Posts for February, 2026

Love trees but not sure what you’re looking at (especially in the winter!)? Join us for a guided walk around Loch Garten to learn more about how to spot some of our most popular species.

The largest remaining remnant of the ancient Caledonian forest, we sit at the heart of a gorgeous pine forest dotted with birch, aspen, alder, willow, rowan, and a long history. But when the winter leaves fall many of these species can be difficult to differentiate.

Our expert ranger Ewan will take you on a 2-hour walk around our trails, showing how best to identify our leafy friends and indulge you in a bit of forest folklore.

This event will involve walking around 3 kilometres on rough and uneven ground. Outdoor shoes and warm clothing are required.

Children are welcome with a paying adult.

Love trees but not sure what you’re looking at (especially in the winter!)? Join us for a guided walk around Loch Garten to learn more about how to spot some of our most popular species.

The largest remaining remnant of the ancient Caledonian forest, we sit at the heart of a gorgeous pine forest dotted with birch, aspen, alder, willow, rowan, and a long history. But when the winter leaves fall many of these species can be difficult to differentiate.

Our expert ranger Ewan will take you on a 2-hour walk around our trails, showing how best to identify our leafy friends and indulge you in a bit of forest folklore.

This event will involve walking around 3 kilometres on rough and uneven ground. Outdoor shoes and warm clothing are required.

Children are welcome with a paying adult.

Starting in Aviemore, of approximately 150 miles via Laggan, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Inverness, Dava Moor and returning to Aviemore. The tour will conclude with a meal, presentations and prize giving. We are grateful to our main sponsors, Arnold Clark, all our other sponsors and supporters for their help.

The tour will be in aid of the following charities CHAS and Prostate cancer UK

Various market stalls selling hand made crafts and food

Join us on Monday 23 February 2026 at 7:30pm at Boat of Garten Community Hall for an evening celebrating cold water, wild places, and personal challenge.
Since 2016, Ben Sparham has been on a mission to swim every high loch and lochan in the Cairngorms. As he nears completion of his epic project, Ben shares tales from his high mountain swims — the beauty, the solitude, and the endurance it takes to dip into icy waters miles from anywhere.
Tickets £6 on the door
Boat of Garten Community Hall
Monday 23 February 2026 | 7:30pm
Available to stream later for a small donation – get in touch for the link!
Join the Boat Talks mailing list by emailing info@boathall.org.uk

Join us at Boat of Garten Community Hall on Monday 9 February 2026 at 7:30pm for a fascinating insight into the “ghosts of the forest.”
Dane Stewart from Highland Wildlife Park introduces us to the story of three rescued female lynx — from their precarious beginnings to thriving in the Highlands. Learn about the myths, folklore and conservation efforts surrounding these elusive cats, and the powerful local support that helped them find a new home in the Cairngorms.
Tickets £6 on the door
Boat of Garten Community Hall
Monday 9 February 2026 | 7:30pm
Available to stream later for a small donation – get in touch for the link!
Join the Boat Talks mailing list by emailing info@boathall.org.uk

Join us for a remarkable evening at Boat of Garten Community Hall on Monday 26 January 2026 at 7:30pm.
Gill Williams shares her journey from adventurous Oxford schoolgirl to police diver and sergeant — a career that took her from the depths of rivers to the height of mountain rescue. This is a powerful story of courage, compassion, and a lifetime dedicated to “looking for the dead and finding hope for the living.”
Tickets £6 on the door
Boat of Garten Community Hall
Monday 26 January 2026 | 7:30pm

Available to stream later for a small donation – get in touch for the link!
Join the Boat Talks mailing list by emailing info@boathall.org.uk

Are Car Boot Sales your ‘thing’? If so, book in for our first sale of the year! All indoors so we don’t need to worry about what the weather will be doing. Great time to get rid of stuff in time for spring or grab a bargain.

Sunday 22 March 2026
12:00
Boat of Garten Community Hall (main hall)

If you are interested in holding a stall, please get in touch.
Contact Boat Hall:
info@boathall.org.uk
01479 831123
£10 per car/space to be paid in advance

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