Things to do
Hiking – youre spoilt for choice around here if you like to get out and about on foot. There are hikes and walks of all lengths; in all terrains.
The most comprehensive list of walks is on the WalkHighlands website but we’ve also shared our favourites on our blog.
Check out our favourite family walks here.
Check out our Munro and expedition options here.
Trail running – It’s no coincidence that Trail Running Scotland are based here in the Cairngorms. Really you are spoilt for choice with so many off road options of all lengths to choose from.
Mountain biking – From trail centres to high mountain routes, there’s something for everyone literally on the doorstep, including our very own pump track here in the village
Kayaking/Canoeing/Sailing/Wild Swimming
Loch Morlich and Loch Insh offer organised water sport activities, but if you have your own gear we’ve spotted people out and about on virtually all the local lochs of which there are a multitude.
Ziplining/Canyoning/River Tubing etc
There are so many different outdoor activities available in the area that it is difficult to list them all but be aware that you’ll struggle not to find something to suit.
Wildlife
Visit the Highland Wildlife Park
Take a walk/bike ride/drive to Loch Garten Wildlife centre
Evening wildlife watch with Speyside wildlife
Feed the reindeer walk
Highland Cow and Red Deer safaris at Rothiemurchus
Cultural
Visit a distillery –
The Cairn, Tomintoul, Glenfarclas, Aberlour, Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Dalwhinnie, Tomatin – all are within easy reach of Fraoch Lodge.
Step into the Whisky Castle at Tomintoul to sample or just marvel at so many hundreds of bottles of whisky in one place. (They also have an excellent gift shop and ice cream counter for any non-drinkers in the party.)
Historical
Visit Ballindalloch Castle
Visit Cawdor Castle
Corgarff Castle
Balvenie Castle
Join a Jacobite/Outlander themed hike (ask Andy for details)
Urquhart Castle
Fort George
Knockando Woolmill
Local Events and Crafty reasons to visit
We are lucky enough to host some world renowned events in the area:
The World Porridge Making Championships; Carve Carrbridge: Thunder in the Glens: and of course Highland Games (at Abernethy and Newtonmore, in August)
Throw a pot
Learn to weave
Visit the Kilt making exhibition in Inverness
Take a workshop: knitting, sewing, felting …
Visit a gallery: Speybank (in Grantown on Spey or 1896 gallery here in Boat of Garten