Posts for July, 2024

Come for a Wildlife Wander with someone from our knowledgeable team to see some of the amazing wildlife that late Summer brings to Insh Marshes.

September is a good time to look out for raptors like Hen Harriers hunting over the marshes. Buzzards are common and may be seen along the Tromie Trail. Butterflies and dragonflies will continue to fly as long as the weather is warm and sunny – Scotch Argus, Green-veined White, Red Admiral, Peacock and Black Darter are most likely. Many summer flowers have come and gone, but the blues and purples of Harebell, Devil’s-bit Scabious, Common Heather (Ling) and Bell Heather can be seen along the Tromie Trail. Other flowers may include the whites of Yarrow and Eyebright and the yellow of Lady’s Bedstraw.

Some areas may be rough underfoot. It is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies, and we recommend sturdy footwear.

Experience wellness travel at its finest with our carefully curated active getaway that seamlessly fuse adventure, fitness, and relaxation. Embark on an unforgettable journey toward improved wellbeing in a location that’s nothing short of breath-taking.

This retreat is perfect for solo travellers, small groups or couples, and promises an invigorating blend of wellness activities, beautiful scenery, nutritious locally sourced meals, and rejuvenating experiences amidst the stunning Cairngorms National Park.


DAY 1:

The adventure begins with a leisurely hike, leading you to an incredible viewpoint before we gather around the dining table to enjoy our first evening meal together, savouring local cuisine, prepared by our private chefs.

DAY 2:

After breakfast, we kick off the day with a group boot camp style workout, accommodated to all fitness levels, with the scenic backdrop of the surrounding mountains.

Following a hearty lunch, take some well-deserved time for yourself, indulging in relaxation and self-care, before a 2-hour group walk that will lead you to the cascading River Feshie and to a secluded waterfall. Immerse yourself in the fresh Highland waters with a wild dip (optional).

DAY 3:

Get up close and personal with the majestic wild reindeer that freely roam Cairngorm Mountain. These gentle creatures are not only approachable, but can also be hand-fed.

Following this unique encounter, we head to the hills to push ourselves physically to be rewarded with panoramic views of the Cairngorm Mountains.

After lunch at the lodge, we embark on an adventure through the pine forest, this time on quad bikes, before some well-deserved relaxation in our riverside wood-fired sauna.

As night falls, we conclude the retreat by gathering around the riverside campfire (weather dependant), reflecting on the cherished memories created and the lasting connections made.

Join us on this extraordinary adventure, where the Cairngorms National Park becomes the backdrop for your health and wellness transformation.

Go animal tracking around the Grantown area with expert tracker Dan Puplett, a two hour walk learning to spot the signs of birds and animals in the wild. great for families!

Cairngorm is one of Scotland’s many iconic mountains, and makes for a memorable day out. With Glenmore Lodge being situated just at the foot of the mountain and not far from Aviemore, we’re the perfect place to begin your adventure. One of our expert Instructors will guide you and your group up and around the scenic Northern Coires, sharing their local knowledge about the area’s history, flora, and fauna, as you take in the stunning landscape.

Visiting the area on holiday? This one-day experience is suitable for anyone aged 14 and up, making it the perfect day out for your family.

Discover nature on Atholl Estates this summer. Our Ranger, Julia, has an action-packed programme during the school holidays. From rock painting and making your own bird feeder, to learning about bugs and essential survival skills, learn some new skills this summer.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

£3 donation per child, please bring cash on the day.

No need to pre-book, just turn up! Everyone is welcome. Lot’s of space for adults to hang out with younger siblings and prams.

Contact Julia@atholl-estates.co.uk 01796 481355 for more information.

Information Centre: The Information Centre is the white building at the back of the Bridge of Tilt car park.

Join us for a walk around Moray’s earliest surviving tower house, reputedly built for Scotland’s vilest man, Alexander Stewart—the infamous Wolf of Badenoch. Drumin Castle, an impressive medieval fortification, stands on a commanding bluff overlooking the confluence of the River Livet and the River Avon.

Upon reaching the castle, you’ll learn about its architecture, history, and the notorious Wolf, whose evil deeds continue to cast a long shadow over Moray’s history.

Drumin Castle has now reopened after masonry repairs, with access to the first floor now possible via a narrow stone staircase. Sensible footwear is recommended.

Please park at the Drumin Castle car park. This short circular walk will begin at the Drumin Castle sign in the car park. The route follows a pedestrian trail to the castle and returns via a set of steps. Please dress appropriately for changeable weather. Children love castles and are very welcome to attend. Well-behaved dogs are also welcome.

Please note that toilets are not available on site.

This event is funded by Foundation Scotland from the Dorenell Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

“Glenlivet it has castles three, Drumin, Blairfindy and Deskie”. This easy guided walk will take us to the 16th century tower house of Blairfindy and begins outside the iconic Glenlivet Distillery. On the walk in we’ll enjoy stunning views over one of Scotland’s most famous glens. You’ll learn a bit about Glenlivet’s rich history and some whisky history too.

Blairfindy Castle was completed in 1564 by John Gordon. In its heyday Blairfindy was a fine example of a three storey L-plan tower house and even today shows a remarkable degree of preservation. A project to stabilise Blairfindy Castle took place in 2019, funded through the Tomintoul & Glenlivet Landscape Partnership, a programme supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The castle is now open to visitors for the first time in decades and has been specially adapted to encourage nesting birds and pollinators.

Please park at the The Glenlivet Distillery car park. The walk will start from outside the stillhouse under the green signpost marked ‘Blairfindy Castle 1/2 mile’.

Welcome stargazers! Join us at the Field of Hope, Tomintoul as we celebrate the return of darker skies with the Perseid Meteor Shower on Monday, Aug 12, 2024 at 22:30. Bring your blankets, nibbles, warm flasks, and friends for a night of wonder under the stars with our local astronomer Sam. If the weather is unsuitable outdoors on the night a presentation will be given at the Discovery Centre indoors in Tomintoul where you’ll also be able to explore the Dark Skies exhibition.

We will be meeting at the Discovery Centre in Tomintoul from 10pm onwards. We will then walk in a group with red head torches down to the Dark Sky Discovery site and bird hide. Parking is available in the square.

Participants will be contacted prior to the event with an update on weather and conditions.

Heritage Ranger talk: Inveraven Church & Pictish Stones

Join the Glenlivet & Inveravon Heritage and Dark Sky Ranger for an introduction to the Picts, their art and symbol stones. We will be examining the intricate carvings on the four stones discovered in the churchyard of Inveraven, which has been a site of spiritual practice and pilgrimage for centuries. This tour will provide an overview to Pictish art and culture and demonstrate how the Picts contributed to the founding of modern Scotland.

This event offers a unique opportunity to delve into Scotland’s past, allowing you to connect with its ancient roots. Join us for an afternoon of discovery and insight in stunning Speyside.

Children are usually fascinated by the Picts and are encouraged to attend. As we will be outside, please dress appropriately for changeable weather.

This event is by donation. Donations can be made through Eventbrite or in person on the day. Children and youth under 16 are free. Like many churches across Scotland, Inveravon Church and Pictish Stones have unfortunately been earmarked for closure and sale by the Church of Scotland. The local community is currently in the process of exploring ways to keep it open by creating a heritage centre and community hub. Thousands of tourists visit the stones every year from every corner of the globe and it would be disappointing if they were no longer accessible. Funds raised from talks and events help to support community and heritage events run by the Friends of Inveravon Church.

Please note that toilet facilities are not available on site. Public toilets are available in Cragganmore at Ballindalloch Station on the Speyside Way or in Aberlour. There are also customer facilities available at the nearby Lagmore Cafe when open.

Well behaved dogs may attend but must be leashed.

Funded by Foundation Scotland from the Dorenell Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

Under the guidance of an instructor from Loch Insh Outdoor Centre, an RSPB Warden will lead this special guided tour through the reserve, where you can experience the unique habitats and species at Insh Marshes from the water.

Choose either to canoe or paddleboard: feel free to bring your own if you have one, but don’t worry if not – thanks to funding from the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme through Cairngorms Connect, equipment hire is included with your ticket, if needed.

Participants will also be welcome to claim 20% off a meal or snacks in the Boathouse Restaurant to refuel after the event.

Children over 12 welcome, under 18s with an accompanying adult. We will meet at the Loch Insh Outdoor Centre car park.

It is important that all people have equal access to Cairngorms Connect events. We are happy to provide for your requirements, wherever possible eg. BSL interpreters, off-road wheelchairs, adapted bikes etc. If have any accessibility requirements, please get in touch.