Beyond the Horizon….what a great view….is it Norway or what? An amazing view achieved on a perfect Cairngorms day. A great blog by Highland Instinct - http://cli.gs/nVMNvJ
A great view from Ben Macdhui
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‘Beyond the Horizon’
Wednesday, December 16th, 2009Last Minute Christmas and New Year Availability in Aviemore and the Cairngorms
Wednesday, December 16th, 2009
Hogmanay in Aviemore and the Cairngorms
If you are thinking about coming to the beautiful Aviemore and Cairngorms area for Christmas or New Year but haven’t yet booked accommodation have a look at our last minute list of what is still available: http://www.visitaviemore.com/ChristmasNewYearAvailability.html Demand is high for accommodation at this time so book asap.
There is loads going on over the festive period to keep you entertained: http://www.visitaviemore.com/december09.html
A huge dump of snow has been predicted for this weekend so you never know we may be lucky enough to have a white Christmas….at least on the mountains and that bodes well for some great snowsports. If snow is not your thing then there are so many other brilliant activities to enjoy throughout the area. Have a look at the huge list here: http://www.visitaviemore.com/allactivities.html You can also visit some of Scotland’s top attractions such as the Strathspey Steam Railway, Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Highland Wildlife Park, Rothiemurchus and Alvie Estates.
Have a fantastic Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year!
From all at www.visitaviemore.com
The Cross Kingussie - Summer Offers to celebrate Top Award
Wednesday, July 1st, 2009
The Cross Restaurant with Rooms, Kingussie
The AA has also confirmed that they have awarded The Cross Three Rosettes for the quality of cooking, one of only around twenty restaurants in Scotland to achieve such an accolade.
A delighted David Young, who runs The Cross with his wife Katie, said “We’re pleased for all of the team here that their efforts are recognised in this way. It’s good for The Cross, it keeps Kingussie on the culinary map, and it’s a boost for the area”. He added, “The Scottish highlands are fast losing their reputation for poor standards, surly service and dire food and whilst visitors to the region may still have to travel a distance to find good places in which to stay and eat the choice and range has never been better.”
“Here at The Cross we work very hard to offer our guests the very best local and Scottish produce we can source, served in a way that has been described by independent guidebooks as “deceptively simple” and we’re thrilled that the AA have chosen to highlight this type of approach with a three Rosette award.”
Kingussie is an ideal base from where to explore the treasures and activities of the National Park and beyond, yet its position in the centre of the highlands means that The Cross is always within easy reach of every Scottish city, by car or train.
To mark the announcement of these awards The Cross has launched two special offers for this summer.
An Early Summer Escape (CODE ES09) – July (Any 2 nights)
£400 per couple includes:
Woodland queen double or standard twin accommodation, dinner and breakfast for two consecutive nights
£480 per couple includes:
The above; plus accommodation in an especially spacious riverside king or twin bedded room
A Sparkling Summer Break (CODE SB09) – August and September (Any 3 nights)
£590 per couple includes:
Woodland queen double or standard twin accommodation, dinner and breakfast for three consecutive nights, plus a bottle of delicious prosecco in your room
£690 per couple includes:
The above; plus accommodation in an especially spacious riverside king or twin bedded room
Note:
Code must be quoted to qualify.
Subject to availability.
Off-line bookings only.
Full terms and conditions can be found on www.thecross.co.uk
See www.visitaviemore.com for details of What’s On, activities and attractions for your stay.
Fresh Water loch wins beach award - Loch Morlich
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009
Loch Morlich
A fresh water loch has become the first to be recognised as having one of the best beaches in the country.
Loch Morlich, at the foot of the Cairngorms, was one of 60 beaches to be awarded the Seaside Award by the Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB) campaign.
It is the first time a fresh water loch has received the accolade.
Seven beaches - one more than last year - and a marina were also awarded the internationally-recognised Blue Flag for their cleanliness.
The Seaside Award programme has been recognising Scotland’s beaches for their litter management, information provision, risk assessment and safety procedures, and water quality for the past 17 years.
John Summers, chief executive of KSB, said: “The beach awards are becoming increasingly difficult to hold on to, particularly following two such wet summers which have caused water quality problems for a number of beaches.
“So I am particularly delighted to see more beaches joining the award schemes, especially Loch Morlich which is not only our first fresh water Seaside Award winner, it will also be the highest award beach in the country at 300m above sea level.
“I would like to pay tribute to all the hard work that goes in to achieving these awards by local authorities and communities and urge people, particularly in this economic climate, to get out this summer to visit - because we really do have fantastic beaches to be proud of.”
‘International standards’
Tourism Minister Jim Mather said the country’s beaches and coastline made an “enormous contribution” to the distinctive Scottish experience for visitors and residents alike.
“It is encouraging to see more and more of our beaches surpassing international standards for quality and cleanliness and as more and more visitors from home and abroad take part in our Homecoming celebrations, there is no better time to enjoy Scotland’s seaside for themselves,” he added.
“From our wonderful scenery to our compelling history and with a diverse range of over 300 events taking place throughout the year, there will be something for everyone during Homecoming 2009.”
Camping in Aviemore and the Cairngorms this summer
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009
Camping and Caravaning in Aviemore and the Cairngorms - Rothiemurchus
If you are thinking about camping or caravanning in Aviemore and the Cairngorms this summer you have come to the right place. You couldn’t pick a more scenic spot. From Alvie and Dalraddy, Rothiemurchus, Glenmore Forest and the High Range Touring Caravan park you have a great choice in beautiful surroundings all within 10 minutes drive of Aviemore for provisions, restaurants, bars and shops.
Last summer the campsites were all very busy so it is important to book in advance if you can.
See www.visitaviemore.com/campcaravan for details
Aviemore Hotels, Scotland
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009
Aviemore Hotels -The Cairngorm Hotel
There are some great hotels in Aviemore and the Cairngorms for your visit to the Cairngorms National Park. You canstay in big hotels such as the Hilton Coylumbridge or popular family run hotels such as the Cairngorm Hotel in Aviemore or the Garth Hotel in Grantown on Spey.
Aviemore and the Cairngorms area boasts some quality accommodation. You have lots of different hotels ranging from the Laggan Hotel in ‘Monarch of the Glen’ country, the Rowan Tree Country Hotel near Alvie Estate to the High Range Hotel rooms beside the Taverna restaurant, the Hilton Coylumbridge hotel which is great for families to the Cairngorm Hotel which always has a great atmophere, to the new International Starters Restaurant with rooms. In Carrbridge you have the Fairwinds Hotel, Dalrachney Lodge and the Cairn Hotel - a favourite with visitors and locals alike. Nethy Bridge boats the Mountview Hotel and award winning restaurant and Grantown on Spey is home to the Garth Hotel, Seafield Lodge Hotel and some great guest houses and bed and breakfasts.
Perfect accommodation for a get away break - why not visit this bank holiday? See www.visitaviemore.com/accommodation-in-aviemore
For what’s on visit www.visitaviemore.com/whatson and plan your trip around one of the great events on over the summer.
Bed and Breakfasts in Aviemore and the Cairngorms
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
Bed and Breakfasts in Aviemore and the Cairngorms
From hotels to bed and breakfasts and guest houses, Aviemore has a wealth of accommodation on offer.
If you are planning a visit to Aviemore and the Cairngorms then why not stay in a bed and breakfast in the area. Each village in the Aviemore area has great Bed and Breakfasts and Guest Houses to choose from. These are perfect for a short stay if you only have a weekend in Aviemore or are passing through the Cairngorms National Park.
Find Aviemore accommodation, b and bs and guest houses at www.visitaviemore.com There is something to suit all budgets whether you are looking for cheap Aviemore accommodation or are treating yourself to more of a luxurious stay in a Guest House or Hotel.
Visit the Aviemore and Cairngorms area and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. www.visitaviemore.com
White Water Rafting, Canoeing, Kayaking, Canyoning and Gorge Walking in Aviemore and the Cairngorms
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009
The Aviemore and Cairngorms area is a fantastic place to take part in White Water Rafting, Canyoning, Canoeing, Kayaking and Gorge Walking as well as many other watersports. When the snow melts from the Cairngorm mountains in the spring, White Water rafting around Aviemore and the Cairngorms is very popular. There are many companies offering this activity in Aviemore - see here You can white water raft on sections of the River Spey as well as the River Findhorn which some say is one of the best for rafting in Scotland. This is a popular activity for families as well as groups of stags and hens and friends. Duckies which are smaller rafts are sometimes used when the river is lower.
Canyoning and Gorge Walking in the Aviemore and Cairngorms area is also great fun where you can abseil through water falls and jump into natural pools where the water flows through the rock.
There are also many great Lochs in the Aviemore and Cairngorms area where you can learn to canoe or kayak as well as windsurf and sail. These are great activities all the family can enjoy and there are lots of highly qualified instructors available in the Aviemore and Cairngorms area. Loch Morlich at Glenmore near Aviemore and Loch Insh near Kincraig are two great watersports centres in the Aviemore and Cairngorms area. You can hire canoes, windsurfs and small sailing boats and also receive instruction.
Cheap Accommodation Aviemore
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
Hostel and Bunkhouse Accommodation in Aviemore and the Cairngorms
If you are looking for cheap affordable accommodation in the Aviemore and Cairngorms Area, then there is plenty on offer in the shape of Bunkhouses and Hostels. Here in the Cairngorms National Park there are many great hostels to stay in. In the Aviemore and Cairngorms area you have hostels in Newtonmore, Kingussie, Kincraig , Aviemore itself, Glenmore near Cairngorm Mountain, Boat of Garten, Carr Bridge, Nethy Bridge and Grantown on Spey. This is perfect for a quick getaway to do some walking, mountain biking and exploring of the Aviemore area.
At many times of the year, you can also find cheap self-catering houses, chalets and log cabins which when split between a few people are very affordable. The credit crunch does not mean you have to stop enjoying yourself! Have a look at www.visitaviemore.com/accommodation-in-aviemore for lots of cheap accommodation in the Aviemore and Cairngorms area.
For Hostels and Bunkhouses in the Aviemore area see www.visitaviemore.com/hostels Many of these hostels are Visit Scotland accredited and welcome groups, walkers and cyclists with special facilities to accommodate them such as bike racks and clothes drying facilities.
Another option for cheap accommodation is camping at one of our beautiful campsites in the Aviemore and Cairngorms area. Get close to nature and sleep underneath the stars. Rothiemurchus has a great campsite in the Rothiemurchus forest on the way up to Cairngorm Mountain about 2 miles from Aviemore - a perfect location to start or finish a trip up into the Cairngorms or Lairig Ghru. There are some great mountain bike and walking tracks to be found here. Dalraddy Caravan and Camping Park on Alvie Estate is also a great choice . The High Range Touring Camping and Caravan Park is situated on the edge of Aviemore close to La Taverna - a great Italian Restaurant and 5 minutes walk into Aviemore where you have everything you need for your holiday.
See www.visitaviemore.com/campcaravan Book soon for this summer as many of the campsites were full for the main school holiday period last year.
Festival Time in Aviemore and the Cairngorms
Tuesday, April 21st, 2009
May is Festival time in the Aviemore and Cairngorms area in the heart of the Cairngroms National Park.
At the beginning of the month we have Strathspey in May in Grantown on Spey, a festival with a Carnival Ceilidh featuring Orkestra del Sol, a Square Factor Talent Contest, a Whisky Wander and Cairngorms Farmers Market over the 1st to the 4th. www.strathspeyinmay.com
Over the same dates Boat of Garten’s May Festival takes place with some great music from Rachel Sermanni and The Whisky Hill Ramblers as well as pavement art, a garden workshop, an art exhibition, cafe and more. www.boatofgarten.com
Over the 9th to the 16th for the more active the Aviemore and Cairngorms Walking and Mountain Festival takes place with activities for all ages and abilities. The festival head quarters is at Cairngorm Hotel in Aviemore and you can register there or online for walks and activities.
Also in the area is the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival to entertain and enthral whisky lovers, friends and family and to celebrate Scotland’s first ever Homecoming year www.spiritofspeyside.com over the 1st to the 10th May.
Further information on all of these events and places to stay while you take part can be found on www.visitaviemore.com which covers all you need to know across the area from Dalwhinnie, Newtonmore, Kingussie, Laggan and Kincraig in the South to Aviemore, Boat of Garten, Carr Bridge, Nethy Bridge, Dulnain Bridge, Grantown on Spey and Cromdale in the North.