Strathspey Steam Railway

Whether you remember the days of steam from yesteryear, or your era is "Thomas the Tank", or you simply want a relaxing day in the Highlands , come and enjoy a train journey with a difference in spectacular Strathspey.

The round trip from Aviemore through Boat of Garten to Broomhill takes approximately 1½ hours, or you can shorten your trip by going part of the way.  Whilst you travel through the spectacular scenery of Strathspey sit back and relax - teas, coffees, snacks and a full bar service are available on many trains (except on Saturdays).

The Strathspey Railway is run almost entirely by volunteers and their spirit of adventure means that you can experience the magic of a steam railway today.
Visit the Strathspey Steam Railway here

Distilleries

The Spey valley is the home of the annual Spring 'Spirit of Speyside' Whisky festival and the Malt Whisky trail. Some of the finest whiskies in the world are proudly and lovingly produced in this 'neck 'o the woods'. Once tasted, this amber liquid becomes a pleasure to be repeated and the tasting of different single malts and blends a must. Below are a selection of the distilleries in the valley which beg to be visited. For more info visit www.maltwhiskytrail.com

Aberlour

Due to the increasing interest in and appreciation of malt whisky, a greater range of whisky is being produced by this distillery using the soft water rising from the granite of Ben Rinnes. The village of Aberlour lies in the heart of Speyside malt-distilling and Aberlour distillery can certainly be traced back to 1826 and was rebuilt in 1879 and 1898 leading to expansion in 1945 when it was purchased by Campbell Distillers. It is presently owned by Pernod Ricard. www.aberlour.co.uk

Glenfiddich

The Glen of the river Fiddich gives its name to this biggest-selling single malt whisky in the world. The distillery lies on the river Fiddich (meaning that the river runs through the valley of the deer), in Dufftown. This small but world famous distillery was founded in 1886-87 and is still owned by the original family. It is a limited company with its own bottling line on site, producing mature malts some of great value and age. A new product from this distillery is Glenfiddich Malt Whisky Liquer. This certainly has to be tasted. www.glenfiddich.com

Balvenie

Next door to Glenfiddich and founded by the same company in 1892 - added Kininvie in 1990 and remains a family firm.The Balvenie whiskies are sweeter and richer following the Speyside heather-honey style and the barley is supplied from the family farm. www.thebalvenie.com

Cardhu

Cardhu, on a hillside near the Spey, was rebuilt by one of several women prominent in the whisky industry in 1872. Elizabeth Cumming's family were involved with the Johnnie Walker blends which contain Cardhu malt whisky. Recently, however, a single malt Cardhu has been produced and in 1998 a Rare Malts edition. www.malts.com

Glenfarclas

Glenfarclas - One of the best known, respected and fiercely independent distilleries of Speyside. Although not widely known their whiskies are much sought after by the connoisseurs. The distillery, privately family owned by J. and G. Grant, (no connection with any other whisky Grants), is situated about a mile from the river Spey, below heather-covered hills, beneath Ben Rinnes. Using thesame soft water as Aberlour. www.glenfarclas.co.uk

Glenlivet

Glenlivet - The distillery is situated on the River Livet which flows into the Spey, deep in the mountains. A prime site as regards water and climate conditions, as the very cold water off the mountains is ideal for the condensers. The malt whiskies produced are of a rare and elegant quality from the most famous whisky producing area in the world. A product greatly influenced by history and politics and the facts regarding domestic and illicit distillation. www.theglenlivet.com

Macallan

Macallan - Became part of the Highland Distillers group in 1996 which group inherited a distillery of very high standards. The malt whiskies distilled in recent years come to maturity shortly and are awaited eagerly. Meanwhile the variety of whiskies produced by this company are consistently of a high standard. However, the short supply of special barley has proved somewhat of a problem and other strains of grain have had to be included, with their loyalty to Jerez sherry still firmly intact. In fact these whiskies of quality have been made on the Macallan Speyside site near Craigellachie since late 1700. www.themacallan.co.uk

Glenrothes

Glenrothes - The highly esteemed merchants Berry Brothers and Rudd have, over the recent years, chosen this whisky as their house malt. It has long been used as an integral ingredient of Berry's Cutty Sark, named after the fast tea clipper Cutty Sark, a connection through Berry's tea, grocery and wine selling days. It is also widely favoured by blenders. www.famousgrouse.com

Knockando

Knockando - An unusual name for a very elegant whisky with strong influence in the J&B blends. A love-sick Italian persuing an opera singer to Britain in 1749 resulted in a job of liquer making and a progression to selling Scotch whisky. A very fruitful experience even though the romance was a failure!! Brooks of J&B later became a partner in the firm. www.udv.com

Glenfarclas

Glenfarclas - One of the best known, respected and fiercely independent distilleries of Speyside. Although not widely known their whiskies are much sought after by the connoisseurs. The distillery, privately family owned by J. and G. Grant, (no connection with any other whisky Grants), is situated about a mile from the river Spey, below heather-covered hills, beneath Ben Rinnes. Using thesame soft water as Aberlour. www.glenfarclas.co.uk

Strathisla

Strathisla - Last in our list but not the least - this is the oldest distillery in the north of Scotland which has been producing whisky since 1786. Dominican monks used the same water, in the13th century, in their beer brewing. The whisky, which has a dry, fruity, oaky taste, is a main contributor to Chivas Regal blend. www.chivas.com

Want to know more - then take the Whisky Trail. Below we have listed some useful website links specialising in this great Scottish industry. www.spiritofspeyside.com www.maltwhiskytrail.com

Fishing

Local 'Gillies' will gladly guide you along the Spey to the best spots and fishing is allowed with the purchase of day tickets and local tackle hire. One of the largest rivers in Scotland, from its source Loch Spey, it flows 97 miles to Moray Firth, emptying between Banff and Elgin. The total catchment area is 1,154 sq miles. The Spey is an alpine river, with melting snow supplementing flow well into spring. The waters are low in nutrients, and have remained fairly free from pollution. The main river is also relatively free from obstructions. Historically, one of the great salmon rivers, net fishing ceased at the end of the 1993 season, and there is now no commercial netting for salmon within the Spey district. More info here www.fishscotland.co.uk

Activities

Craggan Outdoor Centre

Based on the Glenbeg Estate set in the beautiful surroundings of Grantown-on-Spey in the heart of Speyside, Craggan Outdoors offer a wide range of activities, pursuits and adventure breaks catering for groups of all ages and different levels of ability. Our fully qualified instructors will guide you through a range of exciting activities from Quad Treks to Canoeing and Kayaking, Archery to High Ropes courses, gorge walks to climbing and mountaineering. Tel. (01479) 873283 or click here for their website.

Revack Highland Estate and Adventure Park

1 mile outside Grantown-on-Spey, this is one of the best-kept secrets of the Highlands. Beautiful estate set in 350 acres perfect for walking, wildlife spotting, shopping, eating and relaxing. Garden centre and great adventure play area. Free admission. Tel (01479) 872 234

Strathspey Steam Railway

Perfect for sunny or rainy days. Old fashioned steam trains and carriages run through stunning scenery between Aviemore and Boat of Garten to Broomhill, 3 miles from Grantown. In the summer, there is a bus link every Wednesday which connects Broomhill to The Square in Grantown. For information on this bus, contact Jaci Douglas on 01479 873728. The Railway also runs Special Trains such as Santa and Mince Pie Specials as well as trains on festival days in Grantown such as Strathspey in May or Motor Mania Days. For information on the Strathspey Steam Railway, tel (01479) 810 725 or click here for their website.

Landmark Forest Theme Park, Carrbridge

A host of attractions at this woodland themed fun park for kids and adults alike from water slides to the giant Ants World play area, Treetop Woodland Walks, climbing wall, high ropes courses and other activities. Tel (01479) 841 613 or click here for their website.

Base Camp Laggan Wolftrax

Mountain biking facilities with 9 miles of mountain bike tracks to suit all ages (apart from the very young). Open 9-6pm. Tel (01528) 544 786 or click here for their website.

Highland Folk Museum at Newtonmore and Kingussie

Located at two towns, 2 miles apart, this Museum aims to include preserving and recording aspects of Highland life from the 1700s onwards, as well as interpreting the people's lives through interactive living history and activities. Kingussie, opened in 1944, is the spiritual home of the Highland Folk Museum. Here visitors may see parts of the core collections as well as the 'Blackhouse', Britain's oldest re-created building. Newtonmore, opened in 1995, is a mile long living history site that includes re-constructed buildings, a 1700s 'Township', a 1940 working farm, live interpretation and a range of visitor facilities. Tel. (01540) 661307 or click here for their website.

Highland Wildlife Park at Kincraig

See wolves, bison, lynx, otters, badgers and other Scottish wildlife in the natural habitat. See the red deer rut in the autumn with a herd of over 60 red deer. Experience Scottish wildlife past and present in the spectacular setting of the Highland Wildlife Park. See the amazing variety of animals found in present day Scotland, then step back in time and meet the animals that our ancestors must have known, hundreds, even thousands of years ago. Drive around the Main Reserve in your own car and then investigate the walk-round area by foot. Gift shop, coffee shop, children's quiz trail, play area. Tel (01540) 651 270 or click here for their website.

Working Sheepdog Demos at Kincraig

See working dogs as a team manoeuvring sheep and ducks through various obstacles. Feed the collie pups and orphan lambs. Tel (01540) 651 310

Loch Insh Watersports at Kincraig

A huge variety of watersports and tuition including kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and fishing as well as try-a-sport, boat trips, children's adventure play areas and 3km Lochside/Forest Interpretation Trail. Dry ski slope for skiing or snowboarding. Tel 01540 651 272 or click here for their website.

Alvie Stables at Kincraig

Superb riding through beautiful countryside on well mannered horses or ponies. 1 day or half day treks available as well as 20 minute mini treks for smaller children. Tel: 07831 495 397 or 01479 831409. Click here for their website.

Rothiemurchus Visitor Centre, near Aviemore

On the beautiful estate of Rothiemurchus there is so much to see and do from walking the miles of well kept trails to fishing, pony trekking and mountain biking. Then stop for a coffee or lunch at Einich Restaurant and browse for local products and crafts in their gift shop. Tel. 01479 812345 or click here for their website

Loch Morlich Watersports, near Aviemore

Loch Morlich is a wonderful spot for water sports, mountain biking, fishing or just enjoying the view. Tel (01479) 861 221 or click here for their website

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre at Glenmore near Aviemore

Guided tours to see Britain's only herd of reindeer found free ranging in Cairngorms National Park. Up to 130 of them are spread over 30 miles between the centre and Glenlivet. Open daily all year round 10am to 5pm. Tel (01479) 861 228 or click here for their website

Cairngorm Mountain

Ride the funicular railway all the way to the top to view the sights. The Ptarmigan restaurant has its own play area and facilities for babies. Tel (01479) 861 261 or click here for their website.

The Lecht Activity Centre in Strathdon

Outdoor fun whatever the weather with skiing, hill-side karting, tubing, quad bikes, chair-lift rides. Tel (01975) 651 440 or click here for their website

Golfing

There are 7 courses on the doorstep and special deals are in place for daily, weekly or two-weekly passes. Staff at 'The Cairn' will be happy to book tee times and make any other arrangements as required, prior to your visit.

Kingussie Golf Club

Gynack Road
Kingussie
Inverness-shire
PH21 1LR
Tel: 01540 661374
Fax: 01540 662066
Email: sec@kingussie-golf.co.uk
Web: www.kingussie-golf.co.uk

Golf has been played at Kingussie since 1891. In 1908 Kingussie sought the advice of Harry Vardon and extended the course to 18 holes. While some improvements and modifications have been made the course is still very much as it was - Highland Golf at its very best ! Indeed, Kingussie offers exceptional quality and prides its value-for- money reputation.

Newtonmore Golf Club

Golf Course Road
Newtonmore
Tel: 01540 673878
Fax: 01540 670147
Email secretary@newtonmoregolf.com
Web www.newtonmoregolf.com

The golf course, which mostly lies along the banks of the River Spey in the heart of Monarch of the Glen country is surrounded by some of the most dramatic and beautiful highland scenery, a definite hazard for those trying to concentrate on their golf.

Boat of Garten Golf Club

Nethybridge Road
Boat of Garten
Inverness-shire
PH24 3BQ
Tel: 01479 831282
Fax: 01479 831523
E-mail: boatgolf@enterprise.net
Web: www.boatgolf.com

Established in 1898 and designed by one of the grand-masters of golf course architecture - James Braid, "The Boat" is not only a demanding test of sporting skill but also a magnificent setting for the game. Gents - par 70, Ladies – par 71.

Carrbridge Golf Club

Inverness Road
Carrbridge
Scotland
PH23 3AU
Tel: +44 (0) 1479 841623 (Clubhouse)
Tel: +44 (0) 1479 841412 (Office)
Email: katie@carrbridgegolf.co.uk
Web: www.carrbridgegolf.com

Carrbridge Golf Club was formed in 1980 but there has been a Golf Course on this site for many years. The course has been moulded around the natural contours of the land and so offers few man made hazards. Burns abound and there is water somewhere on every hole. The course rises to about 1000 feet to present excellent views of the Cairngorm Mountains.

Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club

Golf Course Road
Grantown-on-Spey
Morayshire
Scotland
PH26 3HY
Tel: 01479 872079
Fax: 01479 873725
E-Mail: secretary@grantownonspeygolfclub.co.uk
Web: www.grantownonspeygolfclub.co.uk

Situated in the Cairngorms National Park, the course measures 5710 yards, with a par of 70 and Standard Scratch Score of 68. Though not long, it presents a fair challenge for every calibre of golfer. It is naturally split into three distinct sections - Holes 1 to 6 are played over flat parkland, holes 7 to 12 through moderately hilly woodland, whilst holes 13 to 18 reverts to undulating parkland.

Craggan Fishery & Golf Course

Craggan Farm
Grantown-on-Spey
Morayshire,
PH26 3NT
Tel: 01479873283
Email: fhglaing@btopenworld.com
Web: www.cragganforleisure.co.uk

This little gem in the heart of Strathspey, in the Scottish Highlands, lies beside the river Spey with magnificent views of the Cairngom mountains and the Cromdale hills. With a length of 2400 yards it is just the place for a game of golf with family or friends in Scotland. Do not make the mistake of thinking that this is a pitch and putt course, it is a full size course in miniature with everything you would expect to find except length. It is therefore ideally suited to children and beginners and more than just a golf course in Scotland.