Great walk - Review of Speyside Way Long Distance Trail, Aviemore, Scotland - TripAdvisor Review of Speyside Way Long Distance Trail Aviemore to Buckie, Aviemore, Scotland Website Idyllic Varied Walking Route in the Scottish Highlands” Reviewed June 28, 2013 The Speyside Way is one of Scotland's official long distance routes. The "regular route" runs about 66 miles, from the railway station in Aviemore north to the trail's end monument near the center of Buckie, on Moray Firth. (Some walkers do it north to south.) There are two spur trails as well - the Tomintoul spur of about 16 miles, and the Dufftown spur of about 9. Many people do one or both of these spurs in addition to or instead of sections of the regular route, in order to add beauty and a little more challenge to the walk and to allow walkers to take the two free tours and tastings at Glenlivet and Glenfiddich distilleries.

When we walked the route in June 2013, we did both both spurs, and omitted the Grantown to Ballindollach section from the regular route; this gave us a walk total of about 75 miles. There are also other routes and trails in the area that sometimes intersect with the Speyside Way, including Badenoch , Dava and Moray Coast trails. The Speyside Way has some diverse scenery, including frequent views of the River Spey (a famous fishery for salmon and sea trout), but it does not have a lot of elevation gain or loss, and is generally not very difficult as compared to some other British long walks such as, for example, the West Highland Way. Lodging and food are generally not very hard to find, although there are some 10-mile stretches where it is infrequent. There is a helpful official Speyside Way site (Speysideway.com), which contains a listing of lodgings as well.

When we did the walk in June, 2013, we walked 75 miles in six days, as follows: Day 1 - Aviemore to Boat of Garten to Nethy Bridge to Grantown on Spey - about 17 miles. Day 2 - Our B & B owner, for a reasonable charge, drove us down to Tomintoul to do the spur. After 8 miles, we did the Glenlivet tour and tasting, and then spent the night in the area. Day 3 - We finished the 8-mile Tomintoul spur to Ballindollach, and then walked 10 more miles to Ablerlour, for an 18 mile day. The Tomintoul spur is pretty and has some nice up and down walking. Day 4 - Walked 4.5 miles to Dufftown (took Glenfiddich Distillerytour/tasting), and 4.5 miles to Craigellachie, for 9-mile day. Day 5 - 13 miles to Fochabers, a pleasant and varied section.

Day 6 - final 11-mile section to Moray Firth, and then to Buckie town center monument; scenic and flat. A prominent characteristic of the Speyside Way is the 50 or so single malt whisky distilleries in the area (out of 100 in Scotland) including Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Balvenie, Macallan, Tamdhu, Aberlour and others. This has caused some to call this the "Whisky Walk" or "Whisky Way". The single malt industry is booming in Scotland, and increasingly elsewhere. Learning about and dabbling in single malt is an interesting part of the experience. Slainte! There are several guide books, and a few companies that will transport luggage or arrange lodging, if you wish. We used the 2010 first edition of Alan Castle's Cicerone Guide Book, with strip map included, and found it very satisfactory.

While walkers can decide for themselves what the highlights are, some of ours were: meeting and chatting with locals and other walkers; the exceptional single malt tours and tasting opportunites, including Whisky Castle in Tomintoul, Mash Tun in Aberlour, and Highlander Inn in Craigellachie; very nice lodging, including Garden Park B & B in Grantown, Bank House in Glenlivet, Mash Tun in Aberlour, Bridge View B & B in Craigellachie, and Highlander Hotel in Buckie; tasty meals, including Old Bridge Inn and Restaurant in Aviemore; Croft Inn in Glenlivet; Mash Tun in Aberlour; Quaich in Fochabers; and Highlander Hotel in Buckie; others included Walker's awesome Shortbread in Aberlour and Baxter's food outlet and visitor's center in Fochabers. The level of friendliness and hospitality encountered was very high. A day or two in Edinburgh before or after the walk is time well spent - interesting town with some good museums, galleries, and food.

Visited June 2013 See 2 more reviews by CarolinaTrekkers for Aviemore Ask CarolinaTrekkers about Speyside Way Long Distance Route This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. 1-1 of 1 review1 Travelers who viewed Speyside Way Long Distance Route also viewed Rothiemurchus Aviemore, Aviemore and the Cairngorms Loch an Eilein Aviemore, Aviemore and the Cairngorms Strathspey Steam Railway Aviemore, Aviemore and the Cairngorms CairnGorm Mountain Aviemore, Aviemore and the Cairngorms All things to do in Aviemore (30) Been to Speyside Way Long Distance Route? Share your experiences! Write a Review Add Photos & Videos Owners: What's your side of the story? If you own or manage Speyside Way Long Distance Route, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing Extreme Dream Climbing Centre, Aviemore Speyside Way Long Distance Trail Hotels around Aviemore 4.5 out of 5, 11 reviews Last reviewed Aug 7, 2013 Dalmeny Park Country House Hotel 4.0 out of 5, 135 reviews Last reviewed Aug 7, 2013 Northend Guest House 5.0 out of 5, 15 reviews Last reviewed Aug 6, 2013 Royal Marine 3.5 out of 5, 80 reviews Last reviewed Aug 6, 2013 The Inn at Inverbeg 4.0 out of 5, 445 reviews Last reviewed Aug 6, 2013 Easter Garth Guest House 5.0 out of 5, 49 reviews Last reviewed Aug 4, 2013 No.20 Boutique Bed and Breakfast 5.0 out of 5, 151 reviews Last reviewed Aug 4, 2013 Hunter's Quay Holiday Park 4.0 out of 5, 90 reviews Last reviewed Jul 29, 20

13 Ardencaple Hotel 3.5 out of 5, 52 reviews Last reviewed Jul 26, 2013 Hunters Quay Hotel 4.5 out of 5, 140 reviews Last reviewed Jul 23, 2013 Heather Bed and Breakfast 3.5 out of 5, 3 reviews Last reviewed Jul 21, 2013 Lethamhill 5.0 out of 5, 21 reviews Last reviewed Jul 19, 2013 Castle Levan Bed and Breakfast 5.0 out of 5, 26 reviews Last reviewed Jul 5, 2013 Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel (Loch Morlich) 4.5 out of 5, 11 reviews Last reviewed Jul 4, 2013 Duncreggan House 5.0 out of 5, 12 reviews Last reviewed May 14, 2013 Aviemore resources Hotels near Helensburgh Central Station Hotels near Craigendoran Station A Good Introduction to Distance Walking - Speyside Way Long Distance Trail, Aviemore Traveller Reviews - TripAdvisor

 Idyllic Varied Walking Route in the Scottish Highlands” Reviewed June 28, 2013 The Speyside Way is one of Scotland's official long distance routes.

The "regular route" runs about 66 miles, from the railway station in Aviemore north to the trail's end monument near the center of Buckie, on Moray Firth. (Some walkers do it north to south.) There are two spur trails as well - the Tomintoul spur of about 16 miles, and the Dufftown spur of about 9. Many people do one or both of these spurs in addition to or instead of sections of the regular route, in order to add beauty and a little more challenge to the walk and to allow walkers to take the two free tours and tastings at Glenlivet and Glenfiddich distilleries. When we walked the route in June 2013, we did both both spurs, and omitted the Grantown to Ballindollach section from the regular route; this gave us a walk total of about 75 miles. There are also other routes and trails in the area that sometimes intersect with the Speyside Way, including Badenoch , Dava and Moray Coast trails.

The Speyside Way has some diverse scenery, including frequent views of the River Spey (a famous fishery for salmon and sea trout), but it does not have a lot of elevation gain or loss, and is generally not very difficult as compared to some other British long walks such as, for example, the West Highland Way. Lodging and food are generally not very hard to find, although there are some 10-mile stretches where it is infrequent. There is a helpful official Speyside Way site (Speysideway.com), which contains a listing of lodgings as well. When we did the walk in June, 2013, we walked 75 miles in six days, as follows: Day 1 - Aviemore to Boat of Garten to Nethy Bridge to Grantown on Spey - about 17 miles. Day 2 - Our B & B owner, for a reasonable charge, drove us down to Tomintoul to do the spur. After 8 miles, we did the Glenlivet tour and tasting, and then spent the night in the area.

Day 3 - We finished the 8-mile Tomintoul spur to Ballindollach, and then walked 10 more miles to Ablerlour, for an 18 mile day. The Tomintoul spur is pretty and has some nice up and down walking. Day 4 - Walked 4.5 miles to Dufftown (took Glenfiddich Distillerytour/tasting), and 4.5 miles to Craigellachie, for 9-mile day. Day 5 - 13 miles to Fochabers, a pleasant and varied section. Day 6 - final 11-mile section to Moray Firth, and then to Buckie town center monument; scenic and flat. A prominent characteristic of the Speyside Way is the 50 or so single malt whisky distilleries in the area (out of 100 in Scotland) including Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Balvenie, Macallan, Tamdhu, Aberlour and others. This has caused some to call this the "Whisky Walk" or "Whisky Way". The single malt industry is booming in Scotland, and increasingly elsewhere.

Learning about and dabbling in single malt is an interesting part of the experience. Slainte! There are several guide books, and a few companies that will transport luggage or arrange lodging, if you wish. We used the 2010 first edition of Alan Castle's Cicerone Guide Book, with strip map included, and found it very satisfactory. While walkers can decide for themselves what the highlights are, some of ours were: meeting and chatting with locals and other walkers; the exceptional single malt tours and tasting opportunites, including Whisky Castle in Tomintoul, Mash Tun in Aberlour, and Highlander Inn in Craigellachie; very nice lodging, including Garden Park B & B in Grantown, Bank House in Glenlivet, Mash Tun in Aberlour, Bridge View B & B in Craigellachie, and Highlander Hotel in Buckie; tasty meals, including Old Bridge Inn and Restaurant in Aviemore; Croft Inn in Glenlivet; Mash Tun in Aberlour; Quaich in Fochabers; and Highlander Hotel in Buckie; others included Walker's awesome Shortbread in Aberlour and Baxter's food outlet and visitor's center in Fochabers.

The level of friendliness and hospitality encountered was very high. A day or two in Edinburgh before or after the walk is time well spent - interesting town with some good museums, galleries, and food. Visited June 2013 See 2 more reviews by CarolinaTrekkers for Aviemore Ask CarolinaTrekkers about Speyside Way Long Distance Route This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. 1-1 of 1 review1 Travelers who viewed Speyside Way Long Distance Route also viewed Rothiemurchus Aviemore, Aviemore and the Cairngorms Loch an Eilein Aviemore, Aviemore and the Cairngorms Strathspey Steam Railway Aviemore, Aviemore and the Cairngorms CairnGorm Mountain Aviemore, Aviemore and the Cairngorms All things to do in Aviemore (30) Been to Speyside Way Long Distance Route? Share your experiences! Write a Review Add Photos & Videos Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Speyside Way Long Distance Route, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing Extreme Dream Climbing Centre, Aviemore Speyside Way Long Distance Trail Hotels around Aviemore 4.5 out of 5, 11 reviews Last reviewed Aug 7, 2013 Dalmeny Park Country House Hotel 4.0 out of 5, 135 reviews Last reviewed Aug 7, 2013 Northend Guest House 5.0 out of 5, 15 reviews Last reviewed Aug 6, 2013 Royal Marine 3.5 out of 5, 80 reviews Last reviewed Aug 6, 2013 The Inn at Inverbeg 4.0 out of 5, 445 reviews Last reviewed Aug 6, 2013 Easter Garth Guest House 5.0 out of 5, 49 reviews Last reviewed Aug 4, 2013 No.20 Boutique Bed and Breakfast 5.0 out of 5, 151 reviews Last reviewed Aug 4, 2013 Hunter's Quay Holiday Park 4.0 out of 5, 90 reviews Last reviewed Jul 29, 20

13 Ardencaple Hotel 3.5 out of 5, 52 reviews Last reviewed Jul 26, 2013 Hunters Quay Hotel 4.5 out of 5, 140 reviews Last reviewed Jul 23, 2013 Heather Bed and Breakfast 3.5 out of 5, 3 reviews Last reviewed Jul 21, 2013 Lethamhill 5.0 out of 5, 21 reviews Last reviewed Jul 19, 2013 Castle Levan Bed and Breakfast 5.0 out of 5, 26 reviews Last reviewed Jul 5, 2013 Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel (Loch Morlich) 4.5 out of 5, 11 reviews Last reviewed Jul 4, 2013 Duncreggan House 5.0 out of 5, 12 reviews Last reviewed May 14, 2013 Aviemore resources Hotels near Helensburgh Central Station Hotels near Craigendoran Station Great long distance walk - Speyside Way Long Distance Trail, Aviemore Traveller Reviews - TripAdvisor Speys

ide Way Long Distance Trail Write a Review Aviemore to Buckie, Aviemore, Scotland Website “Great long distance walk” Reviewed 6 August 2014 A friend and I hiked the trail from Buckie to Aviemore (65 miles) ...

About 10 to 13 miles a day. Our arrangements were made by Contours Walking Holidays, who provided detailed maps and descriptions and arranged for lodging in B&Bs and transportation for our luggage each day. So we only needed a daypack. The very start and end of the trail are not well marked, but the rest of the trail is well-marked with a thistle logo. It's a long hike, but not particularly strenuous. You travel through forests on trails or forest roads, among sheep pastures ( fenced off from the sheep), and along former rail lines. This is a great way to experience Scotland off the beaten track. It rains a lot in Scotland, so be prepared! Visited July 2014 Ask QuoVadis70 about Speyside Way Long Distance Trail This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC 12 reviews from our community Visitor rating “Scenic walk” Reviewed 24 May 2014 We have walked various stretches of the very scenic Speyside Way and intend to return and do more. Walkthehighlands website has excellent information which you can print out. Great variety of scenery on the walks so far.

Visited May 2014 Ask ajkedar about Speyside Way Long Distance Trail This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC Robert G “A Good Introduction to Distance Walking” Reviewed 28 January 2014 The route is an excellent introduction to distance walking for younger or inexperienced walkers. The OS map gives lots of helpful advice and it's possible to find out more from a variety of published books before you go and from leaflets found in villages and stopping points on the route itself. It is perfectly possible to divide the route into no more than c.10 mile days and so allow time for breaks, fun stops and diversions, all of which are suitable for younger families. Indeed, a visit to some of the distillery cafes can result in a very pleasant coffee and cake in a warm room served by relaxed (and generous) staff.

My son remembered one such visit as the highlight of his trip – a bit of a shock after all the “quality time” we’d spent together  Provided you DON'T set off with a pack loaded for the Alps, you'll find the walking very easy and pleasant, even when you're enjoying the local liquid sunshine - an unfortunately regular occurrence at most times of the year. I suggest keeping your load light by using the local shops and cafes to reduce the food you need to pack. It’s also possible to rinse out clothing in the river or burns and then dry it on the outside of your pack rather than carrying the vast wardrobe that some walkers seem to find necessary. Careful planning ahead of departure will identify sites where you can do a little laundry. The worst examples of weary, footsore walkers I encountered were those who took the opposite approach to the one outlined above. If you wish to have all the comforts of home on a “camping” trip, either go in a caravan or stay in B&Bs – you’ll enjoy it more.

If you’re prepared to make do with less, then pack a tent, stove and sleeping bag, leave behind the non-essentials and head out to enjoy your encounter with the many moods of the Spey. If you plan ahead, think about what you wish to do and undertake a little research about the facilities available along the way, then (provided you are in good health and determined) the Spey is a route that everyone can enjoy. Visited August 2013 Ask Robert G about Speyside Way Long Distance Trail This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC CarolinaTrekkers Idyllic Varied Walking Route in the Scottish Highlands” Reviewed June 28, 2013 The Speyside Way is one of Scotland's official long distance routes. The "regular route" runs about 66 miles, from the railway station in Aviemore north to the trail's end monument near the center of Buckie, on Moray Firth. (Some walkers do it north to south.) There are two spur trails as well - the Tomintoul spur of about 16 miles, and the Dufftown spur of about 9.

Many people do one or both of these spurs in addition to or instead of sections of the regular route, in order to add beauty and a little more challenge to the walk and to allow walkers to take the two free tours and tastings at Glenlivet and Glenfiddich distilleries. When we walked the route in June 2013, we did both both spurs, and omitted the Grantown to Ballindollach section from the regular route; this gave us a walk total of about 75 miles. There are also other routes and trails in the area that sometimes intersect with the Speyside Way, including Badenoch , Dava and Moray Coast trails. The Speyside Way has some diverse scenery, including frequent views of the River Spey (a famous fishery for salmon and sea trout), but it does not have a lot of elevation gain or loss, and is generally not very difficult as compared to some other British long walks such as, for example, the West Highland Way. Lodging and food are generally not very hard to find, although there are some 10-mile stretches where it is infrequent.

There is a helpful official Speyside Way site (Speysideway.com), which contains a listing of lodgings as well. When we did the walk in June, 2013, we walked 75 miles in six days, as follows: Day 1 - Aviemore to Boat of Garten to Nethy Bridge to Grantown on Spey - about 17 miles. Day 2 - Our B & B owner, for a reasonable charge, drove us down to Tomintoul to do the spur. After 8 miles, we did the Glenlivet tour and tasting, and then spent the night in the area. Day 3 - We finished the 8-mile Tomintoul spur to Ballindollach, and then walked 10 more miles to Ablerlour, for an 18 mile day. The Tomintoul spur is pretty and has some nice up and down walking. Day 4 - Walked 4.5 miles to Dufftown (took Glenfiddich Distillerytour/tasting), and 4.5 miles to Craigellachie, for 9-mile day. Day 5 - 13 miles to Fochabers, a pleasant and varied section.

Day 6 - final 11-mile section to Moray Firth, and then to Buckie town center monument; scenic and flat. A prominent characteristic of the Speyside Way is the 50 or so single malt whisky distilleries in the area (out of 100 in Scotland) including Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Balvenie, Macallan, Tamdhu, Aberlour and others. This has caused some to call this the "Whisky Walk" or "Whisky Way". The single malt industry is booming in Scotland, and increasingly elsewhere. Learning about and dabbling in single malt is an interesting part of the experience. Slainte! There are several guide books, and a few companies that will transport luggage or arrange lodging, if you wish. We used the 2010 first edition of Alan Castle's Cicerone Guide Book, with strip map included, and found it very satisfactory.

While walkers can decide for themselves what the highlights are, some of ours were: meeting and chatting with locals and other walkers; the exceptional single malt tours and tasting opportunites, including Whisky Castle in Tomintoul, Mash Tun in Aberlour, and Highlander Inn in Craigellachie; very nice lodging, including Garden Park B & B in Grantown, Bank House in Glenlivet, Mash Tun in Aberlour, Bridge View B & B in Craigellachie, and Highlander Hotel in Buckie; tasty meals, including Old Bridge Inn and Restaurant in Aviemore; Croft Inn in Glenlivet; Mash Tun in Aberlour; Quaich in Fochabers; and Highlander Hotel in Buckie; others included Walker's awesome Shortbread in Aberlour and Baxter's food outlet and visitor's center in Fochabers. The level of friendliness and hospitality encountered was very high. A day or two in Edinburgh before or after the walk is time well spent - interesting town with some good museums, galleries, and food.

Visited June 2013 See 2 more reviews by CarolinaTrekkers for Aviemore Ask CarolinaTrekkers about Speyside Way Long Distance Route This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. 1-1 of 1 review1 Travelers who viewed Speyside Way Long Distance Route also viewed Rothiemurchus Aviemore, Aviemore and the Cairngorms Loch an Eilein Aviemore, Aviemore and the Cairngorms Strathspey Steam Railway Aviemore, Aviemore and the Cairngorms CairnGorm Mountain Aviemore, Aviemore and the Cairngorms All things to do in Aviemore (30) Been to Speyside Way Long Distance Route? Share your experiences! Write a Review Add Photos & Videos Owners: What's your side of the story? If you own or manage Speyside Way Long Distance Route, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing Extreme Dream Climbing Centre, Aviemore Speyside Way Long Distance Trail Hotels around Aviemore 4.5 out of 5, 11 reviews Last reviewed Aug 7, 2013 Dalmeny Park Country House Hotel 4.0 out of 5, 135 reviews Last reviewed Aug 7, 2013 Northend Guest House 5.0 out of 5, 15 reviews Last reviewed Aug 6, 2013 Royal Marine 3.5 out of 5, 80 reviews Last reviewed Aug 6, 2013 The Inn at Inverbeg 4.0 out of 5, 445 reviews Last reviewed Aug 6, 2013 Easter Garth Guest House 5.0 out of 5, 49 reviews Last reviewed Aug 4, 2013 No.20 Boutique Bed and Breakfast 5.0 out of 5, 151 reviews Last reviewed Aug 4, 2013 Hunter's Quay Holiday Park 4.0 out of 5, 90 reviews Last reviewed Jul 29, 20

13 Ardencaple Hotel 3.5 out of 5, 52 reviews Last reviewed Jul 26, 2013 Hunters Quay Hotel 4.5 out of 5, 140 reviews Last reviewed Jul 23, 2013 Heather Bed and Breakfast 3.5 out of 5, 3 reviews Last reviewed Jul 21, 2013 Lethamhill 5.0 out of 5, 21 reviews Last reviewed Jul 19, 2013 Castle Levan Bed and Breakfast 5.0 out of 5, 26 reviews Last reviewed Jul 5, 2013 Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel (Loch Morlich) 4.5 out of 5, 11 reviews Last reviewed Jul 4, 2013 Duncreggan House 5.0 out of 5, 12 reviews Last reviewed May 14, 2013 Aviemore resources Hotels near Helensburgh Central Station Hotels near Craigendoran Station Speyside Way walking guidebook - Cicerone • Barnes and Noble Description This guidebook describes the Speys

ide Way, one of Scotland's Great Trails that follows the River Spey for 66 mile (106km) through northern Scotland from Aviemore to the old port of Buckie on the Moray coast.

Featuring easy walking on good paths and along disused railway lines, the route can be comfortably completed in a week and is presented in 10 stages of between 2 and 13 miles (3-21km). The guide also details the recently opened 6½-mile (10.5km) extension to the Speyside Way between Kincraig and Aviemore as well as two alternatives to the main route and routes to the source of the Spey. Also featured are three other trails in the same region which can be combined with the Speyside Way to form a longer trek: the 25 mile (40km) Dava Way, 47 mile (76km) Moray Coast Trail and 12½ mile (20km) Badenoch Way. Alongside detailed route description, the guide includes background information, local points of interest (including a list of distilleries!), tips on transport and accommodation and recommendations for mountain-bikers and riders, who can follow stretches of the route. A handy booklet containing all the OS 1:25,000 Explorer mapping needed to complete the Speyside Way is located in the back cover sleeve.

The Spey is Scotland's third longest river, famed for its salmon and its distilleries. Rising in the Monadhliath Mountains, it flows through remote glens to the Highland resort of Aviemore, surrounded by the wild Cairngorms. From there, the Speyside Way follows the river's course through the countryside, forests and small towns of Strathspey and Moray to reach its mouth on the Moray Firth and the unique shingle systems at Spey Bay. Activities Walking, hiking, trekking. Also mountain-biking, horse-riding Seasons The Speyside Way is suitable in all seasons, apart from Prologue which is unsafe in winter except for experienced backpackers; late spring and early autumn particularly good; limited facilities in winter for most locations visited Centres Newtonmore, Kingussie, Aviemore, Grantown-on-Spey, Aberlour, Craigellachie, Fochabers, Tomintoul, Dufftown, Forres, Findhorn, Burghead, Lossiemouth, Findochty, Cullen.

Also Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge, Fort Augustus Difficulty generally easy and well waymarked trails suitable for walkers of most abilities; Prologue routes are recommended for experienced and well equipped walkers only as they are not waymarked and include trackless routes over remote country Must See The Speyside Way, Dava Way, Moray Coast Trail and Moray Way plus wilderness trails to source of Spey; numerous whisky distilleries, disused railway tracks and heritage railways, broad strath of Speyside, scenic coastal fishing settlements and abundant wildlife Long Distance Walking Routes | Scottish Independent Hostels Long Distance Walking Routes Morag's Lodge, Fort Augustus, Great Glen Way Long Distance Walking Routes in Scotland These are the major long distance walking routes in Scotland Sense the freedom and enjoy the adventure of the Fife Coastal Path. Distance: 150km/93.75miles Duration: 5 - 7 days Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet The Rob Roy Way is a weeks walk from Drymen to the Highland Perthshire town of Pitlochry.

Distance: 148km/92.5 miles Duration: 7 days Height Gain: 500 metres/1650 feet Scotland's original long distance path running from Glasgow to Fort William. Distance: 152km/95 miles Duration: 7-10 days Height Gain: 800 metres/2650 feet The Southern Upland Way is Scotland's longest route, traversing Scotland from west to east. Distance: 340km/212 miles Duration: 12-20 days Height Gain: 1450 metres/4785 feet The Speyside Way runs from Buckie on the Moray Coast to Aviemore in the Cairngorms. Distance: 105km/65 miles Duration: 4-7 days Height Gain: 500 metres/1650 feet Things to do in Aviemore | Days Out | Places to Visit Things to do in Aviemore, Highland Snowboarders in the Cairngorms Aviemore is best known as a winter ski resort in the Cairngorm National Park within the Scottish Highlands .

It is 30 miles south east of Inverness , just off the old A9 road to Perth . One of the oldest signs of settlement in the area is the Aviemore Stone Circle in a residential part of the town. Aviemore was a settlement of little note from the 1600s until the railway arrived in 1862. It became a major railway junction in 1892. The Highland Railway built housing for staff along with the Aviemore Hotel and it employed many locals. View from top of Cairngorm Mountain The hotel burnt down in 1950 and the site, including the golf course, was developed into the Aviemore Centre. It became a popular place for royalty and celebrities to gather at the Royal Hunt Balls and it hosted "It's a Knockout" competitions for the BBC series several times. The chairlift was built at Aviemore in 1961, making it one of the first ski resorts in Britain, and still one of the most visited. The chair lift was replaced by the modern funicular Cairngorm Mountain Railway in 2001.

It climbs 1500 feet to the Ptarmigan station and is able to run in all weathers, unlike the chair lift. Present Day Aviemore Loch an Eilean, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland Aviemore currently has a population of just 2,400 residents. It is well appointed for entertaining its many visitors with a wide choice of pubs, a theatre and two nightclubs in the town, along with the usual shops. It also has a dry ski slope and a go-karting track as well as winter sports facilities. The Aviemore Centre has more recently developed as a health spa, with three hotels and several restaurants. The centre includes a public swimming pool with a flume. The Cairngorm Brewery is at Aviemore and brews a choice of award-winning beers. Aviemore boasts two railways. It is on the Highland Main Line and is also the terminus of the Strathspey Heritage Railway. LMS Ivatt 46512 Class locomotive on The Strathspey Railway Things to Do Around Aviemore Aviemore is famous as a skiing and winter sports centre with 28 runs and 21 miles of pistes.

In the summer, hill walking in the Cairngorms National Park can be enjoyed. Male Ptarmigan, Cairngorms National Park Walkers wishing to climb Cairn Gorm must start from the base station of the mountain railway. There are three waymarked trails within Coire Cas. Take a ride up the mountain on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway. The wide panoramic windows and transparent roof give stunning views. Male Ring Ouzel, Cairngorms National Park At the top there is an exhibition centre, restaurants and viewing terrace but due to erosion there is no access to walk on the mountain. Visit the Aviemore Stone Circle which is a Clava type circle of low stones. Strathspey Railway Take a ride on the Strathspey Steam Railway which runs for about 12 miles to Grantown-on-Spey with both diesel and steam locomotives. See the locomotive sheds which housed many famous Highland Railway engines in their time. Glen More is where the Great Glen Way runs through, a popular trail for walkers from Inverness to Fort William . It is the only place to find free-grazing reindeer.

The Speyside Way is another long-distance footpath which links Aviemore with Buckie on the northeast coast of Scotland. Loch an Eilean Castle Cairngorms Aviemore Speyside Accommodation & Sightseeing - The Internet Guide to Scotland THE INTERNET GUIDE TO SCOTLAND Cairngorms Accommodation, Activities and Sightseeing The Cairngorm Area: Strathspey & Speyside Grantown-on-Spey, Boat of Garten, Carrbridge, Aviemore, Kingussie Photo © John Braid - Fotolia.com The main A9 road leading north from Perth to Inverness passes through the Grampian region dominated by the Cairngorm Mountains. The Cairngorm area is the ideal place for outdoor activities. Apart from the mountains themselves, there's also the Glenmore Forest Park to explore, watersports on Loch Morlich and Loch Insh, plus fishing, skiing, cycling and golf. The Cairngorm mountain range stretches for 50 miles with almost 50 peaks over 3000 feet and several others rising over 4000 feet high.

The Cairngorm plateau is a vast featureless stoney desert which is a unique example in this country of a sub-arctic ecosystem (not the place to get lost on a misty day). The Cairngorms National Park was officially opened in 2003. Three of Scotland's best hill passes go through here leading to semi-permanent snow fields which can persist into the summer months, remnants of the ancient natural Caledonian Forest and features carved out by the last Ice Age. The Gaelic name for the Cairngorms is Am Monadh Ruadh (the Red Hills) due to the pink granite on the plateau. However the name Cairn Gorm means Blue Mountain as the peak apparently looks blue from a distance. Cairn Gorm itself is 1245 metres high (4084 feet) and can be easily visited on a fine day in summer. Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland . Transport Aviemore is about 30 miles south of Inverness on the main A9 road.

Cross country roads can be taken west to Spean Bridge & Fort William and east to Nairn & Elgin . Train The main railway line from Edinburgh via Perth to Inverness has stations in the Cairngorm area at Dalwhinnie, Newtonmore, Kingussie, Aviemore and Carrbridge. trainline is the official way to check timetables and book train tickets online. Coach Daily coaches operate between Inverness and Edinburgh with stops at various places in between such as Aviemore and Newtonmore. See the Citylink bus timetables online . For day trips from Inverness by coach to surrounding areas - click here . Plane The nearest airport is 8 miles outside Inverness - see the Inverness transport page for details. Aviemore Car & Van Hire have a variety of vehicles for hire - tel: 01479 811 700. Car Hire Focus offers vehicle hire from Aviemore - including 4x4, vans, minibus, etc. Tel: 01463 709517. Also available in Inverness (train station and airport).

Aviemore Car & Van Hire operates out of Station Square in Aviemore. Tel: 01479 811700. Tours Clansandcastles.com offer itinerary planning for self-drive tours (with car hire if required) and/or accommodation reservations for castles, inns & country houses. Private tour guides also available. Small groups in a car, minibus or a 50-seater coach can be catered for. Each of the professional guides live and work in the Highlands and are keen to share their local knowledge. Visit Clansandcastles.com to find out how to book your tour in advance. Celia Ffitch-Stewart is a fully insured driver-guide with Mercedes limousine for your tailor-made guided tour. Based in Fortrose, near Inverness. She offers half day, full day or extended tours. Airport collection (Edinburgh, Aberdeen or Inverness). Services can include itinerary planning and accommodation reservations. Meet your clan chief, trace your roots, stay in a castle, tour the distilleries. Member of HOSTGA (Highlands of Scotland Tour Guide Association).

Scotland Made Easy can plan a customised itinerary for a self-drive tour to suit your interests, budget and time available. They will book you into recommended accommodation where you are assured of quality, comfort and hospitality - usually in 4 or 5 star B&Bs in Scottish homes. Optional 'specials' include a night in a castle, church, lighthouse, country mansion, etc. Outdoor Activities There are lots of opportunities for skiing, rock and ice climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, etc. in the Cairngorms. Ace Adventures (based in Grantown on Spey) can offer white water rafting, river bugs and duckies. Also guided river tours in 10-man inflatable rafts along the River Spey from Aviemore to Boat of Garten. Active Outdoor Pursuits based at Craigower Lodge Outdoor Pursuits Centre in Newtonmore. Adventure Scotland based in Aviemore. Mountainsports, paddlesports and snowsports. Courses and expeditions. Alpha Mountaineering - instruction and guiding in walking, scrambling and climbing, both in summer and winter.

Courses available include climbing, scrambling, navigation and winter skills Alvie & Dalraddy Estates (3 miles south of Aviemore) can offer fishing, horse riding, quad bike treks, clay pigeon shooting, archery, deer stalking, grouse, hare & rough shooting, etc. Accommodation, farm produce and estate tours also available. Aviemore Kart Raceway - go karts on a 500 metre outdoor track situated at Granish 1 mile outside Aviemore. Tel: 01479 812079. Badaguish Centre near Aviemore offers multi-activities including indoor climbing, rock climbing, scrambling, abseiling, mountain biking, mountain walking, archery, canoeing, orienteering, etc. Accommodation available. Boots n Paddles offers open canoeing, archery, climbing, abseiling, hill walking, orienteering, mountain biking, gorge walking, canyoning and weaseling. Winter skills courses, skiing courses, canoe hire, wildlife holidays, team building also available. Bothy Bikes at Rothiemurchus near Aviemore offer bike hire and details of local trails.

Also see Cairngorm Mountain Bikers web site. Backcountry Survival provides tailored courses and packages in wilderness survival techniques and the art of bushcraft. From half-day courses to 3-day expeditions. Based in Aviemore. Contact Neil Foote. Tel: 01479 812 725. C-N-Do Scotland organises guided walking and climbing holidays throughout Scotland with many options in this beautiful part of the Highlands. As well as daywalks, C-N-Do Scotland also have short skills and instruction courses available for winter mountaincraft, climbing, navigation, etc. Craggan Outdoors near Grantown on Spey (Cairngorms) specialises in kayaking, canoeing, raft building, mountaineering, climbing, high ropes course, gorge walking, mountain biking, clay pigeon shooting, quad treks and archery. Bunkhouse accommodation also available. Winner of Best Visitor Attraction award in the Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards 2012. The East Highland Way is a proposed long distance walking route between Fort William and Aviemore (76 miles). Web site features route maps and photos. Full On Adventure based in Aviemore.

Guided hill walks, Munro bagging, mountain biking, winter skills courses, skiing, snowboarding, white water rafting, kayaking on Loch Ness, canoe trips down the River Spey, adventure tours, etc. G2 based in Aviemore. Activity breaks with a wide choice of accommodation options. Alpine ski instruction, telemark skiing, winter walking and skills courses. Canoe/kayaking, rock climbing, abseiling, gorge walking, hill walking, expeditions. Mobile climbing wall. Lagganlia Centre near Kingussie. All-inclusive courses including snow-boarding, abseiling, rock-climbing, sailing, mountain-biking, rafting, kayaking, skiing, etc. Loch Insh Watersports & Skiing Centre near Aviemore. Downhill skiing hire and/or instruction. Dry ski slope skiing. Loch Morlich Watersports offers equipment hire, lessons, activity days and a range of courses. Beach, cafe, changing rooms & lockers. Mikes Bikes at Cyclelife Aviemore , 5A Myrtlefield, (below the chemist) in Aviemore is a bike shop with bikes for hire & sale, repairs, accessories, etc.

Telephone: 01479 810478. Newtonmore Riding Centre is located by Biallid Farm. Tel: 01540 670000. Out in the Hills - based in Aviemore, Tim Hall is a qualified Mountain Leader and leads guided walks and wilderness expeditions in the Cairngorms and further afield in the Highlands. Tel: 01479 810570 / Mobile: 0780 112 6137. Scot Mountain Holidays offer a choice of guided walking holidays, self-drive activity touring holidays, accommodation and transport packages for independent walkers, residential courses in navigation, winter skills and mountaineering. Based in Boat of Garten, they specialise in the Cairngorm area. Hostel accommodation available. Ron Walker of Talisman Activities based in Carrbridge will give you expert instruction in all these mountaineering skills, arrange mountain bike tours and take you on guided walks or survival expeditions. The Slochd by Carrbridge offers instruction and guiding for Alpine skiing and Nordic skiing (cross country skiing) in the Cairngorms.

Ski hire, cycleshop/workshop, mountain bike hire and self catering accommodation also available. The Ski School - the offical ski school of Cairngorm Mountain Lessons to suit all ages and abilities with friendly and professional instructors (web site includes snow reports and webcams). VisitScotland Skiing web site includes details of all 5 of Scotland's ski resorts. For outdoor enthusiasts in the area, visit the WalkHighlands page about Speyside and Aviemore walks . The road up Glen More past Loch Morlich leads to the Cairngorm Mountain Railway which was opened in 2001 to replace the old chair lift. At the top there is a panoramic restaurant, visitor exhibition and shop (but no access to the mountain summit itself). View from Cairn Gorm © Iain Frazer | Dreamstime.com The Cairngorm Ranger Service offers all the information you need at the Ranger Base (located in the Mountain Railway Base Station). Guided walks available. Tel: 01479 861261. Weather The weather can change quickly in mountain areas. Please take appropriate clothing, maps and equipment, tell someone where you are going and follow the advice of local people.

Useful information available on the web includes: WinterNet - lots of up to date info and photos about snow and weather conditions. © Gail Johnson - Fotolia.com Here you will also find the Landmark Forest Adventure Park , offering a wide range of attractions and activities for all. You can easily spend a day here enjoying the Pinewood Nature Trail with its wildlife feeding area, Tree Top Trail (you might see red squirrels), Ant City adventure play area, Wild Watercoaster ride, Skydive 'parachute' jump , RopeworX and Tarzan Trail aerial challenge courses, Wild Forest Maze, Clydesdale horse, working steam powered sawmill, forest activity area, and the first Rollercoaster in the Highlands the 'Runaway Timber Train'. The Butterfly House opened in 2016. Don't forget the world's first 'bamboozeleum' � a mind boggling collection of illusions, puzzles and strange visual effects. Mini cars, Mini Diggers and remote controlled trucks. Open all year. Family, weekly and whole season tickets available. Most areas are accessible by disabled visitors except the fire tower, Watercoaster, RopeworX, Tarzan Trail, Skydive.

There is also a family restaurant, snack bar and shop. Telephone 0800 731 3446 / 01479 841 613. GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY A planned town created by Sir James Grant of Grant in 1766. This is one of the most important centres in the area together with Aviemore. Golf course. More info on the Grantown-on-Spey community web site. Highland Games usually take place here on the last Saturday in August. 2015 sees the town's 250th anniverary with various celebrations with Grantown 250 . From here you can drive the scenic route northwards 20 miles to Forres and Nairn which leads you past the entrance to Castle Grant, described by Queen Victoria as "a very plain-looking house, like a factory". Just 14 miles from Grantown on the A95 is the very splendid Ballindalloch Castle . Home of the Macpherson-Grants since 1546. Extensive grounds and a walled garden. Shop and tearoom. Golf course.

Open daily (10.30am - 5pm) from Easter to the end of September (closed on Saturdays). Tel: 01807 500 205. Near there is Speyside Pottery which is open from April to October, daily 10am - 5pm (or by arrangement). LOCHINDORB CASTLE Lochindorb Castle is located on the bleak Dava Moor (6.5 miles north-west of Grantown-on-Spey off the road heading towards Forres). It sits on a partly man-made island in this remote loch, and is not accessible by public transport, so you will need a car or bike to get here - and then of course a boat if you want to go across! The best time to visit is when the heather is in bloom and the moor is a carpet of purple. Lochindorb comes from the Gaelic meaning 'Loch of Trouble' and the castle has certainly had its fair share of that!

Dating back to the 13th century, it was originally held by the Comyns, but later occupied by the English and was visited by Edward I in 1303 when he stayed here for 9 days, hunting out on the moor. Later it was used as a prison and also a garrison for English troops. At the end of the 14th century, it was gifted by Robert II to his third son, the notorious Wolf of Badenoch, Alexander Stewart, who rampaged around quite a bit of the local area. Lochindorb was said to be his favourite haunt. See historical details in the RCAHMS file . When the Scottish Privy Council instructed the Thane of Cawdor to dismantle Lochindorb after it had been forfeited by the Earl of Moray in around 1455, the huge iron yett was transported to Cawdor Castle and can now be seen in the bowels of the building. Although now in ruins, the castle was still in fairly good condition up until the end of the 18th century when its four 7-metre high round towers were intact.

The main quadrangular courtyard is 48 x 38 metres in dimensions and is enclosed by a 2-metre thick wall which stands 6 metres high. A later extension to the south was made probably to give the island extra protection from assault. Apparently it was bought by the Cawdor Campbells in the 1970s. REVACK ESTATE Located on the B970 road between Grantown-on-Spey and Nethy Bridge. Revack Lodge was built as a shooting lodge some time around 1860. Today you can visit parts of the huge estate where there are nature trails, adventure playground, plant centre and garden (orchids a speciality), restaurant and gift shop. Open daily. Coaches by appointment only. Tel: 01479 872 234. SPEYSIDE HEATHER Halfway between Grantown-on-Spey and the Boat of Garten is the multi-award winning Speyside Heather Garden and Visitor Centre at Skye of Curr, Dulnain Bridge.

See over 300 varieties of heather in the garden, visit the exhibition on the many uses of the plant, buy some to take home, shop for crafts, jewellery, clothes, garden produce. Restaurant (the famous Scottish Clootie Dumpling pudding is a speciality here). Open daily all year (except Christmas Day). Slightly reduced opening hours during the winter. Sadly the centre was badly damaged by fire in April 2016. Check if open. Telephone 01479 851 359. BOAT OF GARTEN Before the bridge that now crosses the River Spey, a ferry used to take people across the water - hence the name Boat of Garten. The Boat of Garten golf course , established in 1898, includes a bar, restaurant, shop, practice net and tennis courts (tel: 01479 831282). Boat of Garten is proud of its recent title as 'Osprey Village' thanks to the stunning birds at Loch Garten where you can use the viewing hide provided by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). Open daily during the summer. There is also an osprey webcam .

There are lots of activities and guided walks during the year. The Boat of Garten Winter Festival is at the end of December. It offers a wide range of concerts, activities and a Hogmanay ceilidh. Boatofgarten.com has further info about this and the local area. Whether you are looking for food or accommodation, visit The Boat Hotel . It has a lounge bar, public bar and award-winning restaurant. It was built in Victorian times as the station hotel for the Strathspey Railway and still retains much of its original character. STRATHSPEY STEAM RAILWAY The Strathspey Steam Railway runs between the Boat of Garten and Aviemore, which an extension to Broomhill ('Glenbogle' in the BBC TV series Monarch of the Glen). Morning coffee, afternoon tea and lunch can be taken on the train. Special Sunday lunch trips also available. Booking is advisable. Closed November - April (except for some holiday specials including Christmas). Telephone 01479 810725 or freephone 0800 085 7273. Timetables and details of special events on their web site .

The Aviemore Highland Half Marathon is in October. The Aviemore Gallery is 1 mile out of town on the road to Loch Morlich. Artwork, crafts, gifts, coffee shop. Tel: 01479 811987. Alvie & Dalraddy Estates (3 miles south of Aviemore) can offer fishing, horse riding, quad bike treks, clay pigeon shooting, archery, deer stalking, grouse, hare & rough shooting, etc. Accommodation, farm shop and estate tours also available. Tel: 01540 651255. Just south of Aviemore on the B970 past the fish farm is the Rothiemurchus Visitor Centre at Inverdruie. Coffee shop, picnic areas, toilets, etc. Open daily 9am-5.30pm throughout the year. Hire mountain bikes to go exploring on the forest tracks. Get a free footpath map or go on a guided walk with the Countryside Ranger Service. Many other activities available including clay pigeon shooting, off road driving, fishing, birdwatching, Land Rover tours of the estate.

The Rothiemurchus Estate also runs the Visitor Centre at Loch an Eilein. Telephone: 01479 812 345. More info available on their web site . Cairngorm Sled-dog Adventure Centre : Sled trips, sled-dog museum, kennel tours - booking essential. Tel: 07767 270526. Open all year. Loch-an-Eilein Pottery can be found 2.5 miles south-west of Aviemore on the road to Loch-an-Eilein (loch with tiny island which is home to the ruins of a castle). Pottery classes also available. Contact Penny Weir. Tel: 01479 810 837. Self catering accommodation to rent for 3 or 7 days (sleeps 5-6). Loch an Eilean Castle photo © John Braid - Fotolia.com The Cairngorm Gliding Club operates from Blackmill Airstrip, Feshie Bridge, 7 miles south of Aviemore.

Robert Pollock's guide to standing stones and cairns in North and North-East Scotland includes those at Avielochan and Delfour which are located north and south of Aviemore respectively. Glen Avon photo © Stephen Finn - Fotolia.com CAIRNGORM REINDEER HERD Take the B970 road out of Aviemore and then continue east for 6 miles (heading towards the chairlift). The Reindeer Centre is situated in the Glenmore Forest. Guided visits on foot take you right to the herd and you can touch the reindeer. These leave at 11am every day (and also 2.30pm in summer). At other times of the day you can probably see other reindeer around the centre. Exhibition and shop. Open all year. Admission charge. Telephone 01479 861 228. INSCHRIACH ALPINE PLANT NURSERY Scotland's premier Alpine Plant Nursery is located 4 miles south of Aviemore on the B970. It is open to visitors from 9am - 5pm daily from mid February to mid November.

Walk around the gardens and purchase some of the thousands of plants on display. Mail order catalogues available. More details online... Tel: 01540 651287. Holiday cottages also available. LOCH MORLICH 10 minutes outside Aviemore. Loch Morlich Watersports offers equipment hire, lessons, activity days and a range of courses. Take part in sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking and more. Award-winning beach around the loch. Boathouse with changing rooms, toilets, lockers, etc. Cafe with balcony overlooking the loch. Tel: 01479 861 221. Walks and mountain bike trails in Glenmore Forest . Campsite - telephone 01479 861271. © John Braid | Dreamstime.com HIGHLAND WILDLIFE PARK Located at Kincraig almost halfway between Aviemore and Kingussie. The park opens every day (weather permitting) at 10am. Last entry is 1 hour before closing time. April - October 5pm, June - August 6pm, November - March 4pm.

Owned by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. Includes a large drive-through reserve where you can see red deer, bison, wild horses, Highland cattle and ancient breeds of sheep. You can walk around the rest of the park (disabled access is possible) and see alsorts of creatures including red squirrels, pine martens, capercaillie, owls, wolves, reindeer, snow monkeys, camels, polar bear, lynx and amur tigers. Sheepdog trials on certain afternoons. Cafeteria, gift shop, picnic area. Tel: 01540 651 270. Web site LEALT WORKING SHEEPDOGS Leault Farm at Kincraig offers a 45-minute demonstration where you can see up to 8 dogs working as a team manoeuvring sheep and ducks through various obstacles. Sheepdog demonstrations are at 4pm each day (except Saturday) from May through to October. Contact Neil Ross. Tel: 01540 651402.

KINGUSSIE (12 miles south of Aviemore and 54 miles north of Pitlochry) The name Kingussie (pronounced King - you - sie) comes from the Gaelic equivalent of "the end of the pine wood". Located 764 feet above sea level, this is an excellent walking area. There's also a golf course. The town has a variety of shops for groceries, gifts, etc. plus a bank, chemist, laundrette, garage, sports hall, Iona Gallery and an Internet cafe at the Be@Home Internet Shop (tel: 01540 661910). The Badenoch & Strathspey Music Festival takes place in March. Ruthven Barracks © John Braid - Fotolia.com When approaching Kingussie along the A9 from the south, you can see the impressive ruins of Ruthven Barracks to the right of the road. Built in 1719, the barracks were destroyed by the Jacobites in 1746 and are now in the care of Historic Scotland. Ruthven means 'the red place'.

HIGHLAND FOLK MUSEUM This award-winning museum is well worth a visit (not just because it's free!) and is set at 2 locations. Indoor exhibitions and archives are situated in the museum at Duke Street, Kingussie. The 80-acre site in the neighbouring village of Newtonmore features a wide variety of traditional buildings. Travel in time from the early 18th century Highland township to the mid-20th century working croft. Many live demonstrations can be seen in July and August featuring things such as spinning, lace-making, dyeing, weaving, pottery, blacksmith skills and music. Open daily (10.30am - 5.30pm) from 1 April to 31 August 2014. Open daily (11.00am � 4.30pm) from 1 September to 31 October. Admission free. Tel: 01540 673551. Picnic area, gift shop and toilets. Visit the museum web site for full details, maps and video.

NEWTONMORE Visit the official Newtonmore web site - it has absolutely everything you need to know about the town and its area. The Newtonmore Highland Games and Clan MacPherson Rally take place in August. 'MONARCH OF THE GLEN' COUNTRY If you have seen the BBC TV series 'Monarch of the Glen', you may know that 'Glenbogle House' is in fact Ardverikie Castle on the shores of Loch Laggan, between Newtonmore and Spean Bridge. Please note that it is not open to the public, but self catering accommodation is available on 3 properties on the estate. Search and book cottages online Miscellaneous accommodation listings: Alvie House is an Edwardian style shooting lodge which provides fully catered accommodation for groups with facilities for weddings, conferences, corporate entertainment, shooting and fishing parties, etc. Self catering cottages, flats, chalets and caravans are also available on the Alvie & Dalraddy Estates. 3 miles south of Aviemore. Allt Gynack is a 3 star guest house in Kingussie has 5 bedrooms (double, twin, single, family). WiFi available. Pets welcome. Contact Jen and Martin Stone.

Tel: 01540 661081. Coig na Shee Guest House in Newtonmore offers 4 star accommodation in 5 ensuite bedrooms (double, twin, king size). WiFi available. Recommended in 'Scotland the Best' by Peter Irvine. Contact Marion & Graeme Broad. Tel: 01540 670109. The Dulaig is a luxury B&B in Grantown-on-Spey. Scottish Tourist Board 5 Stars Gold Award and AA 5 Gold Stars. 3 bedrooms (king-size double, super-king or twin) each with luxury ensuite bathroom, garden views, Arts & Crafts antiques, satellite TV, DVD, silent mini fridge, hairdryer, bathrobes, toiletries. Free Wi-Fi. Delicious breakfasts & home baking. Maximum 4 guests. No children under 10. Tel: 01479 872 065 Dunallan House is a 4 star guest house in Grantown On Spey. Choice of 7 ensuite bedrooms including single, double, twin, triple, family rooms and a honeymoon suite. Contact Jayne & David Graham.

Tel: 01479 872140. Garden Park Guest House offers 4 star B&B in Grantown-on-Spey. 5 bedrooms (four poster, king-size, double and twin). Dinner by prior arrangement for parties of 4 or more people from June to September. Contact David and Angela Wood. Tel: 01479 873235. Gowdenstane is a 3 star B&B with 1 ensuite bedroom (sleeping 2 - 3 people). Situated in Kingussie. Evening meals available. Guided day trips to see wildlife, castles, distilleries, etc. can be arranged with your host who is an experienced nature guide. Tel: 0791 4647562 / 01540 661944. Holmhill House is a 4 star guest house with 6 rooms in Grantown on Spey. Contact Mike and Mel Fitzhugh. Tel: 01479 873977.

Speyburn House is a B&B with 3 bedrooms in Archiestown, near Aberlour in the heart of the Spey Valley. Tel: 01340 810 543. Self catering links: 20 Munro Place in Aviemore offers self catering accommodation for up to 6 people (3 bedrooms). Short breaks from 2 nights are available. Creag Mhor in Aviemore offers self catering for 4 people with a sizeable lounge/dining area, fully fitted and equipped kitchen, large bathroom with bath and separate walk-in shower and 2 twin bedrooms. Short breaks sometimes available. Instant online booking. Dulnain House (sleeps 11 - 12) and Thistle Cottage (sleeps 7-9) are 2 self catering houses in the quiet village of Dulnain Bridge. Scottish Tourist Board 4 Stars. Telephone: 01479 851359. Fishing tuition and permits for the River Spey can also be arranged. Great North Lodges - 10 self catering properties in the Cairngorms. Choice of properties sleeping from 4 - 16 people.

5 star luxury lodges, 4 star and 3 star cottages. Locations in Aviemore and surrounding area. Tel: 01479 812266. Holiday apartment with 3 bedrooms in The Square at Grantown on Spey. Invernevis Holiday Chalet at Boat of Garten has 2 bedrooms and can sleep up to 6 people. Kilburnie Lettings have a choice of 3 self catering properties. Al 4 Stars. Balgowan House is a large modern house with 4 bedrooms near Laggan, Newtonmore (sleeps 10). Glenfairn House is a large house in Newtonmore with 4 bedrooms (sleeps 14). Glenfairn Apartment is a 1-bedroom ground floor flat in Newtonmore (sleeps 2 - 4). Loch-an-Eilein Pottery (2.5 miles south-west of Aviemore on the road to Loch-an-Eilein) offers self catering accommodation to rent for 3 or 7 days (sleeps 5-6). Pottery classes also available. Contact Penny Weir. Tel: 01479 810 837.

Netherwood House is a large self catering property on the outskirts of Newtonmore. Ideal for groups/families. 4 bedrooms. 3 stars. Pinebank Chalets - log cabins and apartments at Craigellachie House, Aviemore, by the River Spey. The Treehouse is a unique timber lodge set in almost an acre of mature pine and birch wood, with views of the Cairngorms and Boat of Garten Golf Course. Sleeps up to 7 people in 3 bedrooms. Hostel / Bunkhouse accommodation: Abernethy Bunkhouses offer budget accommodation for pre-booked groups only: 6+ in Nethy Station & 15+ in Nethy House. Catering available if required. Activities can be arranged. Contact Richard and Patricia Eccles, Nethy House & Nethy Station, Nethy Bridge PH25 3DN. Tel: 01479 821370. Ardenbeg Bunkhouse and Outdoor Centre in Grantown-on-Spey offers child-friendly bunkhouse accommodation for up to 24 (in rooms of 4, 6, 6 and 8).

Information, instruction and equipment hire for canoeing, climbing, skiing and cycling. Tel: 01479 872824. Aviemore Bunkhouse , Dalfaber Road, Aviemore. Tel: +44 (0)1479 811181. Newly built independent hostel for up to 40 people. 8 en-suite rooms sleeping 4, 6 or 8 people, plus 2 family rooms with double beds. All facilities. Wheelchair access. Credit cards accepted. Member of the Scottish Tourist Board. Craggan Outdoors has a bunkhouse with 10 beds on the Glenbeg Estate near Grantown on Spey. There is also a 30 bed bunkhouse. Both are available for group bookings all year round. Tel: 01479 873 283. The activity centre specialises in kayaking, canoeing, raft building, mountaineering, climbing, high ropes course, gorge walking, mountain biking, clay pigeon shooting, quad treks and archery. Winner of Best Visitor Attraction award in the Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards 2012.

The Lazy Duck Hostel at Nethy Bridge is a mountain hut style bunkhouse with accommodation for 8. Campsite also available. Tel: 01479 821642. Newtonmore Hostel - at the rear of Craigellachie House, Main Street, Newtonmore. Purpose built with 2 rooms with 5 bunks, and 1 room with 2 beds. Tel: 01540 673360. Strathspey Mountain Hostel - Main Street, Newtonmore. Refurbished victorian villa with 4 rooms (2 with 6 beds, and 2 with 3 beds). Tel: 01540 673694. Slochd Mhor Lodge by Carrbridge offers 4-star self catering accomodation for up to 28 people. Ski hire, cycleshop/workshop, mountain bike hire on site. More hostel web sites....

Useful Books and Maps Buy the Explorer Map for Cairn Gorm & Aviemore produced by the Ordnance Survey which is very useful if you will be hiking or backpacking as the scale is 2.5 inches to the mile (4 km to 1 cm). Even more detailed maps are available if you are going to focus on a particular place, such as Landranger Map 0035: Kingussie & Monadhliath Mountains . Cairngorm Walks by John Brooks is available from Amazon.co.uk.

Question: The 81 mile Speyside Way runs from Buckie to which town and resort in the Cairngorms?
Answer: AVIEMORE