What's On in the Cairngorms October 2017

What’s On OCTOBER

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Insider’s Guide: 5 Great Mountain Bike Routes in the Cairngorms Special Offers!

Events: Over 70 Inside

www.visitcairngorms.com

Braemar Creative Arts Festival

1 What’s On. . . . . . . . . . . . .

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1 Accommodation. . . . . . . . . .

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1 Shopping and Crafts. . . . . . . .

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1 Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 1 Insider’s Guide. . . . . . . . . . . 12 1 To Do. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 1 Eat and Drink . . . . . . . . . . . 16 The What’s On guide is also available online at www.visitcairngorms.com

Published by and all advertising sales Cairngorms Business Partnership Tel: 01479 810200. info@visitcairngorms.com www.visitcairngorms.com Produced by Landmark Press Carrbridge www.landmark-press.com Tel: 01479 841900.

Photo credits: Front Cover: Visit Scotland.

Photography: Dale Johnston & Braemar Creative Arts Festival, Strathspey Steam Railway, Miles Wood, Glenlivet Estate & CycleTherapy.

What’s On in october

W

elcome to the Cairngorms National Park and the October edition of What’s On, the free events guide.

To help you make the most of your time here we’ve put together an essential guide packed with what’s happening in the area. We’ve got some great ideas for things to do, places to see, where to eat and drink, and places to stay.

October brings colder days and longer nights but there are still heaps of fun things to do in the Cairngorms. The World Porridge Championships returns to Carrbridge on the 7th with competitors from across the globe battling it out to win the Golden Spurtle award. The Iona Gallery has an exhibition of works from the Highland Print studio from 7th Oct-4th Nov and Braemar host their annual Creative Arts Festival from the 18th-22nd, a mix of exciting musical and creative workshops. If you’re looking for a challenge then take part in the Aviemore half Marathon on the 15th or the Illuminator Night Trail on the 28th, Scotland’s toughest half night marathon held on beautiful Glen Tanar estate.

Halloween fun can be found at Landmark Forest Adventure Park as they change into a ‘spookfest’ for the month of October with creepy goings on and foam days. Finally don’t miss the Old Bridge Inn’s Halloween party on the 28th!

The Cairngorms National Park has something for everyone.

www.visitcairngorms.com

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What’s On

october 2017

Contents

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Sunday 1st October

what’s on in october

ou are in an all year round destination with lots going Y on. Use the listings to plan your fun! The Events of Interest list outlines exhibitions and events of interest over more than one day, the Calendar section gives you a day by day list of events and Day by Day shows regular events. For more information on all the events below please refer to www.visitcairngorms.com/whatson

Events of Interest

18th-22nd October

what’s on october 2017

1st October-2nd November ‘Spookfest’ Scary Attractions throughout Park Landmark Adventure Park.

Carrbridge. www.landmarkpark.co.uk

21st July-31st October Exhibition: Portraits of a Highland Clan

by I, Richard Waitt Grantown Museum, Grantown on Spey. 10am-5pm.

T: 01479 872478. www.grantownmuseum.co.uk

17th-29th October Exhibition: Celestial Terrestial St. Margarets, Braemar.

10am-4pm. T: 07780 433302. www.stmargaretsbraemar.org.uk F Free Entry to Event l 4

Monday 2nd October Evening Talk: The Lost Beasts of Britain Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk F l

Tuesday 3rd October Ranger Event: A Walk in the Woods!

Anagach Woods, Grantown on Spey.

6.30-8.30pm. T: 07818 588222. www.highland.gov.uk F Evening Talk: A History l of Nature Conservation in North American National Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm.

T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk

30th Oct-4th November

and Beyond Iona Gallery, Kingussie. 1-5pm. www.bobkinnairdartist.com

F Highland Print Studio l

F l

28th-29th October

Foam Day at Landmark Park Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge. 10am-5pm.

T: 01479 841613. www.landmarkpark.co.uk F Exhibition: Badenoch l

7th October-4th November Exhibition Iona Gallery, Kingussie. 1-5pm.

T: 01540 673422. www.theionagallery.co.uk

Braemar Creative Arts Festival Throughout Braemar. 10am-10pm.

T: 01339 741225. www.braemarcreativearts.co.uk

Cairngorms Farmers Market The Square, Grantown on Spey.

10am-4pm. www.facebook.com/ Cairngormsfarmersmarket

Calendar of Events Friday 29th September

MacMillan Prosecco Afternoon Tea Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore.

3-5pm. T: 01479 810233. www.cairngorm.com

Saturday 30th September

F DJ: Shaka Loves You l

Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore.

10pm-1am. T: 01479 811137. www.oldbridgeinn.co.uk What’s On

Thursday 5th October Live Music: The Howl & The Hum The Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore.

8.30-11.30pm. T: 01479 811137. www.oldbridgeinn.co.uk F l

Saturday 7th October F World Porridge l

Making Championship Carrbridge Village Hall. 10.15am-4pm. www.goldenspurtle.com Strathspey Thistle v Turriff United Seafield Park, Grantown on Spey.

3pm. www.strathspeythistlefc.co.uk

Sunday 8th October Clash of the Titans Mar Lodge Estate, Braemar. 4-7pm.

T: 01339 720164. www.nts.org.uk

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Bio Facts - Drop in Session Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig.

11am-3pm. T: 01540 651270. wildlife@rzss.org.uk Boat Talks: Glenmorangie - Creating a Sustainable Malt Whisky Boat of Garten Community Hall.

7.30-9.30pm. info@boathall.org.uk

Tuesday 10th October Story Telling at the Highland Wildlife Park Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig.

2-3pm. T: 01540 651270. wildlife@rzss.org.uk

Wednesday 11th October Ranger Event: The Souterrian & Raitts Township Balavil Home Farm, Kingussie.

11am-1pm. T: 07818 588222. www.highland.gov.uk Face Painting Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig.

11am-3pm. T: 01540 651270. wildlilfe@rzss.org.uk Clash of the Titans Mar Lodge Estate, Braemar. 4-7pm.

T: 01339 720164. www.nts.org.uk

Thursday 12th October Animal Enrichment Day Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig.

1-3pm. T: 01540 651270. www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk F Evening Talk: In l Search of Mountain Burnet Moth in the Cairngorms Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm.

T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk

Monday 16th October

(Solo) Bulb Planting The Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore.

8.30-11.30pm. www.oldbridgeinn.co.uk Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig.

11am. T: 01540 651270.

F Evening Talk: Britain’s Friday 13th October l Garden Birds by Steve Bio Facts - Drop in Session Lovell Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig.

Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown 11am-3pm. T: 01540 651270. on Spey. 8.30-10pm. www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk Saturday 14th October Ranger Event: Squirrel Tuesday 17th October Watch Bug Day Workshop Mar Lodge Estate, Braemar.

10am-11.30am. T: 01339 720164. Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig. www.nts.org.uk 11am-3pm. T: 01540 651270. www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk Bactrian Camel Talk & Feed Wednesday 18th October Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig.

3.15pm. T: 01540 651270.

Badger Watch www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk Boat of Garten. Booking essential.

T: 01479 831768.

Live Music: Tim Kliphuis Sextet - TOMS www.highlandbadgers.net Boat of Garten Community Hall.

Autumn Family Funday 7.30-9.30pm. T: 01479 831213.

Highland Folk Museum, Newtonmore. info@boathall.org.uk 11am-3pm. T: 01540 661518.

Face Painting Sunday 15th October Highland Wildlife Park, Aviemore Half Marathon Kincraig. 11am-3pm. Charge. & 10k for All T: 01540 651270.

Badaguish Outdoor Centre, www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk Aviemore. T: 01479 861285.

Bear Rescue Talk www.aviemorehalfmarathon.org Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig.

Shape Shifting 2pm. T: 01540 651270.

Workshop www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig.

2-3pm. T: 01540 651270.

Battle of Killiecrankie www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk NTS Killiecrankie Visitor Centre.

2-3.30pm. T: 01350 728641.

Clash of the Titans Mar Lodge Estate, Braemar. 4-7pm. www.nts.org.uk T: 01339 720164. www.nts.org.uk Badenoch Gardening Club Meeting Film Show: Braemar of Newtonmore Village Hall.

Yesteryear 7.30-9.30pm. T: 01540 673436.

Braemar Village Hall. 7.30-9pm.

T: 01339 741511.

F Free Entry to Event l www.braemarlhg.com

www.visitcairngorms.com

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What’s On

what’s on october 2017

F Live Music: Brownbear l

Monday 9th October

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Friday 20th October Bio Facts - Drop in Session Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig.

11am-3pm. T: 01540 651270. www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk Ranger Event: Monarchs of the Glen Laggan. 4-7pm. Booking essential. T: 07818 588222. www.highland.gov.uk F 250 Years of Grantown l Grammar School Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 7.30-9pm. T: 07709 270044. www.thegrantownsociety.org

what’s on october 2017

10.15am-4pm

Saturday 21st October

F Evening Talk: Wildlife l

Spectacles of Britain Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm.

T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk

Thursday 19th October

Cake & Craft Fair for Disability Snowsport UK Boat of Garten Community Hall, 10am-2pm.

Hill Skill Workshop Braemar, Braemar Caravan Park.

10am-5pm. T: 07753 488688. www.hillgoers.com Story Telling at the Highland Wildlife Park Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig.

2-3pm. T: 01540 651270. www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk Strathspey Thistle v Nairn County Seafield Park, Grantown on Spey.

3pm. www.strathspeythistlefc.co.uk Bactrian Camel Talk & Feed Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig.

3.15pm. T: 01540 651270. www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk

Family Day Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig.

11am-3pm. T: 01540 651270. www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk F Evening Talk: Trials & l Tribulations of a Natural History Presenter Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm.

T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk Live Music: Findlay Napier Sunday 22nd October Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore. 8.30Garden Workshops 11.30pm. www.oldbridgeinn.co.uk Glen Tanar Walled Garden, Aboyne.

2-5pm. T: 013398 86451.

F Free Entry to Event l www.glentanar.co.uk 6

What’s On

Monday 23rd October Boat Talks: Peter Syme, The Gobi Dessert Boat of Garten Community Hall.

6-7pm. Booking essential. info@boathall.org.uk F Evening Talk: Sex on l the Beach and Other Cocktails Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk

Wednesday 25th October Badger Watch Boat of Garten. T: 01479 831768. www.highlandbadgers.net

Thursday 26th October F Evening Talk: Birding l

in the Caribbean Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk F Live Music: Coca l Tenorio Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore. 8.3011pm. www.oldbridgeinn.co.uk

Friday 27th October Badenoch Fiddlers Talla Nan Ros, Kingussie.

7.30-10pm. T: 01540 673020. basg@mybtinternet.com The Boat Reel: Hot Fuzz [15] (2007) Boat of Garten Community Hall. info@boathall.org.uk

Saturday 28th October Ballater Farmer’s Market Ballater Farmers Market, Ballater.

10am-2pm. www.facebook.com/ ballaterfarmersmarket F l

l www.visitcairngorms.com

Cash Bingo (18+) Royal British Legion, Grantown on F Evening Talk: Nature l Spey. 7.50pm. T: 01479 873690.

Watch F Live Music Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. l Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore.

8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526.

8.30-10.30pm. www.bwwc.co.uk www.hiltonaviemore.com Tuesday 31st October F Live Music & Dancing l with George Gordon F Evening Talk: A l Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie.

Wealth of Wildlife 8.30-10.30pm.

Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey.

F Graeme Mackay in the 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. l Cairn Bar www.bwwc.co.uk Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

T: 01479 810233.

Monday 30th October

Every Day in October

Every Tuesday F Grantown Health Walk l

Every Monday

Group Curling Rink Car Park, Glenlivet Public Hall. 9.45-10.45am. Anagach Wood. 10.30-11.30am.

T: 01807 590689.

T: 01479 872142.

F Braemar Health Walk l F Ballater Health Walk l Group Group Under the Mews, Braemar.

Glenmuick Church Hall. 1-2pm.

10-11am. T: 01339 741426.

T: 01339 755634.

Pilates with Lucy F Nethy Health Walk l Boat of Garten Community Hall.

Nethy Bridge Community Centre.

6-7pm. Booking essential.

1.30-3pm. T: 07519 569005. www.cairngorms.co.uk lucy@cairngormpilates.com F Glenlivet Health Walk l

www.visitcairngorms.com

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What’s On

what’s on october 2017

Strathspey Thistle v Formartine United SeafieldPark, Grantown on Spey.

3pm. www.strathspeythistlefc.co.uk Illuminator Night Trail Half Marathon Deeside Community Centre, Aboyne.

6pm-12am. T: 0330 3211148. www.illuminatorrun.co.uk Ranger Event: Halloween Feshiebridge, Kincraig. 7-9pm.

Booking essential. T: 01479 861 224. www.highland.gov.uk Harvest Festival Advie Hall, Grantown on Spey.

7pm. T: 07930 841463. stephencrockett0@gmail.com OBI Halloween Party!

Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore.

9.30pm-late. www.oldbridgeinn.co.uk Halloween Special Strathspey Railway Strathspey Steam Railway, Aviemore.

Booking essential. www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk Glenfiddich Piping Championships Blair Castle, Blair Atholl.

T: 0845 6021974. www.atholl-estates.co.uk

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what’s on october things to do2017

Grantown-on-Spey Slimming World Royal British Legion, Grantown on Spey. 3:30, 5.30 & 7.30pm.

T: 07545 399160.

Senior Youth Club Grantown YMCA Community Centre, Grantown on Spey.

6.45-8.45pm. T: 01479 872262. www.grantowncommunitycentre.org F Live Music & Dancing l with Kenny Nairn Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, 8pm. T: 01540 661302.

F Braemar Local History l Walks Invercauld Arms Hotel, Braemar.

8pm. T: 01339 741985.

F Live Music l Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore.

8.30pm.

Quiz Night Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

T: 01479 810233.

Every Wednesday Yoga with Sarah Boat of Garten Community Hall.

9.45-10.45am. Booking essential. getsetfit@yahoo.co.uk Community Cafe St Andrews Church Hall, Aviemore.

10am-4pm.

Newtonmore Health Walk Wildcat Centre, Newtonmore.

10.30-11.30am. T: 01540 673172.

F Boat of Garten Health l Walk Group Boat Hotel. 1.30-2.30pm.

T: 01479 831562.

F Braemar Local History l Group Guided Walks Invercauld Arms Hotel, Braemar.

3pm. T: 01339 741985. dougbruce_2000@yahoo.com F Free Entry to Event l

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Rotary Club of Spey Valley Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore.

6-8.15pm. T: 01479 810233. www.speyvalley.rotary1010.org Vinyasa Yoga Dell of Abernethy, Nethybridge.

8-9pm. Booking essential.

T: 07807 670927. www.abbysaundersyoga@gmail.com The Killiecrankies Cabaret Band Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie.

8.30-10.30pm. T: 01540 661302.

F Live Music l Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore.

8.30pm.

F Davy Holt in our l Lounge Bar Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore.

9.30-11.30pm. T: 01479 810233. www.cairngorm.com

Every Thursday Kingussie Health Walk Group Badenoch Centre. 10.30-11.30am.

T: 01540 661878.

F Carrbridge Health l Walk Group Meet by the Old Bridge, Carrbridge.

11am-12pm. T: 01479 841749.

F Aviemore Health Walk l Group Myrtlefield Car Park, near Mike’s Bikes. 1.30-2.30pm.

T: 01479 810519.

Junior Youth Club YMCA Community Centre, Grantown on Spey.

6.30-8pm. T: 01479 872262. www.grantowncommunitycentre.org F Live Music & Dancing l with Ronnie Douglas Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie.

8.30-10.30pm. www.dukeofgordonhotel.co.uk F l

What’s On

F Live Music with Tweed l

or Anne Dickson Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

F Live Music l Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore.

8.30-10.30pm. T: 01479 810661. www.hiltonaviemore.com Vinyasa Yoga Dell of Abernethy, Nethybridge.

6.30-7.30pm. T: 07807 670927. www.abbysaundersyoga@gmail.com

Every Friday Yoga with Sarah Boat of Garten Community Hall.

9.45-10.45am. Booking essential. getsetfit@yahoo.co.uk Community Cafe YMCA Community Centre, Grantown on Spey. 10am-2pm.

T: 01479 872262. www.grantowncommunitycentre.org F Glen Tanar Health l Walk Glen Tanar Visitor Centre.

10-11.30am. T: 01339 886072.

F Tomintoul Health l Walk Tomnabat Court. 10-11am.

T: 01807 590689.

Y-Engage YMCA Community Centre, Grantown on Spey. 7-9pm.

T: 01479 872262. www.grantowncommunitycentre.org F Live Music l Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore.

8.30pm.

Live Music with Carl Wilson Singer & Guitarist Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie.

8.30-10.30pm. T: 01540 661302.

F Live Music l Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

T: 01479 810233.

l www.visitcairngorms.com

silverglades

holiday homes

Ceilidh Dancing Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, 8.30pm. T: 01540 661302.

Details correct at time of going to press - please note events may change.

MAKE SURE

‘WHAT’S ON’ KNOWS

Every Sunday F Sunday Sesh Live l

Music with Accordionist Ruairidh Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 6-8pm.

T: 01479 810233.

F Live Music l Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore.

8.30pm.

WHAT’S ON! Contact Jolene at info@visitcairngorms.com or register your event online at www.visitcairngorms.com/whatson to get your events in Copy deadline 6th of October for November 2017 edition.

tel: 01479 810165 email: info@silverglades.co.uk web: www.silverglades.co.uk

£50 off selected dates Stylish self-catering bungalows in Aviemore. 3 & 4 star available. From 1-4 bedrooms.

All have TV, DVD, free view channels & Wi-Fi. BBQ, own garden & drive. Some with sauna, wood burner, designer kitchen & flat screen TV. Pets welcome in allocated properties. Guests discounted golf & leisure nearby.

STB HHH & HHHH. Colour brochure & Virtual Tours.

LOCH-AN-EILEIN POTTERY Rothiemurchus, Aviemore PH22 1QP

Hand thrown terracotta pottery by Penny Weir.

Cairngorm Highland Bungalows

Open by appointment

Beautifully furnished and equipped 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedroomed bungalows sleeping 2 - 8. Open fires.

Mountain views, pets welcome, Leisure Club/Golf facilities available.

Easy walking distance to Aviemore.

S.T.B. 3H - 4H Contact Linda Murray Tel: 01479 810653 www.cairngorm-bungalows.co.uk

‘Throw Your Own’ on Thursdays, £15 a shot.

Open Daily - Please phone Penny for opening times & workshop details.

01479 810837 info@penspots.co.uk www.penspots.co.uk

www.visitcairngorms.com

what’s on october 2017

Speyside Way, Dalfaber Drive, Aviemore. 9.20am.

T: 01479 873918. www.parkrun.org.uk/aviemore F Glass Fusing Studio l Open Afternoon The Trove, Newtonmore. 2-4pm.

T: 07921 729249. www.fusedandlight.co.uk Friday Afternoon Kids Club Bluff House, Kincraig. 1:30-5pm.

T: 01540 651272. www.lochinsh.com F Fused and Light l Gallery Open The Trove, Newtonmore. 2-4pm.

(Not the 7th). T: 01540 673504. www.fusedandlight.co.uk

F Scottish Night with l

accommodation

F Aviemore Parkrun l

Live Music with Nigel Dyson Singer & Guitarist Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, 8.30pm. T: 01540 661302.

F Live Music l Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore.

8.30pm.

F Anne Dickson Band, l Davy Holt and Ruairidh Maclean Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore.

9.30-11.30pm. T: 01479 810233. www.cairngorm.com

Strathspey Steam Railway l

What’s On

shopping and crafts

Every Saturday

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map 10

What’s On

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map

See www.visitcairngorms.com for more information on each of the villages in the area.

www.visitcairngorms.com

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What’s On

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Five great mountain bike routes in Cairngorms National Park

Burma Road

With so many choices of mountain biking routes and trails in the Cairngorms National Park, where will you head first?

Here ‘Fiona Outdoors’ shares her five favourite Mountain Bike Trails in the Park...

insider’s guide things to do

Loch an Eilein Loop Grade: Easy to moderate Distance: 5 miles.

There are a host of trails located on the Rothiemurchus Estate and many take you through fabulous woodland, including areas of ancient Caledonian Pine. This short loop of picturesque Loch an Eilein will give you are taste for what’s available in this area.

The terrain is mainly easy paths although there are a few rocky sections and tree roots, which can be slippery and muddy in wet weather. However, for most, it’s an easy ride.

For details and more ideas check out trails maps from In Your Element or simply ask the helpful sales assistants.

BikeGlenlivet Trails Centre Grade: Easy/Moderate Distance: Blue 5.5 miles, Red 14 miles.

BikeGlenlivet on the Glenlivet Estate is located between the Ladder and Cromdale hills and offers a huge variety of landscape, including glens, rivers and mixed woodlands, as well as a wonderful sense of tranquillity.

The trails centre has two main routes. The blue is a good introduction to cross-country riding while the red offers more challenges and is almost three times as long.

For more details visit www.glenlivetestate.co.uk Other trail centres in Cairngorms National Park include Laggan Wolftrax, The Lecht and Cairngorm Mountain.

The Glenlivet Mountain Bike Trails will be closed from the end of October this year, to allow essential tree felling work to be carried out. Check their Facebook page for more details.

Speyside Way Grade: Easy Distance: 11 miles The Speyside Way links the sea at Buckie in Moray with the Cairngorms at Aviemore and at Tomintoul. There are plenty of options for mountain biking on the way including an 11-mile section from Grantown-on-Spey to Boat of Garten.

This route follows an old railway line to Nethy Bridge. You’ll then ride through nature reserve woodland and on to Boat of Garten. Take a detour to visit the Osprey Centre at RSPB Loch Garten.

Return the same way for a longer ride or arrange for transport to pick you up.

For more details visit www.speysideway.org 12 12

What’s On

l www.visitcairngorms.com

Mt Keen

The Burma Road Grade: Challenging Map: OS Landranger 35. Distance: 26 Miles.

This is a classic must-ride route for experienced mountain bikers. It’s not super technical but it does feature a long climb and a total height gain of about 780m. The terrain is a mix of tarmac, wide tracks, singletrack and some boggy areas.

The route follows a two-mile tarmac section on the A9 before crossing the main road to go on to a minor road to Alltnacriche. Just before a Scripture Union Centre, the route turns right and heads through a forest gate. This is where the gradient steepens. A lot! There are some slightly less challenging stretches but on the whole this is a leg-punishing climb on an off-road trail.

When you reach the top and the summit cairn you will be rewarded with spectacular vistas.

You could return the way you came but this suggested route follows a fantastic track that descends speedily to a bridge over the River Dulnain. Another track takes you downstream to a bothy and through a field with Scots pines to go through a gate.

Head uphill on the track and at a junction follow signs to a road. There’s a new bridge at the tarmac road. Head right and then on to the B road back to Carrbridge.

You should look for signposts for NCN Route 7 that leads you via Boat of Garten on to the Speyside Way and returns you to Inverdruie.

The route is described on-line in various places, such as Glenlivet Trails www.mapmyride.com

insider’s guide

Grade: Moderate to difficult. Distance: 11 miles.

Mt (Mount) Keen, with a summit of 939m, is the most easterly of Scotland’s 282 Munros.

Mt Keen is located to the south-east of the national park and at the end of the long and winding road through beautiful Glen Esk. The route is on a mix of wide trails and narrower paths. It heads steadily uphill at first, through Glen Mark, before climbing more steeply and on rugged paths up the southern flank of the mountain.

In parts the route is technically challenging although this is mainly because of the steepness and loose rocks and stones. For most good mountain bikers the ascent will not pose too many issues but you will need to be fit to keep pedalling for the full 5.5 miles of uphill.

As you come out on to the wide, open moorland higher up, the terrain flattens and the path is more singletrack in style.

The final push to the summit is over large boulders and unless you are very skilled you will probably walk your bike to the trig.

The ride back down is truly exhilarating and will take only about a quarter of the time that it took to ascend.

More details: Follow the same route as walkers for Mt Keen. www.walkhighlands.co.uk/ munros/mount-keen

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Strathspey Highland Ponies Rothiemurchus Aviemore

All levels of rider welcome w Rides organised according to ability w Exhilarating hacks over varied terrain w Spectacular scenery and wildlife All on fit, fun, active and good mannered mounts Book at Rothiemurchus Visitor Centre T: 01479 812345 (daytime) M: 07884 276368 www.rothiemurchus.net

to do

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What’s On

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to do www.visitcairngorms.com

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What’s On

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to do

Garth Hotel eat & drink

& Restaurant

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Restaurant open 7.30am-9.30pm Lunch served Monday-Sunday 12-5pm Evening meals served 5-9:30pm Early Bird Voucher - Sun-Fri until 6.30pm 15% discount based on pre-booking & taking 2 Courses - booking essential

What’s On

Local, Seasonal, Creative Food, Relaxed & Informal Dining Experience. * LUNCH SPECIAL ~ Monday to Saturday, daily changing blackboard menu, 2 courses £12.99, 3 courses £15.99 (Normal menu also available. Closed Tuesdays.)

The Square (Castle Rd) Grantown 01479 872 836 n www.garthhotel.com 16

Boat of Garten - Tel: 01479 831 466

T: 01479 831 466 or E: info@andersonsrestaurant.co.uk

www.andersonsrestaurant.co.uk

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Cairngorm Hotel The Place to Eat and Meet Opposite Aviemore Railway Station

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Great Freshly Prepared Food All Day Beers, Wines, Spirits & Malts In the lively Lounge, All Day ‘til Late with Regular Entertainment + Live TV Sports

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eat & drink

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Bed & Highland Breakfast from £52 pppn Book Direct on 01479 810233 to Guarantee The Best Prices

Grampian Road Aviemore 01479 810 233 n www.cairngorm.com

Royal Tandoori Restaurant and Take-away OPEN 7 DAYS

Lunch 12noon-2pm

Evening 5-10.30pm

Authentic Indian Cuisines Three Course Business Lunch ~ £7.95 10% Discount on Take-away Meals A La Carte Menu Freshly Prepared Coffees Private Function Room ~ Ideal For Stag, Hen Or Birthday Parties

Tel: 01479 811199 or 01479 811118

43 Grampian Road, Aviemore PH22 1RH www.royaltandoori.uk.com

& RESTAURANT Restaurant Open Tues - Sun 6 - 8:30pm Reservations recommended

Family Run hotel with a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Freshly prepared food using local and seasonal produce.

Large selection of Wines, Malts and Gins.

Loch Alvie, by Aviemore - 2 miles south on B9152

T: 01479 810 207

THE CROSS AT KINGUSSIE RIVERSIDE RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS

Fine Dining in the Cairngorms Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner AA Three Red Rosettes Good Food & Michelin Guides 2017 www.thecross.co.uk 01540 661166

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What’s On

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www.rowantreehotel.com