01796 481207

Culloden Battlefield near Inverness. In 1746 Bonny Prince Charlie was defeated by the Duke of Cumberland and the Red coats bringing to an end the rising and the hopes of the Stewarts for the throne of Scotland. An excellent half day visit to the battlefield and new visitor Centre.

Ruthven Barracks is another worthwhile attraction, standing on a hillock across the river. This ruined barracks was built by the English Redcoats as part of their campaign to tame the Highlands after the first Jacobite rising in 1715. It was destroyed by the Jacobites in the wake of defeat at Culloden to prevent it from falling into enemy hands, and it was from here that Bonnie Prince Charlie sent his final order which signaled the end of his doomed cause. Access is free and the ruins are particularly attractive at night when floodlit. Leave the A9 at Kingussie and take the Ruthven Road out of the town for 2 miles. Carpark.

Dalwhinnie Distillery. 01540 672219 Tours available

Tomatin Distillery Visitor Centre 01808 511444, Tours available.

Speyside distillery tour, starting at Dalwhinnie drive yourself on a wonderful scenic route down historic Speyside visiting some or the world famious Scottish distilleries .

Bells Distillery, Pitlochry. 01796 482003. Tours available.

Pitlochry Fish Ladder. Set in the Hydro dam at Pitlochry enjoy a pleasant walk around loch faskally and admire the mighty hydro engineering. See if you can spot any fish swimming through the fish ladder bypass with viewing platform.

Killiecrankie. Visitor centre and beautiful wooded gorge near the site of the Battle of Killiekrankie 1689. Café shop and walks. 0844 4932194

Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Excellent selection of afternoon and evening performances if you want a night out. Pre booking required.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Port-Na-Craig, Pitlochry, PH16 5DR
Box Office: 01796 484 626, Reception: 01796 484 600
Fax: 01796 484 616 www.pitlochry.org.uk

Scottish Crannog Centre. See how the ancient Scots lived – all the comforts of home over water. On the banks of Loch Tay near Aberfeldy, enjoy some superb highland scenery on the drive there and back. March to October. 01887 830583

Heather Centre, Dulnain Bridge Garden and visitor centre with antique shop. On the way to Grantown.. 01479 851359 www.heathercentre.com

Waltzing Waters, Newtonmore. A lights and water display. 01540 673725

Inshriach Nursery, on the back road south of Aviemore. Selection of highland plants and a good stop to see Scottish woodland birds at the bird table also for tea and cakes, 01540 651287.

Strathspey Steam Railway. Cover the short journey from Aviemore to Broomhill and back. A memorable day for all ages. 01479 810725

Fort William to Mallaig steam Railway. Travel over the historic Glenfinnan Viaduct (shown in Harry Potter film) and enjoy some fantastic scenery. Fort William can be reached by train from Rannoch Station which is also a very scenic journey crossing Rannoch moor. Study your time table to ensure you can get a return journey in a day. Tickets 01524 737751

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre.
The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is Britain's only herd of reindeer, found free ranging in the Cairngorm mountains in Scotland because reindeer are not just for Christmas. These extremely tame and friendly animals are a joy to all who come and see them. There are currently around 150 reindeer, approximately 50 of them ranging the Cairngorm Mountains and the remainder on the Glenlivet Estate; the locations being some 30 miles apart.
There is a daily visit to the reindeer, weather permitting, departing from the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre at 11.00 am. There is an additional visit at 2.30 pm during the Summer months. During the Winter months, the visit may be dependent on whether we can find them. Under the supervision of our trained guides, visitors can feed and stroke the reindeer.
www.reindeer-company.demon.co.uk/ Phone 01479 861228

Clan Macpherson Museum, Newtonmore. Local clan centre. Open April to October 10.00 to 5.00, 12.00 to 5.00 on Sundays. No admission charge.

Fort George Lying to the east of Inverness it is an unaltered artillery fortress built between 1748 and 1769. It is still used as a military barracks. Interesting military museum. Open all year. 01667 460232

Castle Urquhart, the ruins of one of Scotland’s largest castles set on the mysterious banks of Loch ness.

Boat trips on Loch Ness
Contact Jacobite
Jacobite's main office is at:
Tomnahurich Bridge, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness IV3 5TD.
Telephone: +44 [0]1463 233999
Fax: +44 [0]1463710188
email: info@jacobite.co.uk

Or from the Fort Augustus end try:
The Royal Scot is moored on the canal below the locks, in the centre of Fort Augustus. Tickets can be purchased from the booking office adjacent to the jetty. Alternatively contact us by telephone or email to make a booking. Out of season bookings can be made by either telephone or email. To make a booking or for further information please call
01320 366277 Tel/fax: +44 (0)1320 366221 info@cruiselochness.com

An alternative operating from Drumnadrochit which is on the north shore of Loch Ness near Castle Urquhart:
Loch Ness Cruises
The Original Loch Ness Visitor Centre
Drumnadrochit Inverness IV63 6TU
Tel. +44(0)1456 450395 Mobile 07768 652810
Email: info@lochness-cruises.com

Dolphin watching trips on Murray Firth.
Eco Ventures.
To get in contact with either Sarah or Robyn at EcoVentures please use one of the contact options below:
EcoVentures
Harbour Workshop Victoria Place Cromarty IV11 8YE
 00 44 (0)1381 600 323 Email info@ecoventures.co.uk

Or try
Dolphin Trips, Avoch, near Inverness
01381 622383 07779833951

Walking

You are welcome to walk in any direction from any of our Lodges. For advice on long distance and short walks please ask at the estate office or the keeper. He will also be able to advise if there is stalking taking place in the area during the stalking season. Other good areas for walking are Aviemore, Newtonmore wildcat trails, Killiekrankie. Please follow the access code –
www.outdooraccess-scotland.com

Everyone has the right to be on most land and inland water providing they act responsibly. Your access rights and responsibilities are explained fully in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The key things to remember are to:
• take responsibility for your own actions;
• respect the interests of other people;
• care for the environment.

Golf

Golf can be played by everyone – men and women, young and old, professionals and amateurs and is one of the few sports which can be enjoyed for an entire lifetime. Golf can be enjoyed on a social basis, among friends or colleagues or highly competitively at club, area or national level. There are many courses throughout Scotland & indeed many communities having their own course. Novices welcome, instruction and equipment hire available on most courses.

The best local courses listed below
Newtonmore
Kingussie
Blair Atholl 9 hole
Aberfeldy
Pitlochry
Taymouth Castle
Boat of Garten
Grantown on Spey

And good but not so local:
Gleneagles
St Andrews
Nairn
Royal Dornoch

Check out the sites below for details and any special offers for playing.
www.scottishgolf.org/
www.golf.visitscotland.com
www.gleneagles.com
www.standrews.org.uk/

Fishing

Guests staying in our lodges are welcome to fish on Loch Ericht and Loch Rannoch from the bank or you are welcome to bring your own boat to launch. Please ask for rules before booking. Both Lochs have a good wild stock of Brown trout. Good trout fishing in both lochs and further hill lochs are available but please ask about access.
Boat hire on Loch Rannoch try the Dunalistair Hotel Tel: 01882 632218
0r Ian Nelson 01882633246
For instruction Alistair Gowans 01796473718
www.anglingintayside.co.uk
In addition there is plenty of other rivers and lochs you may wish to fish for salmon and trout.
Season for trout fishing on the Lochs is March to September.

Sporting

Stalking red or roe deer is a fascinating way to discover Scotland's landscape and culture. You will spend time walking through beautiful landscapes - mountains, glens and forests - as you go in search of the deer. The red deer on the estate are carefully managed on a sustainable basis producing a healthy quality food in balance with the local environment. Deer welfare, conservation and environmental enhancement are important initiatives for the estate. You will spend time with one of the estate stalkers on the hill. The tradition of deer stalking will offer you an insight of Scottish culture which many other visitors will never experience.

Deer stalking is the term we use in Scotland for hunting and shooting deer. It is an important part of modern day land management. It also contributes to the local economy, helps protect many native plants and species and maintain a healthy and strong population of red deer. Deer stalking is also a traditional activity in Scotland, a link to the traditional culture of the Highlands.

Please also discuss stalking the deer with your binoculars or camera.

Red Stag season 1st July to 20th October
Roe bucks 1st April to 20th October and Does 21st October to 31st March

During the season Stalking red deer is available by arrangement with the estate manager. Please contact Patrick Thompson 01540 672002 for availability and costs.

Local fuel and garages

Dalwhinnie – fuel and papers only. 01528 522311
McCormacks, Kingussie. Recovery and repairs (AA recovery) 01540 661381
Kinloch Rannoch Garage – fuel only. Not extended hours.
Blair Atholl Garage –fuel, recovery and repairs. 01796 481221

Other fuel stops at:
Perth A9 South
Ballinluig A9 south
Pitlochry A9 South
Newtonmore A9 North
Aviemore. A9 North

Places to Eat.

These are a selection below which are local. I do not recommend any one especially as guests have different expectations and restaurants change over time. I have marked some of the family friendly (F) and some that should be better quality *. In addition you will find a wide range of hotels in Aviemore, Grantown, and Pitlochry.

The Inn at Dalwhinnie (F) 01528 522257 Reservations not necessary.

Post Taste, Rannoch (F) Post Taste is open 1000 - 1600 for tea, coffee and light meals and from 1800 - 2030 for evening meals. For reservations Tel. (01882) 632333. Internet access available.

Blasta, Newtonmore * 01540 673231
Delicatessen/Take Away Food - What's Cooking, Newtonmore 01540 673777.
Columba House Hotel, Kingussie 01540 661402
The Cross, Kingussie* 01540 661166
La Taverna Ristorante, Aviemore. (F) 01479 810 683
Lisis, between Aviemore and Grantown (F) 01479 831339
The Loft, Blair Atholl* 01796 481377
Atholl Arms Hotel, Blair Atholl. 01796 481205
The Old Armoury, Pitlochry* 01796 474281
Port na Craig, Pitlochry* 01796 472777
Killiecrankie House Hotel 01796 473220

Web sites to check

SCOTLAND'S TOURISM GATEWAY SITE
www.welcome-scotland.com
www.scotland.org.uk/

TOURIST INFORMATION

Aviemoregolf.com
www.visithighlands.com
www.travelinescotland.com - Public Transport information
TravelGuide UK
Exploring Scotland
Cairngorms walks
www.perthshire.co.uk

While I make every effort to update this information if you find any of the above information wrong or out of date please do let me know.