Posts for September, 2022

A walk through the grounds of Castle Grant to the original site of old Grantown, the predessor of the 1765 town we know today. Continue through the woodland to the site where a Pictish stone was discovered. Then passed Castle Grant the historical home of Clan Grant with numerous historical and legendary tales to tell.
Return to the West Lodge along a stretch of the Dava Way.

Explore Inverallan cemetery with it’s Pictish stone, Standing stone and baptismal font. Hear the story of the wart stone and some of the local characters buried in Inverallan.
Progress along the River Spey past the new Cairn distillery to Ballintomb. Here look at the standing stones and their possible origins and the continuing use of the hillock as the assembly point of clan Grant and Regality Court in later centuries.

Join us this autumn for a foraging walk with Tamara Colchester in the grounds and gardens of Blair Castle. This three hour walk will take us along hedgerow and into the woods – looking at the nutrition and medicine offered to us in the form of nuts, roots, tree-barks, berries and, of course, mushrooms.
Moving slowly and with heightened awareness, we will attune to the interwoven lives of wild animals, plants and fungi. Using all our senses we will connect with the wonder of autumn’s bounty, before making a wild berry tea, learning some herbal preparations and enjoying some delicious foraged treats around the fire.

For children and adults!

‘Rise, winds of autumn, rise; blow upon the dark heath! Streams of the mountains, roar!’

Join us on an autumn walk into the Glen and experience Ossian’s bardic tales in their natural environment of the Highlands. Listen to Ossianic poetry, while looking at the scenery that surrounded the bard and understand, how the Ossianic stories generated a fascination with our Highland landscapes far beyond the Scottish borders. Learn about the importance of nature in these stories and hear of their important link to Highland tourism.

On this walk, you will be encouraged to participate in a dialogue, not only about Ossian, but also about the modern understanding of landscape, culture, and belonging. We invite you to express your understanding of these in creative photography.

A selection of these photographs will be displayed in the special exhibition of 2023 at the Clan Macpherson Museum.

Meeting point is the end of the minor road up Glen Banchor, the coordinates are 57°04’13.8″N 4°09’27.4″W and the start point can be accessed through Google Maps, it is the end of Glen Road.

Once parked at the end of the minor road leading from Newtonmore into Glen Banchor, we will continue on foot along Allt a’ Chaorainn, to reach the foothills of the Monadhliath and enjoy the views of two glens merging together. We will have plenty of time to talk about Ossian, exchange stories and take photographs along the way. After a break and some snacks, we will retrace our steps back to the car.

The walk is approximately 4km long and we will cover an elevation of 100meters. Our highest point will be approximately 400m. It is best suited for all fitness levels, but please be aware that you need sturdy footing.

At an average fitness level, this walk will take 2 hours, however, we plan to take 3 hours in total to have enough time for breaks and photographs along the way.

In case of severe weather conditions, we reserve the right to change the route of the walk.

Please bring waterproof clothing, as well as sturdy shoes, and be aware that sections of the path can be rather boggy. We recommend some additional layers, as the weather in the Highlands can change very quickly and be unpredictable at times.

Please also bring a protective cover for your camera, if needed and some snacks/lunch.

Picnic blankets will be provided. Additional portable seating can also be provided. If required, please leave a note upon signing up for this event.

4 to 5 hour-long deer-watching walk up Craeg Dubh to Cluny’s Cave. Discover the beautiful Monadhliath mountains and walk in the tracks of Ewan (‘Cluny’) Macpherson who hid from the British army for a total of 9 years after Culloden, while listening to deer facts and lore. This walk, which will lead you to one of Cluny’s hiding spots, combines nature and fascinating history with the rugged landscape of the Highlands.

Suitable for more experienced hillwalkers, with steep sections off track. Sturdy footing and waterproofs are essential. Remember to bring water and snacks!

2-hour walk to explore Glenbanchor Estate in Newtonmore. Explore the natural habitat of the wildcat, while listening to folklore and facts about wildcats and the history of the Macphersons in this area. This is a unique opportunity to experience history and tales intermingle, within the breathtaking setting of the Highlands. This walk is suitable for most abilities, and we will take breaks whenever necessary. Sturdy footing and waterproofs will be required. Please remember to bring water and snacks.

As the nights begin to draw in, join us for a special evening of yoga and nature connection at the gorgeous Kinrara House

We will begin our evening in the beautiful grounds of Kinrara estate, walking through woodland and up to the Duke of Gordon viewpoint looking over the Cairngorm mountains. Led by a local wildlife guide, we will learn more about the land we are walking through and looking at, and what Cairngorms Connect is doing to protect and restore it.

As darkness begins to fall, we will return to cosy Kinrara House for a candle-lit yoga session, led by local yoga instructor Jo of Wilderness Flow Yoga, who will guide us through a dynamic yoga flow, suitable for beginners.

To round off the evening we will share a delicious meal of Cairngorms Connect venison, prepared by The Pagoda. This local, sustainable source of meat is an important part of the habitat restoration story, and gives us another way to connect with the land we are in. (A vegetarian/vegan option will also be available.)

Booking is essential.

Join Cairngorms Connect and friends for a day celebrating and exploring local forests and enjoying delicious local food.

*Enjoy local, sustainable, tasty food like wild Cairngorms Connect Venison, at the free BBQ which will also celebrate other local, foraged and gathered produce. Full menu to be announced.

*Local musician Hamish Napier will be performing music from his award-winning album, The Woods, inspired by the beautiful Caledonian pine forest here in the Cairngorms.

*Discover new ways to incorporate local food into your everyday meals with simple and inspiring cooking demonstrations from Scottish food expert Catriona Frankiti.

*Explore nearby Dell Woods on a guided walk with woodland and wildlife experts from NatureScot and learn more about how our local forests are managed to provide benefits for people and nature.

*Learn how to identify edible plants, fruit and mushrooms growing wild with foraging expert Natasha from Gathering Nature.

*Meet Cairngorms Connect deer stalker, Jack, and find out all about the importance of deer management and the benefits of venison, for our health and our climate.

*Immerse yourself in the folklore and stories of the forest with Sarah from Strathspey Storywalks.

*All ages welcome: there will be plenty of family-friendly games, crafts and activities throughout the day – to be announced!

Hill to Grill is completely free and there is no need to book, but why not click ‘Going’ on our Facebook event so we can make sure we have enough burgers for everyone!

*An important part of Cairngorm Connect’s habitat restoration work involves controlling deer numbers in order to protect woodlands from the pressures of grazing. Cairngorms Connect Venison uses venison produced from necessary deer management to share the story of Scotland’s recovering forests. While supporting forest restoration, the project also enables local people and visitors to benefit by increasing access to local venison.

Each month we have a different seasonal theme for our Stories Round the Fire.

We’ll be going outside so please dress warmly!

The event is free, but donations are always welcome.

Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

Follow General Wade’s road as it makes its way to Ruthven Barracks. The walk will be led by Pete Moore (Laggan Heritage) and Eve Boyle (HES).