Posts for June, 2022

A guided walk of the Battle of Cromdale, the last Scottish battle of the 1689 Jacobite Rising.
Starting at Cromdale Church, we will explore the context of the Rising and the surprise attack on the Jacobite lookouts in the churchyard, before journeying to the site of the Jacobite encampment on Tom Lethendry. Here we will examine why the Jacobites chose Cromdale to encamp and the battle itself. At the ruins of Lethendry Castle, hear stories of how Generals Canon and Buchan escaped as well as how the government forces forced the garrison to surrender. Finally, back at the church, we will look at the aftermath of the battle and how it still impacts Britain today.

Explore the history of the Balmenach Distillery with its former whisky railway and discover the story of Caorunn Gin on this unique experience, bringing together a guided walk and a distillery tour.
The 2.5 hour walk will begin at the Balmenach distillery, home to Caorunn Gin. After journeying through the history of the distillery, we then follow the course of the old railway through the village of Cromdale to the old station which has been transformed its former glory.
We will then retrace our steps back to the distillery for an hour’s lunch break at an ideal picnic spot in the grounds of the distillery.
At 2pm, start a behind-the-scenes tour of the Caorunn distillery with the world’s only working copper berry chamber, used to infuse the gin with flavour of the foraged botanicals. After the tour embark on a tasting session of the flavours of the unique handcrafted gin.
The experience costs £30 per person, with a maximum of 8 people on the tour. With limited places, book now to avoid disappointment!

Join this behind the scenes tour to learn more about the gorgeous Invereshie and Inshriach National Nature Reserve and help with some practical woodland management.

Led by NatureScot, we will explore this special reserve – a mixture of pine plantation and naturally regenerating Caledonian forest, nestled under the stunning Cairngorm plateau.

We’ll learn how to manage woodlands, including the importance of deadwood to the forest ecosystem and discover how the Cairngorms Connect scientists monitor the health of the forest, with the help of some special insects.

After hearing about a variety of conservation techniques that are used to manage woodlands, you will be able to have a go yourself at a technique called ringbarking*

Friday 8th July
1pm-3:30pm
Meet at the Allt Ruadh car park – about 1.5miles past Lagganlia (grid ref: NH85260123)
This event is free but spaces are limited, so booking is essential!

There will be some walking on steep and uneven terrain, so suitable footwear and clothing is required.

*All tools and equipment required for the ringbarking will be provided. Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.

There is no better way to discover the natural beauty of the Cairngorm Mountains than by embarking on a guided walk. We offer guided experiences here at Cairngorm Mountain which are ideal for first time visitors and experienced hill-walkers alike. Explore the breath-taking Northern Corries on one of our summer/autumn ranger guided walks. This full-day guided experience journeys from the base of the resort across constructed footpaths and rough open ground into the heart of Coire an t-Sneachda.

You will hear stories of how the landscape was formed, learning of its vibrant history, the creatures that inhabit it and the flora and fauna that are an integral part of its eco-system all from our experienced rangers.

Our ‘Exploring the Northern Corries’ walk runs every Thursday until October, weather permitting. This full day experience will take you into Coire an t- Sneachda via constructed footpaths then onto more rugged open ground in search of the wildlife that thrives and survives in the mountain environment, returning to the car park by traversing onto the Fiacaill a’ Choire Chais then descending through the ski area.

Your guide will greet you outside the Day Lodge at approximately 10.15am. Please have your QR code tickets to hand and ready for scanning upon arrival. Your group will set off onto the mountain between 10.30 and 10.45am and return at approximately 3pm.

We can also provide packed lunches with 24 hours notice. Just ask for details on info@cairngormmountain.co.uk

Come on a tour, behind the scenes, in our collections store in Am Fasgadh. See over 10,000 objects illustrating a unique Highland way of life, brought to life by our store tour guides. Please book ahead to avoid disappointment on 01349 781650 or in person at the museum.

Journey through the history of the valley from Iron Age roundhouses to the Canadian Forestry Corp’s Railway. Hear stories from local folk tales and the history of the Kincardine and Glenmore.
Walk is about 10km long and includes breaks. Moderate fitness required, some hilly sections.

Returning this summer, we will be opening the gates here at Highland Wildlife Park after hours for you to enjoy the early evening atmosphere!

For four evenings only, wander through the park, drive through the reserve and enjoy the long summer evenings with traditional music and entertainment. With food and drink kiosks available, you can relax to the sound of acoustic music, hear from our keepers about our inhabitants or simply soak up the atmosphere at your own pace.

Don’t forget to capture a lasting summer memory at one of the photo opportunities located around the park!

Gates open at 6.30pm. Please note last entry is 8pm and the event will close at 9.30pm.

Explore the fascinating world of moths and discover why they are so important!

Take a daytime walk through any natural habitat and you’ll be surrounded by a large number of moths, but you probably won’t see any of them because they are so good at hiding. However, by running a light trap overnight, we can catch these nocturnal fliers and take an up-close look at them in the morning.

If you haven’t attended a moth-trapping session before, we can guarantee that you will be amazed by the beauty and diversity of moths. As well as going through the night’s catch, we will talk about rare moths at Insh Marshes, such as Dark Bordered Beauty and Cousin German, and how Cairngorms Connect are monitoring moth communities at a landscape scale.

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

Children over 12 welcome, under 18s with an accompanying adult.

Come and celebrate National Meadows Day with us on a walk to enjoy the beauty of summer wildflowers!

We will walk the Invertromie Trail and see lots of different flowers, from the common – such as bird’s-foot trefoil, bedstraws and stitchworts – to the uncommon – such as rockrose and petty whin. The highlight of the walk will be gorgeous Tromie orchid meadow where we will hope to see five species of orchid, including heath fragrant orchid and small white orchid.

Some areas may be rough underfoot. This 5k/3mile route is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies, and we recommend sturdy footwear.

Journey down the Speyside Way from the wonderfully restored Grantown East station, learning about history of the Speyside Line.
At the mouth of the Auchernack burn view the magnificent River Spey and hear how local clearances lead to a crofter curse which came true at the railway bridge over the Burn. Journey to the farm of Auchernack to see the Stones of Strength and hear the many legends of the area.
We will then follow the route back to Grantown East, stopping briefly at the Old Spey Bridge.

Why not visit the unique Carriage Restaurant at the station for lunch after the walk and sample one of their incredible Pizzas or daily specials.