When is this event?
A guided walk with transport provided between key locations, that set the scene for the Jacobite defeat at the Haughs of Cromdale in May 1690.
Learn about the events that lead up to the battle, the generals and the respective Government and Jacobite armies. View the terrain that had an influence on the outcome and visit sites including the ruins of Lethendry Castle, that played a part in the Jacobite loss and withdrawal.
From the Jesus Saves Stone on the A939 a guided walk following the estate hill tracks to some of the abandoned settlements on the Dava Moor. Hear about the families and their way of life on this exposed location . Learn about the Gaelic place names and the local myths and legends. The local guide has walked these moors all his life and has strong familial connections to some of the previous inhabitants. Also published books on the local place names and myths and legends.
Pick up in Grantown with short drive to the Dava. Return to Grantown along the former railway line now the Dava Way. Distance is 8 miles of easy walking with no hills. Learn about the people and the place, the history, heritage and folklore with local Scottish Tourist Guides Association member.
A walk around the historic planned town of 1765 and capital of Strathspey. The walk will progress through the beautiful Anagach woods with their autumn colours to Old Spey Bridge (1754) and the River Spey. Following a different route we will return to the High St and Square. Discover Grantown’s rich heritage, the people and the place.
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.
Where is this event being held?
Meet beside Cromdale Parish Church. Transport for up to eight people can be provided from there to the next location.
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