Posts for July, 2026

Carlo Collodi’s classic is a perennial favourite. It is the third most translated book in the world, having appeared in no fewer than 260 languages since it was published in 1883, and has never been out of print. Childless toymaker Geppetto buys a piece of wood to make a puppet – little realising the chaos he is about to unleash. The puppet yearns for adventure and runs away, but instead of excitement only finds glorious attractions containing hidden dangers. He returns home hoping to be showered with sympathy and learns his tribulations are just beginning. Running away hasn’t worked; lying won’t work; he must become a real boy to achieve the belonging he craves. Collodi describes the development from puppet to real boy in the same way that useless green timber is matured into useful well-seasoned wood – a transformation only achieved through trials of water and fire. Illyria celebrates this magical coming-of-age tale in a thrilling musical outdoor show.

Running time: 95-minutes (approx.), including a 20-minute interval.

Recommended for ages 5+ (younger children also welcome).

Bring your own seating/rug, suitable clothing and picnic.
Well-behaved dogs on leads are permitted. Venue is wheelchair accessible.

The Cafe at Logie Steading is open offering takeaway hot & cold drinks, cakes & ice creams from 5.30pm until the start of the performance and again in the interval.

Doors open at 5:00PM
Show starts at 6:00PM

Orienteering event in the streets and parks of Newtonmore. Use the map to find the controls. Support available for newcomers or those returning to the sport. Enter individually, in pairs, or as a family. All children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Enter in advance to guarantee a map.

Discover the hidden world of Moths at Dalnacardoch Estate. Starting with a look through the previous night’s moth trap. This special morning event continues with a creative painting workshop, led by artist Jan Hendry, inspired by the remarkable lifecycle of moths, from egg to adult.

What is Forest Therapy? Forest Therapy is a slow, mindful immersion in nature which helps us be present in the here and now. Through a series of guided invitations, you are gently invited to explore your connection with your surroundings through your senses in a safe and supported way.

Forest Therapy requires no previous experience of mindfulness. The invitations are open and flexible; there is no wrong way to participate, no special skills, physical exertion, or mental effort required.

If you’re feeling in need of some rest, relaxation and restoration, I would love to welcome you along and share this gentle practice with you.

£30 per person. Booking essential.

To book your place, please email foresttherapy@yahoo.com

A drink and light snack are provided towards the end of the session.

Limited to 10 participants to allow for a more personal experience.

Forest bathing is not just a walk in the woods; it’s a science-backed mindfulness practice designed to improve both physical and mental wellbeing. Participants often report feeling relaxed, grounded and restored, and studies have shown improvements in immune function, blood pressure, pain management, memory, concentration, and emotional resilience.

I am a qualified Forest Therapy Practitioner and first aider, with public liability insurance. With over 25 years’ experience as a countryside ranger, I have extensive experience of leading groups of all ages and abilities outdoors.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

🌳🌲🌻🪻🌸🍄‍🟫🌿🐞🦋

Fun activities, coaching, and beginner level courses to introduce orienteering. Suitable for adults and families. No previous experience required.

Yellow and Orange courses available from 1100, last start 1140, for people with some previous orienteering experience.

A short talk on the rare Small Scabious Mining Bee, followed by a guided walk to local nesting sites. Learn about its habitat and food plants, and how you can help support it. Each attendee will receive free Devil’s-bit Scabious plant plugs to take home and support the Bees main food source.

Running from 09:00 to 17:00, our camps are designed to keep your young adventurers entertained, active and engaged throughout the day. We run during school holidays and on selected Highland Council in-service days, giving you a full day of supervised fun while you get on with your day.
From thrilling BattleZone laser tag to fun-filled raft-building and target sports, they’ll discover new skills, make new friends and create fantastic memories. Camps can be booked online, and we’ll choose activities to suit the group, the weather and the time of year.

Highlights:
Team-based laser tag: Action-packed BattleZone laser tag to get the adrenaline pumping.
Raft Build: Make a splash, work together and learn new skills.
Choice of Footgolf, Disc Golf or Archery: Fun options to suit different interests.
Archery Challenge: Test your aim with our fun themed targets.
Creative fun: Arts & crafts or quizzes when energy needs a gentler outlet.
Safe and engaging environment: Experienced instructors look after the group all day.

Our River Spey trips are all about enjoying a guided journey in good company. You’ll meet at our centre near Grantown-on-Spey to get kitted up, before heading to the appropriate start point with your guide.

On the water, we build skills gradually – starting with simple steering and control, then adding more techniques and river awareness as your confidence grows. Along the way there’s plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, spot wildlife and take in the Cairngorms from a fresh perspective.
Depending on your chosen trip, you’ll either finish back at our riverside base or at Cromdale Church, where transport is arranged. Afterwards, you can get changed, warm up and relax at the clubhouse.

We also offer an Outfitting Service for groups in the Highlands. If you’re visiting with experienced paddlers and need equipment, we can help.

What gorge walking with us is really like:

A gorge walk is a guided exploration of a rocky river channel – scrambling over boulders, weaving through rocky steps, sliding down natural chutes and wading or swimming through pools.

We start at our centre near Grantown-on-Spey, where you’ll meet your instructor, get changed and kitted up in wetsuits, helmets and buoyancy aids. From there, it’s a short 15-minute drive in your own vehicle to the gorge.

Once at the gorge, your guide will give a clear safety brief, explain how the session works and then lead the group, choosing lines to match water levels, weather and group confidence. You’ll move as one group, with plenty of time to rest, watch others and decide which features you’d like to try.

After the session you’ll get changed by the riverside – simple and outdoorsy rather than fancy – and then head back to the centre. At weekends, our café is open so you can warm up with a hot drink and something to eat, and there’s frisbee golf on-site if you’ve still got energy to burn.

Please note: You will need to drive from our centre to the gorge in your own vehicle – please contact us if this is not possible.

We have 4 rides for you to choose from this year – there’s something for all ages.

Balance bike treasure hunt – a short circuit in & around Kingussie with just one short road section. This is the event for those on balance bikes or very first pedallers who are gaining confidence. Follow the map to collect your stamps, before returning to the finish area to collect a medal and enjoy the festivities. Picnic stops along the way are encouraged! The treasure hunt will not be marshalled and all children must be accompanied for this route.

Wee pedallers ride – if your kids are past the balance biking stage but not quite up to the full family ride, this is the option for you! Heading out on the B970 past Ruthven Barracks and over Tromie Bridge, this route will set off with the family ride as far as Insh. As we leave the road there will be refreshments waiting to fuel up the wee riders up before returning on the Speyside Way. 11 miles (18 km)
Note: This route will be fully signed. All children must be accompanied and parents are responsible for managing road crossings.

Family ride – The family ride will continue on the B970 in the direction of Feshie Bridge before turning off and looping back through the heart of the Cairngorms and the beautiful Glen Feshie. With entertainment, refreshments and hydration at a stunning mid-station location (please bring cash for cake donations). 24 miles (39km) Note: The route will be fully signed and marshalled.
Under 16’s must be accompanied.


Adventure loop – Following the family ride to the feeding station, the adventure route will then strike off into the remote sections of the Cairngorms, sticking to gravel tracks through the mountains and forest to loop back and join the family ride on the way back to Kingussie. 32 miles (52km) and 740m of ascent

Note: This route is not marshalled and has minimal signage so self sufficiency is a must.

This option is not suitable for U14s and those U16 must be accompanied by an adult.


Please note:

* All routes start at Kingussie High School and finish at the Duke of Gordon hotel where there will be an option to purchase refreshments and a range of entertainment on offer.

* Registration will be open on the day from 9.30 am with the ‘grand depart’ at 10.30. Coffee/teas/breakfast rolls will be available to purchase.

* A bike doctor and first aid Marshalls will follow the family ride.

* Tickets will also be available at the school on the day.

* There is no parking at Kingussie High School, but there are various Public Car Parks available throughout Kingussie.

Ticket sales from this community event will raise funds for Kingussie High School*

*Event entry fees in aid of Kingussie High School Parent Council, Scottish charity number SC045172.

We look forward to welcoming you to Cycle Friendly Kingussie for our 2026 Bikeathon.