Where Winter Comes To Life…Let’s Make It Cosy
Let’s Make It Cosy
Let’s Make It Cosy
Welcome to our The Cairngorms Where Winter Comes to Life series – a celebration of the Cairngorms through the winter. Choose a winter break full of adventure or a winter recharge…the Cairngorms is the perfect backdrop.
Winter in the Cairngorms is like no other – the magical moments captured in the softer light of winter, wrapped in those extra layers and knowing that there is a cosy fire waiting for us at the end of the day make everything that little bit more special.
There are generations who’s favourite memories are encased in the mountains, lochs and cosy nooks of the National Park…and there are so many more moments to capture this winter.
The Cairngorms is the UK’s original winter destination and it will bring your winter to life, this winter break visit the Cairngorms National Park and make yours COSY…
Relax and unwind
A winter day in the Cairngorms can be bracing – a chilly walk wrapped up in winter layers, gloved hand wrapped around gloved hand, woolly hats and rosy cheeks. Highland air, ancient woodlands and loch sides made all the more special with the winter chill, a covering of frost or a snowy cloak.
The magic of these beautiful afternoons is amplified as you step through the door of the pub. A roaring fire, a highland welcome and a rush of warm air. Relax with a pint of Cairngorm Ale, warm your toes by the fire at the Cairngorm Hotel – this iconic spot is firmly lodged in a million holiday memories.
This year there is also an enticing new addition at Cairngorm Mountain…a gin bar! The Ptarmigan has had a full (and exciting!) refurbishment…after a morning on the slopes you can now nestle down and warm your cockles with a gin from one of the most spectacular spots in the UK. Cosy, calming and just a little bit special. You can also warm yourself on possibly the biggest log burner in the Cairngorms in the Cairngorm Cafe in the Day Lodge at the foot of the mountain.
The Dell of Abernethy embodies calmness, relaxation and cosiness. Their beautiful woodland tipi hosts special events. A firepit, German beer hall tables, a locally stocked bar and soft lighting…sounds like an irresistible combination that needs to be checked out!
Retail Therapy Cairngorms Style
The gift shops of the National Park are brimming with Highland treats, many produced by the wonderful Cairngorms Creatives.
A day mooching round the beautiful shops will inspire…Kilted Fudge (Granny’s Tablet gets a special shout out), The Snug from The Speyside Distillery, The Braemar Chocolate Shop, Rothiemurchus Farm Shop (which is way more than a delicious farm shop) and an abundance of other small independent retailers and galleries give the towns and villages of the Cairngorms their Highland heart.
We also have to give a special mention to our outdoor shops which are world class. Crampons, skis, the wooliest hats, the warmest gloves and the most cosy down jackets – the Cairngorms has you covered when it comes to kitting you out and keeping you warm. Check out Tiso – fabulous, loads of choice and alway super friendly.
Cosy up and snuggle down
Staying in the Cairngorms is next level cosy. Our cottages, cabins and bothies (the converted ones with big baths, log burners and sofas to sink into!) are the perfect retreat after a day exploring. The rush of warm air, the crackle of the fire and steam from your mug of hot chocolate will envelope you in a comforting hug. Keep things simple and leave the phone on silent; embrace the peace, time and comfort of being with your favourite people in a beautiful spot. Check out some cosy cottage top spots here – they are just lovely!
If you are after 100% relaxation there are welcoming, cosy and calm hotels scattered around the Cairngorms. The Fife Arms in Braemar, Balmoral Arms in Ballater, The Boat Inn at Boat of Garten, The Garth Hotel in Grantown On Spey, the Rowan Tree Country Hotel and Restaurant near Aviemore and the Old Manse of Blair near Blair Atholl are all fabulous options. Escape, unwind and have your breakfast made for you…perfect!
This is just a snapshot of the cosiness we can have in the Cairngorms…there is a winter full of fun, laughs and magic. Let the National Park fill your heart with fun and your soul with memories. Read our other blogs from the series to learn why this is where winter comes to life.