Explaining Scotland Family holidays Suggested things to do Weather reports

The United Kingdom is treacherous when it comes to weather. One minute the sun is shining and the next its dreary, cold and you’ve retreated inside. Getting at least one wet day on your Scottish holiday no matter what the season is quite likely. But don’t let it dampen your day. No matter what the season we have the perfect wet weather inspiration for you.

Strathspey Steam Railway

The Strathspey Steam Railway is a major attraction in the Cairngorms National Park, and for good reason. This is a must do activity regardless of the weather. Jump aboard and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Cairngorms from the comfort of inside as well as a unique dining experience, and a piece of history. An activity the entire family will enjoy with the added bonus of it being a piece of history.

Castles and historical landmarks

The Cairngorms National Park and Scotland in general is full of historical sites, such as castles and museums. Exploring castles and learning about Scottish history is the perfect way to spend a wet weather day. Made especially easy if travelling with a vehicle. Within easy reach of Fraoch Lodge are Balmoral, Braemar, Blair and Ballindalloch castles.

• Blair castle is the only castle  where there is a private army.
• Ballindalloch is perfect for families.
• Balmoral has limited access during the main summer period when the royal family are in residence.
• Braemar castle is run by the local community and tours are excellent. Furniture is not kept behind “do not touch” barriers and guests are encouraged to sit on furniture and touch displays. There is also a very large Cairngorm Stone on display – the second largest in the world (the largest one is part of a private collection).

Breweries and Distilleries

Scotland is famous for it’s whisky and home to many delicious beers and other liquor. There are plenty of breweries to choose from depending on personal preference all within easy access some of which offer free tours and have gift shops. A tasting day and a bit of history is a great way for some wet weather inspiration.

Glenlivet distillery offer free tours on demand and can offer tours in a range of languages.

Cairngorm Brewery offer a very affordable tour and are quite liberal with their tastings. Make sure you are hiking, on public transport or have a designated driver as there are quite a range of beers on offer.

 

Eat and Drink

Nothing is quite as enjoyable as enjoying local food and watching the world go by. It’s also a lovely way to spend a wet and cold day. Whether you head to a coffee shop and enjoy some delicious Scottish treats or a nice pub lunch of some haggis it’s the perfect excuse to take you indoors. Or, if you don’t want to leave at all join Fraoch Lodge for a delicious home cooked meal served family style.

If you’re out and about we recommend the Copper Dog in Craigellachie or the Rowan Tree just outside Aviemore or for a family meal with plenty for everyone try La Taverna for excellent pizza and pasta choices.

Indulge in some shopping

There are plenty of opportunities in Aviemore to check out the latest outdoor fashions. Mountain Warehouse and Blacks both have large stores in the village centre along with numerous independent (like Mountain Spirit) and smaller chain stores (like Nevisport).

Alternatively if you would like to pick up some souvenirs there are plenty of excellent art and craft galleries, including our own excellent gallery and coffee shop 1896 Gallery in Boat of Garten.

Visit a mountain bike trail centre

Mud is a feature to many a good day out on a bike. The more spattered you are, the more fun you’ve had. There are also many wee skills areas which you can use for free to practise your balance and bunny hops etc.

Take a crafty slant on the day

There are also craft workshops and demonstrations like “Throw a Pot” at Loch an Eilean pottery, weaving or spinning at Knockando Wool Mill or a tour of the Cashmere factory at Johnston’s of Elgin (tours are free). Interactive crafts can easily be arranged for groups, please contact us for full details of the options available.

Quiet day

If you’re on holidays you’ll most likely want some down time. And a rainy day is the perfect excuse. Stay inside, read a book, enjoy an open fire and take some time for yourself.

Scotland is a destination to be appreciated, and like anywhere the weather can be a little disruptive. But Fraoch Lodge is the perfect base for a number of inside activities and you’re sure to have an amazing time regardless of the weather.

So you’re considering going on a hiking holiday? Firstly; great choice. Not only is hiking extremely beneficial to your health and wellbeing. But it’s also a cheaper way to travel and allows you to experience the essence of a place. Hiking holidays are becoming increasingly popular, but there is the question, how to choose a hike in Scotland when there’s such a wide range available?

How to choose a hike for you

The first thing to consider is if you want to go on a hike or a walk.

Do you want or need a guide? Fortunately, Scot Mountain Holidays have a range of group hiking holidays, tailor made tours, and private guiding options available, so you’ll definitely find the right hike for you. But to ensure you’ve found the perfect hike you do need to consider certain aspects.

Are you intending to go on an inn-to-inn hike? Follow a long distance trail? Or do you want to get into the mountain wilderness areas and have a truly unique and off the beaten track experience?

Are you quite happy hiking on your own but you’d like some guidance on choosing routes, support with transport? Find out about Scot Mountain Holidays self-guided options for the more adventurous.

 

Availability

Tours with Scot Mountain Holidays range from weekend getaways to seven days long. With tours running throughout the year, all that is required is for you to decide on your availability.

Choose a season

Choosing a season is one of the most important decisions in finding the right hike for you. Spring and summer are the most popular hiking periods and also provide the most pleasant hiking conditions. Perfect for those with families or first time hikers. Autumn is a wonderful season for hiking due to the beautiful colours, the changing environment and lack of climbing traffic. Autumn is suitable for everyone, and ideal for those who prefer a cooler temperature. Winter is considerably more difficult to hike in, and we recommend winter hiking for those confident in their abilities. This is due to the additional gear required and the added challenges of often hiking through snow. Winter is however often a more rewarding experience, with the raw beautiful scenery, clear winter views and the satisfying sense of accomplishment.

Level of difficulty

Scot Mountain Holiday tours are graded on a level of difficulty from two to five, with five being the most difficult. When considering how to choose a hike in Scotland it’s important to take into account your own level of fitness and choose a tour suited to you. For an overview, refer to the Scot Mountain Holidays grading system.

All Scot Mountain Holidays tours are all inclusive. So, all you need to do now, is chose a hike. To ensure the experience pre, during and post hike is completed stress free for you, Scot Mountain Holidays will take care of the rest.