What's happening in the Cairngorms National Park November 2022

SANTA

Come & celebrate Christmas with the Strathspey Railway by travelling on our Santa Express!

Travel through the wintery Cairngorms behind a steam engine while being served Hot Chocolate, Mald Wine & Christmas Treats. There will also be a guest appearance of the jolly man himself as he passes you an early Christmas goodie. Santa Express will run every Saturday & Sunday from the 26th November – 18th December.

If you can’t join in with the Santa Express, don’t panic! We will also be running our Festive Mince Pie Service. Relax & watch the countryside as you fill the gap between Christmas Day & the New Year Celebrations. Enjoy the sound of the locomotives hiss & beat reverberating off the Cairngorms while you are plied with Mince Pies, Hot Chocolate & Mald Wine. Mince Pie Specials will run from the 27th December – 31st December.

Welcome to the November

of What’s

Wrap up warm and enjoy winter coming alive; a time for woolly hats, cosy socks and rosy cheeks!

The first Sunday of the month will see a steady and excited stream of folk wandering down to the now iconic Guy Fawkes Fireworks display at the Cairngorm Hotel - memory making at its finest for the kids of the Cairngorms!

There is also a fabulous start to Christmas festivities at Blair Castle on the 4th, 5th and 6th November with the Christmas Fair, not forgetting the Ballater Winter Festival on the 26th, both super events and great opportunities to start your christmas shopping at the arts & craft stalls.

walks continue with lots of health walks around the Park and the Glen Clova Half Marathon on the 12th November will be a bracing blast for the hardy runners of the Highlands.

There are plenty of things to enjoy in the comfort of a cosy bar too - the wildlife hotel, The Grant Arms Hotel, in Grantown-on-Spey, has a fascinating programme of bird watching and wildlife talks.

There are plenty of live music events throughout the month, including the chance to rock the night away at Boat of Garten Community Hall with The Freddie and Queen Experience on the 19th November.

We hope you enjoy the Park this November, and remember to look up, our dark skies at night are

school

Atholl Estates & Blair Castle

WHAT’s ON

You are in an all year round destination with lots going on. Check out what’s happening each day, for further information and details of new events added please visit: www. visitcairngorms.com/whats-on

NOVEMBER 2022 Events

30th-31st October

October Spookfest and Foam PartyLandmark Adventure Park, Carrbridge. 10am-5pm. T: 01479 841613. www.landmarkpark.co.uk 4th-6th November

Blair Castle Christmas Market - Blair Castle, Blair Atholl. 10am-4pm. www.atholl-estates.co.uk/ events/christmas-market 26th-27th November

Ballater Winter Festival - Village Green, Ballater. 10am-4pm. facebook.com/BallaterWinterFestival

Sunday 30th October

FREE. Cairngorms Farmers Market - Grantown on Spey. 10am-3pm. T: 07708 169813.

Halloween Adventure Trail with Craggan Outdoors - Craggan Outdoors, Grantown on Spey. 1pm-4pm. www.cairngormsactivities.co.uk/seasonal/ halloween-adventure-trail T: 01479 873283.

Monday 31st October

FREE. Evening Talk: Feathers and Scales by Nigel Marven - The Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30pm. T: 01479 872526. birdwatchingandwildlifeclub.co.uk/talks-other-events

FREE. Live Entertainment - Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 810233.

FREE. Halloween with Ossian at the MuseumMacpherson Museum, Newtonmore. 4pm-8pm. T: 01540 673332.

Thursday 3rd November

FREE. Grantown Library Book GroupGrantown Library, The Square, Grantown on Spey. 10.15-11.15am. T: 01349 781360.

Friday 4th November

FREE - Live Music with Anne Dickson BandWinky & Bothy Bar, Craft Ale Pub & Bar, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 812368.

Saturday 5th November

FREE. Live Music with Mother’s Ruin - The Winky & Bothy Bar, Craft Ale Pub & Bar, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 812368.

Sunday 6th November

FREE. Cairngorms Farmers Market - Grantown on Spey. 10am-3pm. T: 07708 169813. FREE. Guy Fawkes Firework Display - Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 6pm. T: 01479 810233.

Monday 7th November FREE. Evening Talk: Its a Hard Nocmig; A beginners guide to sound-recording night migration by Mark Pearson - The Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. birdwatchingandwildlifeclub.co.uk/ talks-other-events

Thursday 10th November

FREE. Evening Talk: The Miracle of Bird Migration – Explained! by Mark PearsonThe Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. www.birdwatchingandwildlifeclub.co.uk/ talks-other-events T: 01479 872526.

Friday 11th November Live Music with Session A9 - St Margaret’s, Braemar. 7.30pm. Tickets: www.stmargaretsbraemar. org.uk/events-calendar/session-a9

Saturday 12th November

FREE. Tales and Treasures of Ossian - Clan Macpherson Museum, Newtonmore. 11am-1pm. T: 01540 673332. The 2022 Glen Clova Half Marathon - Clova Hotel, Glenclova. Advanced entries only. 12pm start. www.forfarroadrunners.co.uk/ glen-clova-half-marathon Cairngorm Ski Club Snowsports Equipment Sale - Dalfaber Golf and Country Club,Aviemore. 3.30-5.30pm. cairngormskiclub.co.uk/ski-sale

Sunday 13th November FREE. Drawing Legends - Clan Macpherson Museum, Newtonmore 11am-1pm. T: 01540 673332. FREE. Repair Cafe Cairngorms - Boat of Garten Community Hall. 2-5pm. T: 01479 831123. www.facebook.com/repaircafecairngorms

Monday 14th November

FREE. Evening Talk: The Snow Grouse of Mull by Ewan Miles - The Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. www.birdwatchingandwildlifeclub. co.uk/talks-other-events T: 01479 872526.

Wednesday 16th November

FREE. Stories Round the Fire with Countryside Ranger Saranne - Grantown Library, Grantown on Spey. 4-5pm. T: 01349 781630. FREE. Evening Talk: British Bee-eaters - Will they ever BEE every Year! by John Miles - The Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. birdwatchingandwildlifeclub.co.uk/ talks-other-events

Friday 18th November

FREE. Anne Dickson Band - The Winky & Bothy Bar, Craft Ale Pub & Bar, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 812368.

Saturday 19th November

FREE. Ossianic Landscapes and PhotographyClan Macpherson Museum, Newtonmore. 10am-1pm. T: 01540 673332.

Ballater Christmas Craft Fair - Victoria Halls, Ballater. 10am-4pm.

Fantastic Beasts 3: The Secrets of Dumbledore - Grantown YMCA Community Centre, Grantown on Spey. 4-5.45pm. T: 01479 872262. www.grantowncinema.co.uk/films/fantastic-beasts-3the-secrets-of-dumbledore

Elvis - Grantown YMCA Community Centre, Grantown on Spey. 7-9.40pm. T: 01479 872262. www.grantowncinema.co.uk/films/elvis-2

The Freddie & Queen Experience - Boat of Garten Community Hall, Boat of Garten. 7.30-11pm. T: 01479 831123.

FREE. Rant Live Music - The Winky & Bothy Bar, Craft Ale Pub & Bar, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 812368.

Sunday 20th November

Vintage, Antique & Collectables - Victoria Halls, Ballater. 10am-3pm.

Friday 25th November

FREE. Gordie Peters Karaoke - The Winky & Bothy Bar, Craft Ale Pub & Bar, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 812368.

Saturday 26th November

FREE. Twice Bitten Band - The Winky & Bothy Bar, Craft Ale Pub & Bar, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 812368.

Ballater Farmer’s Market - The Green, Ballater. 10am-2pm. ballaterfarmersmarket@gmail.com

Sunday 27th November

FREE. Cairngorms Farmers Market - Grantown on Spey. 10am-3pm. T: 07708 169813.

Monday 28th November

FREE. Evening Talk: British Invaders by Jack Perks - The Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. www.birdwatchingandwildlifeclub.co.uk/ talks-other-events T: 01479 872526.

Every Monday

FREE. Braemar Health Walk - Under the Mews, Braemar. 10am. T: 07816 110549. www.pathsforall.org. uk/health-walk/braemar.

FREE. Live Music with Graeme MackayCairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 810233.

Every Tuesday Quiz Night - Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 8.45pm. T: 01479 810233.

FREE. Grantown on Spey Health Walk - Anagah Wood, Curling Rink Car Park, Grantown on Spey 10.30am. T: 07816 110549. www.pathsforall.org.uk/ health-walk/grantown-on-spey.

FREE. Nethy Bridge Health Walk - Meet by Nethy Bridge Community Centre, Nethy Bridge. 1.30pm. T: 07816 110549.

Every Wednesday

FREE. Newtonmore Health Walk - Wildcat Centre, Newtonmore. 10.30am. T: 07816 110549. www. pathsforall.org.uk/walking-for-health/health-walks/ health-walk/newtonmore.

FREE. Boat of Garten Health Walk - Meet at Community Garden in front of Boat Hotel, Boat of Garten. 1.30pm. T: 07816 110549.

Every Thursday

FREE. Kingussie Health Walk - Badenoch Centre, Spey Street, Kingussie. 10am. T: 07816 110549. www.pathsforall.org.uk/walking-for-health/healthwalks/health-walk/kingussie.

FREE. Carrbridge Health Walk - Meet by the Old Bridge. 11am. T: 07816 110549.

FREE. Cromdale Health Walk - In front of the Kirk. 11am. T: 07816 110549.

FREE. Aviemore Chess Club - Aviemore Community Centre Library, 7.00pm-9.00pm. T: 07415 892669.

Live Music with Tweed - The Balavoulin, Aviemore. 9pm.

Every Friday

FREE. Glen Tanar Health Walk - Meet outside the Boat Inn, Abyone. 9.40am. T: 07816 110549.

FREE. Tomintoul Health Walk - Bowling Club, Tomintoul. 10am. T: 07816 110549.

FREE. Ballater Health Walk - Meet at the Green Hut on the Green at the corner of Bridge Street and Netherly Place, Ballater. 10.30am. T: 07816 110549. www.pathsforall.org.uk/health-walk/ballater.

The

Cairngorms

Where Winter Comes To Life

With the splendour of the Cairngorm Mountain range and the beauty of its forest, lochs & rivers...the Cairngorms National Park is the perfect playground for you as winter approaches.

Whether you are looking for adventure or a quiet place to escape and unwind, there really is something for everyone. A chance to enjoy some of life's creature comforts; there is no better time or place to embrace a slower pace and feel winter come to life.

Find a cosy pub with a roaring fire, a cafe with a steaming bowl of Cullen Skink and a big chunk of warm bread... mmmm delicious! Hire a guide for the day and go by bike or by foot to experience some of our spectacular views, the Cairngorms has it all. Here are some of our November top picks.

Cosy upby the fire

There are cottages, B&B’s, pubs and some seriously cosy glamping options in the National Park…with sofas to sink into, roaring fires for cold toes and mugs waiting to be filled with steaming hot chocolate. Loch an Eilein Cottage, on the shore of picturesque Loch an Eilein, embodies everything we seek in a comforting hideaway, while the mysterious Secret Bothy in Killiecrankie is just waiting to be discovered.

Happiness is aHighland lunch

Is there any better combination than a brisk winter walk followed by a warming lunch?

We are not talking a strenuous hike, just a blast of fresh air, some colour on your cheeks and a spring in your step. A wander up and around Craigellachie National Nature Reserve will do just that; spectacular views, wonderful colours and a bit of solitude. Afterwards you can tumble into Aviemore’s Cairngorm Hotel and tuck into Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, safe in the knowledge that the rest of the day can be spent exploring Aviemore.

There’s nowhere to gobut everywhere

The SnowRoads is one of the most scenic routes to drive in the UK - 90 miles of highland heaven running from Blairgowrie to Grantown-on-Spey.

A clear and crisp November day is the perfect time to pick up a section of the SnowRoads and journey through some of the more scenic and undiscovered corners of the Cairngorms, especially with some insider know-how on its little known gems. The SnowRoads are the slow roads, take your time and immerse yourself in the rich culture and beauty of the landscape.

Spectacular views, castles, culture and wonderful cafes line the route so you really can take your pick. Check out the SnowRoads website and download the App for a fully immersive experience. Some of the castles will be closed for the season but there is still much to discover. You could visit Knock Castle at Ballater and Castle Roy in Nethy Bridge.

Castle Roy has been a 30 year labour of love for its trustees and opened to the public this September. The history of the 12th century fortress built on a small glacial mound is fascinating and the restoration is a testament to the passion and determination of the wonderful Cairngorms communities to preserve and celebrate the Park’s heritage.

Discover some secluded spots like The Linn of Quoich, also known as the Earl of Mar’s Punch Bowl, near Braemar. It’s a natural, midstream, hole in the rock that was used as a punchbowl after a day of hunting deer in the neighbouring forest - The area was a favourite of Queen Victoria; it’s easy to understand why - secluded escapism at its finest.

The SnowRoads is a spectacular route and as with all road trips it’s good to plan ahead. Check out the snow cameras before you set off and make sure you have the essentials, including your favourite travel buddy, a cracking playlist, warm layers and a flask!

There’s always timefor a wee dram

There is a very good reason the Highlands is the whisky capital of the world - nothing warms your cockles like a wee dram. We are spoiled for choice when it comes to distilleries. The Dalwhinnie, Blair Athol and Glenlivet distilleries are among those who offer tours into the winter months, if you are a Malt Whisky expert or a keen beginner, there will be the perfect experience for you. And of course not forgetting “The Cairn” distillery, a brand new distillery just outside Grantown, why not be one of the first to visit. They say there is a whisky for everyone’s palette - have fun finding yours!

Most of our favourite attractions stay open throughout the year so a visit to the Highland Wildlife Park, Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Aviemore Ice Rink and Rothiemurchus for lots of activities make for brilliant days out without the crowds of school holidays. Have fun exploring the Cairngorms this winter, there’s plenty to see & do here and you set the pace. Enjoy our winter wonderland!

Billy Connolly, Scottish Comedian and Actor.

“In Scotland, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes.”