A Sense of Place and Belonging

Where we live on our Scottish walking holidays

Classic view into the Cairngorms from the Rothiemurchus estate

We are spoilt for choice of things to do and see in this area which we use as a base for many of our Scottish walking holidays. There are definitely a wide choice of options, if you are travelling with a family. If you are interested in the outdoors and being active it would take weeks to do it all! Whether you are a wildlife lover, outdoor enthusiast or looking for a family holiday we have selected the very best to do and see during your stay, from the can’t-be-missed to lesser known jewels.

For the whole family: scottish walking holidays and adventure activities

Boat of Garten is ideal for families who love the outdoors. The forest walks around the village make trekking with the kids an option off our doorstep. You can bike or walk to the Osprey Centre to watch the majestic birds, or simply enjoy the scenery. There is windsurfing, canoeing, river trips and more at Loch Morlich and Loch Insh for the water sport enthusiasts. Or you could try your hand at clay pidgoen shooting, horseback riding or fly fishing at Rothiemurchus Estate. Don’t forget the new paintballing centre in Aviemore!

Guided hiking holiday in the Cairngorms

Just up the road you can visit the Speyside Heather centre (near Grantown on Spey, just 10 minutes from Fraoch Lodge), the Highland Folk Museum (in Newtonmore & Kingussie, 20 minutes), the Working Sheepdogs (Kincraig, 15 minutes), the Landmark Centre (Carrbridge, 10 minutes) or the Highland Wildlife Park (Kincraig).

There are also numerous castles, lake fronts, and tours to explore. Culbin Sands, Ballindalloch castle, Cawdor Castle, Balvenie castle and the whisky trail (Glenfiddich, Glenlivet etc) are all within easy commute distance.

For the mountain biker and cycling tourist

The area provides some of the finest biking in the UK along the very extensive tracks in the pine forests of Abernethy, Glenmore, Rothiemurchus and Inshriach. We also have good access to the trails at Laggan Wolftrax and the forthcoming trails at Glenlivet as well as Abriachan, Golspie and the Monster Trails near Forres.

The No. 7 Sustrans route from Inverness to Newcastle runs past our very front door!

Enjoy the wild parts of the UK out on your bike

For the skier and snowboarder

We are a 20 minute drive from Cairngorm ski slopes, 45 minutes from The Lecht, and an hour from Aonach Mor. During the winter months, the Cairngorms can provide some superb ski touring on the plateau. Hit the slopes at day and take a whisky tour at night, or check out the local pubs and catch some live music.

For the canoeist

One of our favourite activities here at Scot Mountain Holidays. There are many options with the rivers Spey, Feshie, Dulnain, A’an, Pattack, Tromnie, Findhorn and Falls of Truim, all within easy access. Canoes can also be hired locally with paddling on both lakes and rivers providing services of all standards.

For the wildlife enthusiast

The area possesses unique wildlife including:

• Red and Roe deer,
• Capercaillie,
• Red and Black grouse,
• Ptarmigan,
• Golden Eagle,
• Osprey,
• Scottish Crossbill,
• Red Squirrel
• and Britain’s rarest mammal; the Pine Martin (see our Wildlife Page for full details).

Boat of Garten also has its own badger hide run by Alan Bantick. Evening views of the badgers can be arranged by contacting Alan at allanbantick@hotmail.com. He also hosts regular wildlife evening talks in the Boat of Garten Village Hall every Monday from the beginning of April to the end of August.

The A9 gives excellent access to both the Southern Highlands and the stunning northwest mountain districts of Torridon and Assynt.

The Speyside Way now runs through the village. Step outside Fraoch and you’re practically there!

For the casual walker

There is a plethora of walking options around us. From our backdoor step you can walk through the woods and along a section of the Speyside Way to Aviemore. Simply scan your choices of Cairngorms and Aviemore Walks, and explore the area.

There is also Abernethy Forest containing Dell Woods – one of the most beautiful sections of ancient Caledonian Forest in Scotland.

There are the smaller hills offering equally spectacular viewpoints. These include Meall a’Bhuacaille and Carn Eilrig, which from the north is an extremely prominent looking like a pyramid. However this is only a taste, as there are many more!

Find out more

For further information about What’s On during your stay check out Visit Cairngorms or Things to Do for comprehensive information on everything there is to see in Aviemore and the Cairngorms.