| ACTIVITIES TO
TRY |
| Walking |
Walk through fantastic Caledonian
pine forests, along rivers and around tranquil lochs plus roam
along wonderful sandy beaches at Nairn and Findhorn on the Moray
coast. Walks leaflets are available from local Tourist Information
Centre in Aviemore. |
| Biking |
Plenty of routes for all
levels of ability - easy tracks locally for those who wish to
enjoy the scenery. More advanced and challenging tracks to thrill
even the most proficient rider at Wolftrax
at Laggan. Bikes available for hire locally. |
| Wildlife
Watching |
The Cairngorms National
Park is home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife, many
of which you will see whilst staying at Avielochan Cottages
or out on a walk. For rarer species: Ospreys at RSPB Loch
Garten are only a short drive away (April to August), Pine
Martens and Badgers can be seen in the evening from Speyside
Wildlife's exclusive hide just outside Aviemore (01479
812498). |
| Fishing |
Avielochan water is
privately leased from Strathspey Estate by Jim Cornfoot who
is owner of the Osprey Fishing School (01479 810632 or email).
Jim teaches fly fishing and provides friendly advice on fishing
throughout the area. Rothiemurchus
Estate (01479 812345) has a trout fishery, stocked lochs
and salmon and sea trout fishing on the River Spey. Abernethy
Angling Association offer permits for beats on the River Spey
(Secretary 01479 831274). Mortimers
of Speyside (01479 872684) are located on the High Street
in Grantown on Spey for permits, equipment, clothing, accessories
and Strathspey
Angling Improvement Association. |
| Water Sports |
Available on Loch
Morlich and Loch
Insh where equipment can be hired and tuition is available. |
| Horse Riding |
Two local riding centres
can provide horse riding and trekking - Carrbridge Stables (01479
841602) and Highland Ponies which is based on Rothiemurchus
Estate (01479 812345). |
| Clay Shooting |
Try this sport at Rothiemurchus
Shooting Ground (01479 811272) Aviemore - full instruction
available. |
| Quad Trekking |
Exciting and fun - book
your trek at Rothiemurchus
Estate (01479 812345) |
| Sleddog
Trekking |
The only Sleddog
Museum of its kind in the UK, based in Glenmore Forest,
offering kennel tours and the chance to lead your own 12-dog
team on a trek through the woods. |
| Golf |
6 courses within a 15-mile
radius - a golfer's paradise! |
| Winter
Sports |
Nearby Cairngorm
Mountain and the Lecht
both offer winter skiing and snowboarding |
| Swimming |
In Aviemore at two of the
larger hotels plus in Inverness there is a large pool with wave
machine and flumes. |
| PLACES TO VISIT |
| Landmark
Forest Theme Park |
Excitement for all ages
in all weathers - fantastic watercoaster, exhibitions, viewing
tower, tree-top trail, climbing wall and more. |
| Speyside
Heather Garden & Visitor Centre |
A multi-award winning Visitor
Centre with over 300 varieties of heather, famous Clootie Dumpling
Restaurant, Art Gallery, Craft Demonstrations, Heather Exhibition
and so much more. |
| Cairngorm
Reindeer Centre |
The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
is Britain's only herd of reindeer, found free ranging in the
Cairngorm mountains in Scotland. These extremely tame and friendly
animals are a joy to all who come and see them. |
| Highland
Wildlife Park |
Discover Scotland's wildlife
from eagles to wolves and from past to present. |
| Strathspey
Steam Railway |
A fascinating insight into
the age of steam with 10-mile steam trips through 'Monarch
of the Glen' country. |
| Highland
Folk Museum |
Enter the world of the Highlander
at it's Kingussie and Newtonmore sites. |
| OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS |
| Active
Spirit |
A husband and wife team, based in Aviemore,
who guide and help visitors explore and enjoy a wide range of
outdoor activities such as Mountain Biking, Open Canoeing, Rock
Climbing and Abseiling, Summer and Winter Walking, High Ropes,
Target Archery and Team Challenges. They give you confidence
and the assurance to know there’s nothing to be afraid of and
then give you the chance to learn more. |
| Fiona
Chappell |
Fiona is a Freelance Mountain Leader
who can organise and lead hillwalking, navigation, winter skills
courses and trips into the hills and mountains of Scotland -
for both mixed and women only groups. |
