Hotel Group of the Year
This is your playground ...come and play!, Macdonald Hotel and Resorts
Leisure
Walking
It’s almost inevitable that you’ll want to go walking while staying in Aviemore and the Cairngorms, and with over 280km of footpaths covering moorland, woodland, farmland, loch and riverside terrain, there’s plenty of opportunity!
Described by Sir David Attenborough as ‘one of the glories of wild Scotland’, the privately-owned Rothiemurchus Estate takes you deep into the quiet of the ancient Caledonian pine forests on well-marked paths. Join one of three guided estate walks or make your own way, taking care to respect the environment and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Head for Glenmore Forest Park, Inshriach Forest and Anagach Woods for spectacular views, or book yourself onto an expedition with a local activity provider.
Distance from resort: Rothiemurchus Estate (approx 5 mins' drive) Opening hours: Open all year. Further information: www.rothiemurchus.net Tel: 01479 812345
Golf
With 126 holes of golf on offer, Aviemore and the Cairngorms are a golfer's paradise. Perfect your short game on one of two 9-hole courses, or play one of six local 18-hole courses with some of the best scenic backdrops in the world!
Tee off towards the mountains or follow the winding River Spey at Spey Valley Golf Course, Scotland's newest championship golf venue. Challenging holes and spectacular scenery open out like a picture postcard and even if you're not golfing, the views and the wildlife are not to be missed. And in summer, Scotland's long daylight hours mean you can start a game after dinner and still be finished by nightfall. Here for a while? Buy a Golf Pass and get a discount at all 8 local courses.
Name of course No. holes Distance from resort Further information Spey Valley Golf Course 18 Onsite Tel: 01479 815100 Abernethy Golf Club 9 12 miles Tel: 01479 821305 Boat of Garten Golf Club 18 7 miles Tel: 01479 831282 Carrbridge Golf Club 9 8 miles Tel: 08444 141415 Craggan Golf Course 18 14 miles Tel: 01479 873283 Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club 18 15 miles Tel: 01479 872079 Kingussie Golf Club 18 13 miles Tel: 01540 661600 Newtonmore Golf Club 18 15 miles Tel: 01540 673878
Fishing
There can't be many more peaceful pursuits than fishing the clear mountain waters. The powerful River Spey is renowned around the world for its fast-flowing Highland water and its rich stocks of salmon and trout.
Loch Insh is teeming with salmon, arctic char, brown trout and pike, while fishing from the banks of the River Spey could yield salmon and sea trout. Try fly and bait fishing on the loch at Rothiemurchus Fishery while the kids go pond-dipping, or take some expert instruction and get a section of stream to yourself. Exclusive gillied boat trips with a picnic at the lodge are also available.
Distance from resort: Rothiemurchus Fishery (approx 5 mins' drive) Opening hours: Open all year from 9am until sunset. Further information: Tel: 01479 810703
Wildlife
Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts or anyone interested in making an acquaintance with the animals and birds who share our environment, organised wildlife watching is a very relaxing way to enjoy the Highlands...
Bring your binoculars and prepare to be awed by the variety of creatures who populate Aviemore and the Cairngorms. Spend an evening in the purpose-built comfort of the hide on the Rothiemurchus Estate and wait to see badgers, otters, pine martens, red squirrels, eagles, buzzards, falcons, grouse and red deer. Or set up your camera by the loch on summer evenings and watch the osprey dive for their prey. Speyside Wildlife are seasoned experts and offer sessions and packages with day guides if required.
Distance from resort: Rothiemurchus Estate (approx 5 mins' drive) Opening hours: Open all year Further information: Tel: 01479 812345
