Posts for November, 2025

Join us for a guided night walk in the Cairngorms National Park, led by a qualified Mountain Leader and certified Star Ranger. Begin with an engaging Dark Skies / stargazing presentation before heading out to explore the landscape in darkness. Discover the area’s rich history and nocturnal wildlife as you walk beneath some of the darkest skies in Scotland. When conditions allow, you’ll see constellations, planets, and the Milky Way in breathtaking clarity.

Travel in comfort aboard our private minibus — affectionately known as the Starship — with collection available from the Ballater area. You’ll be whisked away to a tranquil location for an engaging Dark Skies presentation, complete with hot drinks to keep you warm. Location of the event will be in the Ballater / Braemar area depending on winter road conditions and localised weather forecasts. You can choose to travel in your own vehicle if preferred and meet us / follow us to the chosen walk location.

For full details follow the link.

Follow the glowing trail as it guides you through Alltnacriche’s grounds to discover live action scenes to take you back in time to Jesus’ birth. Stop for a listen in at the Inn; eavesdrop on the wise men at their camp for the night; be surprised with the shepherds at the appearance of the angels; and come and adore Him in the stable.
Stick around afterwards for hot drinks and mince pies in the courtyard.
Last admission 17:30

✨Tickets are now LIVE✨

Experience Christmas magic farm style! Santa’s Grotto, Alpacas, Pygmy Goats. miniature Donkeys, Highland cows and festive fun!
Come onto our farm for a magical Christmas experience.

🎭EXCITING ADDITION THIS YEAR🎭

Newtonmore and Badenoch Drama Group will be bringing some extra festive cheer, keeping us all entertained with some festive cheer and shenanigans. They will also be providing home baking, sweet treats, hot and cold refreshments, raffle tickets and some small kids games!

Santa is visiting us on Saturday 20th of December, he has lost his reindeer and needs to find some animal replacements before Christmas Eve.

Our Alpacas think they are Reindeer, the Donkeys have visted Bethlehem, our Goats have escaped into Candy Lane and the Highland Cows are getting in the festive spirit.

•Santa’a Grotto and age appropriate gift.

•Hot drinks and Baking stand.

•Kids Crafts.

•Animal Interactions.

•Photo opportunities.

•Toilet and hand washing.

•On-site parking.

This year we are raising funds for Badenoch Shinty Memories
Badenoch Shinty Memories Group offers support to members of our elderly community living with dementia, experiencing loneliness or isolation by coming together socially.
Times –
Arrival and parking from 9.30am
Dip 10.30 am
£10 Entry fee donation
FOOD AND DRINK
The Boathouse Restaurant will be open for takeaway breakfast rolls and hot drinks between 10am and 12 noon tables will be on a first come first served
PARKING
Please allow some extra time for parking as this can get quite busy and car share as much as you can!
WE ASK PARTICIPANTS TO SIGN UP ONLINE BEFORE 11AM ON 31st DECEMBER

Guided stargazing sessions in small groups of up to 10 people in the stunning Cairngorms National Park, with its exceptional dark skies.

Ever wondered about the stars and constellations and wanted to find out more? Take some time out with a star gazing experience at Howe of Torbeg! Spend time in a gorgeous rural location & learn how to find key objects and constellations in the night sky on your own.

Simple & accessible, looking at the stars and learning a bit about them is the perfect way to get away from it all for a few hours, & spend some time in nature.

Scotland has some of the best dark skies in Europe, including across the Cairngorms National Park, where Howe of Torbeg is situated, just outside Ballater, with simply amazing star gazing opportunities. A dark sky area is an area with exceptional dark skies and little to no light pollution.


On the night, we’ll gather in our Wee Studio for an interactive presentation, introducing you to the night sky. This is followed by an outdoor fire bowl & hot chocolate to keep you cosy & then a guided walk up the Glen to see the stars. Looking at the night sky will be a group experience guided by laser pointer.

No queuing for telescopes, we’ll be observing in the great outdoors, away from buildings.
Suitable for beginners.

We’re extremely excited to announce that Santa Claus will be visiting the park on the 13th & 14th of December.

Santa will be arriving at the park with six of his favourite reindeer! Yes, that’s right, real reindeer! Come meet Santa and his reindeer between 12-3.30 pm.

From November 22nd, from 4 pm – 6 pm, step into a magical winter wonderland where lights, sounds, and dazzling effects transform the Ancient Forest into an unforgettable escape.

🌲 Red Squirrel Trail – climb into the treetops by day, then explore a glowing UV tunnel by night.
💫 Laser Show – a spectacular display illuminating the forest.
🍴 Forest Food Stop – enjoy tasty snacks and drinks.
🔥 Roasting Pits – toast marshmallows or s’mores under the stars.

The trail is pram and wheelchair friendly, and well-behaved dogs are welcome. (Please note: part of the trail includes a sound installation.)

Don’t miss out and book your Twi-LIGHTS experience today!

Run Balmoral is North-East Scotland’s biggest mass participation sporting event.

Each year around 5000 runners, from primary-school pupils to international athletes, take part in our two-day community running festival, set against the spectacular backdrop of Balmoral Castle and Estate.

Joining them are around 10,000 spectators, all free to enjoy the food and fun of the bustling event village, as well as the beauty of the event’s magical Deeside location. Every finisher receives a special medal and, in 2026, will have the option to purchase a sustainable Run Balmoral t-shirt. Saturday plays host to the McIntosh Plant Hire 1.5km Primary Schools Race, the RAM Tubulars 2.5km Secondary Schools Race, the Harbour Energy 5km and the Stena Drilling 10km.

Sunday is trails day with two off-road events: the 6 Mile Trail Race and the 15 Mile Trail Race. Take on all four main events over the two days and you’ll become one of our John Clark Motor Group Devils of Deeside!

Meet at The Grantown Hub at 12.30pm for a relaxed heritage walk for all ages through town and woods with musical interludes.

Arrive at Grant Park at 13.45pm for an outdoor picnic and more music. (N.B. Picnic is weather dependent).

The perfect way to unwind after the multifarious FoS programme the day before – musicians, please bring your instruments and join in the fun!!!

Part exercise, part social group, part exploration of the beautiful place we live in.

Joy Rides are all about using your bike to get around and passing on the magic of time spent on two wheels to anyone that wants to join in, regardless of ability, confidence or equipment.

These group rides meet once a week in Aviemore (Apr-Oct) and Grantown-on-Spey (Jul-Oct). They’re inclusive and social cycle rides, with options for a shorter 1-hour ride or a longer 2-hour outing. When there’s good conversation and the chance for a cake stop, the riding doesn’t always have to be priority number one!

Rides are led by a qualified, experienced ride leader, who will plan the route to be suitable for all participants and will carry the necessary tools and equipment to sort out any trail-side mishaps. Routes will take in quiet road sections and multi-use off-road trails. You don’t need to be a mountain biker to join in, and almost any bike will be suitable, from hybrid/town bikes through to mountain bikes and e-bikes.