Posts for June, 2022

Exploring the history, folklore and uses of the plants, trees and mushrooms found in the Highlands of Scotland on a foraging adventure in Grantown.
Learn how dandelions can be made into honey, how alder was seen as the cursed tree, and why juniper was burnt in illegal whisky stills. We follow the foraging code: “Never munch on a hunch”.

Explore how the village of Nethy Bridge developed in the last hundred years on this guided walk.
Visit the old railway station, the poorhouse and the remains of the WW2 Canadian Timber Camp.
Hear stories of a train explosion, rowdiness at the Hotel and a murder of a policeman that shocked the nation.
Walk Details: 2.5 hours, 4.7km long. Pavement and forest paths.

Explore scenic Carrbridge with its picture-postcard old packhorse bridge and beautiful pine forest.
Hear stories of how Tom nan Ceann (the Hill of Heads) got its name, the Speyside Coach and the 1914 railway disaster.
2.5 hours, accessible to most, 3.6km.

Explore Inverallan and Ballintomb to find out what was here before the town of Grantown was established in 1765.
See the ancient Pictish stone of Inverallan and learn about the mysterious Picts.
Hear stories of the courts of Ballintomb and investigate the Neolithic standing stones.
2.5 hours with rough terrain (fisherman path) Moderate fitness required.

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.