Things to do in The Cairngorms
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Ruthven Barracks
The roofless Ruthven Barracks was one of four garrisons built by the British government after the first Jacobite rebellion of 1715 as part of a Hanoverian scheme to take control of the Highlands. Ironically, the barracks were last occupied by Jacobite troops awaiting the return of Bonnie Prince Charlie after the Battle of Culloden. Learning of his defeat and subsequent flight, they destroyed the barracks before taking to the glens. Perched dramatically on a river terrace and clearly visible from the main A9 road near Kingussie, the ruins are spectacularly floodlit at night.
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Highland Wildlife Park
The Highland Wildlife Park near Kincraig, 6 miles southwest of Aviemore, features a drive-through safari park and animal enclosures offering the chance to view rarely-seen native wildlife, such as wildcats, capercaillies, pine martens, white-tailed sea eagles and red squirrels, as well as species that once roamed the Scottish hills but have long since disappeared, including wolf, lynx, wild boar, beaver and European bison. Visitors without cars get driven around by staff (at no extra cost). Last entry is two hours before closing.
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Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park encompasses the highest landmass in Britain – a broad mountain plateau, riven only by the deep valleys of the Lairig Ghru and Loch Avon, with an average altitude of over 1000m and including five of the six highest summits in the UK. This wild mountain landscape of granite and heather has a sub-Arctic climate and supports rare alpine tundra vegetation and high-altitude bird species, such as snow bunting, ptarmigan and dotterel.
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Highland Folk Museum
The open-air Highland Folk Museum comprises a collection of historical buildings and relics revealing many aspects of Highland culture and lifestyle. Laid out like a farming township, it has a community of traditional thatch-roofed cottages, a sawmill, a schoolhouse, a shepherd’s bothy (hut) and a rural post office. Actors in period costume give demonstrations of woodcarving, spinning and peat-fire baking. You’ll need two to three hours to make the most of a visit here.
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Cross
Housed in a converted water mill beside the Allt Mor burn, the Cross is one of the finest restaurants in the Highlands. The intimate, low-raftered dining room has an open fire and a patio overlooking the stream, and serves a daily-changing menu of fresh Scottish produce accompanied by a superb wine list. If you want to stay the night, there are eight stylish rooms (double or twin £100 to £140) to choose from.
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Landmark Forest Heritage Park
The Landmark Forest Heritage Park, set in a forest of Scots pines, is a theme park with a difference; the theme is timber. The main attractions are the Ropeworx highwire adventure course, the Treetops Trail (a raised walkway through the forest canopy that allows you to view red squirrels, crossbills and crested tits), and the steam-powered sawmill.
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Loch Insh Watersports Centre
At Kincraig the Spey widens into Loch Insh, home of the Loch Insh Watersports Centre, which offers canoeing, windsurfing, sailing, bike hire and fishing, as well as B&B accommodation from £27 per person. The food here is good, especially after 6.30pm when the lochside cafe metamorphoses into a cosy restaurant.
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Blasta
An unpretentious interior of polished wood, plain white walls and black leather chairs puts the focus on the food at this popular local bistro (the name is Gaelic for ‘tasty’). Local produce is showcased in dishes such as venison steak with sweet potato and ginger puree, and smoked salmon with egg mimosa and watercress dressing.
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Laggan Wolftrax
Ten miles southwest of Newtonmore, on the A86 road towards Spean Bridge, is one of Scotland’s top mountain-biking centres, with purpose-built trails ranging from open-country riding to black-diamond downhills. Cycle hire is available on site, from £25 a day for a hardtail mountain bike to £40 for a full-suspension downhill rig.
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Ptarmigan Restaurant
The Ptarmigan Restaurant in the top station is Britain’s highest restaurant, and offers – weather permitting – a spectacular sunset dining experience. The menu combines traditional Scottish produce with contemporary style. Bookings essential.
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Cairngorm Reindeer Centre
The warden here will take you on a tour to see and feed Britain’s only herd of reindeer, who are very tame and will even eat out of your hand. Walks take place at 11am, plus another at 2.30pm from May to September, and 3.30pm Monday to Friday in July and August.
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RSPB Loch Garten Osprey Centre
The ospreys migrate here each spring from Africa and nest in a tall pine tree – you can watch from a hide as the birds feed their young. The centre is signposted about 2 miles east of the village.
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Loch Morlich Watersports Centre
Popular outfit which rents out Canadian canoes (£18 an hour), kayaks (£8.50), windsurfers (£16.50), sailing dinghies (£20) and rowing boats (£18).
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