Posts for December, 2024

Join us for a cycling event and a fun and inclusive weekend in a great natural environment.

The Cateran Dirt Dash bikepacking event takes you in two days through the stunning surroundings of the Cairngorms National Park to enjoy the dramatic scenery in the Cateran Ecomuseum.

It’s the perfect way to experience the rugged beauty of Scotland’s only museum without walls. This event has a shorter route than the Dashes in Yorkshire and Dunoon; it’s the perfect introduction to bikepacking in Scotland.

Glenshee likes to keep us on our toes. Historically, there has either been not enough snow or too much snow. However, there is no denying when Glenshee is good, she is very good.

If conditions allow, we do plan to hold the British Skimo Championships on Saturday 1st March 2025 at Glenshee.

For those in the know, there seems to be little point in advertising a course because it always changes. Who knows where we will go but there will be multiple ascents and descents. There is very likely to be more than one lap with a harsh cut off time – dictated by the fastest racer of the day. The final course will only be known on the day but the maps below will give some idea for ideal conditions. The fastest racer is declared the winner.

We will plan to race on Saturday 1st March but if the conditions are unfavourable we will race on the Sunday. We will not reschedule this race if we have to cancel.

Local farmers bring festive cheer as they travel around local villages:
Grantown Showfield 5pm
Cromdale 5.15pm
Nethybridge 5.45pm
Boat of Garten 6.05pm
Carrbridge 6.25pm
Grantown High Street 7pm
Come and give them a wave!

Timings approximate.

Join us for a magical evening of dance and Christmas cheer on Aviemore Village Green! Our awesome dancers are ready to light up your night!
📅 Wednesday 18 December
🕕 18:00
📍 Aviemore Village Green
🎟️ Free to Attend – Donations Welcome
Performances by:
🌟 Grade 2 & Grade 3 Modern
🌟 Grade 1 & Grade 2 Ballet
🌟 Monday Junior Hip Hop
🌟 Monday Grade 3/4/5/6 Ballet
🌟 Boys Dance
☕ Hot drinks on sale to keep you warm while you enjoy the show!
Gather your family, friends, and festive spirit for a heartwarming evening filled with dance, lights, and holiday joy.
Let’s celebrate the season together – we can’t wait to see you there! 🎅🎶
#DancingLights #ChristmasPerformance #VisitCairngorms #FestiveSeason #CommunityEvent #Cairngormschoolofdance #csod #aviemore #cairngormsnationalpark See less

Join us on December 14th and 15th for an unforgettable weekend brimming with holiday cheer. We’ve got festive decorations, Christmas-themed activities, and a special visit from Santa Claus and his reindeer!

Meet Santa and His Real Reindeer!
Get ready to meet Santa and six of his favourite reindeer—yes, real reindeer! Visit Santa’s festive crew between 12 – 3 PM on both days. Enjoy a special meet-and-greet, sleigh ride-by and the chance to see the reindeer being walked.

Discover Our Winter Attractions
Alongside the Christmas festivities, come along and enjoy our winter attractions, including:

Stroll through the Tropical Hot House: A warm escape filled with exotic plants and greenery.
Test your balance skills on NetworX and The Red Squirrel Trail: Adventures for thrill-seekers of all ages.
Encounter life-size dinosaurs: A Jurassic experience you won’t forget.
Challenge your mind in the Bamboozeleum and Wonderwood: Mind-bending fun for curious minds.

Torchlight parade and dance at The Stance! 11.15pm torchlight parade from the top of Gynack Gardens to the market stance with a piper. Fireworks, free dram and stovies!

St Andrew’s, Aviemore and Alvie and Insh churches invite you to follow the glowing trail as it guides you through Alltnacriche’s grounds, with live action scenes to take you back in time to Jesus’ birth. Join the jostling at the Inn! Come across the wise men reflecting at their evening’s camp site! Discover the shepherds settling down for the night, BEFORE their big fright! And come to the very simple stable.

Hot drinks and mince pies served at the end of the trail.
Free entry, but donations welcome.
Last entry at 5.30 pm

Join Cairngorms Astronomy Club and Tomintoul & Glenlivet Development Trust on Sunday, January 12th at 6:30 pm for an evening telescope taster session. We’ll be looking at the Moon and Mars in the constellation of Gemini. We’ll also be looking at prominent winter stars and constellations and will share resources for improving your celestial knowledge.

The Glenlivet and Tomintoul area is one of the best places in the Cairngorms National Park to discover the wonders of the night sky. It is Scotland’s second International Dark Sky Park and one of the most northerly in the world. Please meet at the Discovery Centre at 6:30pm. We’ll then be walking a short distance down to a suitable viewing location in a group with red head torches that will help your vision adapt to the darkness.

As we will be outside in the highest village in the Scottish Highlands, please dress appropriately for cold January conditions and changeable weather. Sturdy footwear, lots of layers, along with gloves and a hat will make your stargazing experience more enjoyable. If conditions are unsuitable on the day of the event the organiser will email attendees.

Toilets are available in the Discovery Centre.

Would you like to learn more about the night sky? Join Cairngorms Astronomy Club and Tomintoul & Glenlivet Development Trust on Friday, January 10th at the Discovery Centre in Tomintoul at 5:30pm for a Seven Sisters, Stars, and the Moon afternoon telescope taster session. The Pleiades star cluster, famously known as the Seven Sisters or cataloged as Messier 45 (M45), is one of the most recognizable sights in the night sky. We’ll also be looking at Jupiter, at stars and constellations and will share resources for improving your celestial knowledge. Please meet at the Discovery Centre at 5:30pm. We’ll then be walking a short distance down to a suitable viewing location in a group with red head torches that will help your vision adapt to the darkness.

The Glenlivet and Tomintoul area is one of the best places in the Cairngorms National Park to discover the wonders of the night sky. It is Scotland’s second International Dark Sky Park and one of the most northerly in the world.

As we will be outside, please dress appropriately for cold January conditions and changeable weather. Sturdy footwear, lots of layers, along with gloves and a hat will make your stargazing experience more enjoyable. If conditions are unsuitable on the day of the event the organiser will email attendees. Toilets are available in the Discovery Centre.If conditions are unsuitable on the day of the event the organiser will email attendees.

Come join us on Friday, Jan 3rd, 2025 at 16:00 in Tomintoul for an afternoon of meteor spotting and stargazing.

The peak of the meteor shower in early January is promising in 2024 as it occurs a few days after the New Moon. During the maximum, you may see up to 60 meteors an hour on a nearly moonless sky. Quadrantids are known for their bright fireball meteors produing larger explosions of light and colour, which makes them a perfect target for astrophotography. Venus and Saturn will also be in the sky near to the moon.

Please meet at the Discovery Centre at 4:00pm. We’ll then be walking a short distance down to a suitable viewing location in a group with red head torches that will help your vision adapt to the darkness.