Saddleback Cottage

We had a fantastic day trip to Cromarty, a lovely village about 40 minutes from Inverness. we booked a nature trip with Ecoventures which I'd highly reccomend. The kids loved the 12 seater RIB (rigid inflateable boat), we were lucky enough to see Seals, Seabirds, some extemely cute Harbour Porpoise, followed by several Bottle-nosed Dolphins. The commentry and trip was well organised and lots of fun. Telephone to book on: 01381 600 323

This film about the legend of Ben Macdhui was made by a few people we know who are keen hillwalkers, well done !

The Correyairack Challenge is a sponsored charity challenge held every year, consisting of a 17-mile hill section over the historic Corrieyairack mountain pass (2350ft) followed by a 26-mile road section. Runners, bikers, duathletes and joggers/walkers of all levels take part so consequently there is great camaraderie and mix between 'elites' and 'have a go's'.

Contact Number: 01479 861285

From the Visitaviemore.com website:

"The Aviemore and Cairngorms Golf Pass is your personal invitation to experience eight of the most dramatically situated golf coursein the heart of the Scottish Highlands. It allows you to play on a unique range of golf courses with the stunning natural backdrop of the Cairngorm Mountains. Memorable Highland hospitality helps complete the package. To play here is an experience that will stay with you forever.@

You can purchase your golf pass from any of the area's eight courses (listed below). The cost is just £20, the pass entitles you to a 30% discount at any of these great courses:

* Spey Valley Golf Course
* Boat of Garten Golf & Tennis Club
* Craggan Golf Course
* Abernethy Golf Club
* Carrbridge Golf Club
* Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club
* Kingussie Golf Club
* Newtonmore Golf Club

The Malt Whisky Trail is a very local trail of some of the most famous distilleries in Scotland. All offer some level of tour although there are some restrictions - typically for children under 8 years old. One of the best visits is the Speyside Cooperage in Craigellachie where you can still see the skill of oak casks (a very important part of whisky production) being made. They make approximately 10,000 a year!!

Distilleries to visit include:

Benromach Distillery
Cardhu Distillery
Dallas Dhu Historic Distillery
Glenfiddich Distillery
Glen Grant Distillery & Garden
Glenlivet Distillery
Glen Moray Distillery
Strathisla Distillery

On 22-24th June Rothiemurchus own 'T in the Park' is coming to the area. This festival looks like it will totally rock, not only are there great bands like KT Tunstall, Crowded House and many more but there is events for kids, adults, outdoories and lots to see and do.

Check out the line up and things to do at the Outsider website

Loch Morlich is a great day out for the whole family. It is situated on the Ski road between Aviemore and the Cairngorm Mountain. Ideal for all watersports there is a good centre for sailing, kayaking or windsurfing. Part of the Glenmore Forest Park there are some great walks through the forest and skirting around the Loch.

Glenmore Forest Park
by Aviemore
Inverness-shire
PH22 1QU

Tel/Fax 01479 861221

The Cairngorm Brewery operate from a small industrial estate on the outskirts of Aviemore. They offer a range of great tasting beers and also do tours (prior arrangement) so you can learn a little more about how water is made into beer. If you are just interested in drinking it you can buy at the shop or online

Interested individuals & parties are very welcome. Their telephone number is 01479 812222. Tours are free of charge.

RSPB have a great centre between Nethy Bridge and Boat of Garten. You can usually see the local osprey family on a daily basis here. The reserve is situated at grid reference NH978183 (View on MultiMap)

Osprey's are great birds to see and they hunt actively in this area. If you want to check the birds are around you can look at the live webcams here

Oh, we forgot that you can Ski at Cairngorm Mountain!

You can check out the current conditions without leaving the comfort of the cottage by going to the Cairngorm Mountain Web Cam page.

These images automatically refresh every 15 minutes between 8.00am and 5.00pm.
Live Webcam of Cairngorm Mountain.

A great 9 hole golf course only minutes from Saddleback Cottage. The full details are on the website or call 01479 821305

Green Fees - Winter 2006/07

Adult £10.00
Junior £ 5.00

Green Fees - Main Season 2007 Adult Junior

Day Ticket Monday to Friday £17.00 £8.50
Late Day Ticket Monday to Friday £10.00 £5.00
Day Ticket Saturday and Sunday £19.00 £9.50
Late Day Ticket Saturday and Sunday £12.00 £6.00

Just outside Grantown on Spey is the Revack Estate. Free entry to this estate and some great walks makes it a must visit.
There is an adventure playground with a flying fox, swing, slides and very accessible family walks around the estate (all waymarked) and you can get a great cup of tea when you come back. There is also a garden centre and gift shop.

Quad bike treks are a great way to see the scenery around the Rothiemurchus estate (if you are over 12 years old!)

All treks start from the Rothiemurchus Visitor Centre at Inverdruie. The trek lasts around one hour, including safety instruction and training. The bikes we use are Yamaha 125cc automatic. Our treks continue in all weathers, so please come dressed appropriately, with strong, sensible footwear, and gloves in cold weather. You need to be 12 years old and be able to control the quad bike. £32.00 per person for 2007

We couldn't find any pictures but there is a new indoor climbing wall in Aviemore so if you have enjoyed climbing at Landmark Centre, heres you next challenge, follow the signposts into Aviemore

www.extreme-dream.com

Day tickets Adults: £ 7.50
These give access to all climbing surfaces for a full day (you can come and go as you like through the day).
Gear hire is not included.

Day Tickets Kids (8-16), Senior and Students: £6.00
This gives access to all climbing surfaces for a full day. Gear Hire is not included. Seniors and Students must have proof of status.

REGISTRATION FEE
50p for day registration
£5.00 for yearly registration

Smarty Art just opened in Grantown on Spey. over the last few weeks. A great selection of ceramic pottery to paint that is fired twice or so a week but can also be posted to you if required. Gill Sunde runs the shop and as an art teacher she has some great advice of how to build up the colours and different techniques to use. It's a new business so please support them.

Smarty Art
6 High Street
Grantown on Spey
T: 01479 873552

Although the Loch isn't really open during the winter, after April there is a great deal of activity at Loch Inch and the dedicated facilities of Loch Inch Watersports. Canadian Canoes, Windsurfing, Boat trips, adventure playgrounds and ice cream. What more could you want.

Check out Loch Inch Watersport website for opening details. In the winter there is a good dry ski slope and hire here (open all year).

Loch Morlich has a number of great way marked walks within easy reach of Nethy Bridge. Park here

Most of the walk is in open pine forest, with ever-changing views of Loch Morlich as you walk round it. The paths are all good and no special footwear is required. The walk takes you to access points for some of the varied activities available at the loch: boating, swimming (sandy beach), fishing, sailing and canoeing.

There is a steam train that runs from Boat of Garten to Aviemore and has now extended to Broomhill Station (close to Nethy Bridge). It is run by the Strathspey Railway a timetable is on their website.

The complete timetable to 2008 is here

A number of special events are run and supported by the railway including Steam Fairs. The next one is:

Boat of Garten Station
Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd July 2007
Entry to Fair £5.00 – (no train travel included)
Combined Entry and Train Travel - £10.00

Steam Traction Engines, Road Wagons, Road Rollers, Miniature Engines, Fairground Organ and Stalls.
Its also a “Two Train” Day. Parade of Road Vehicles on the Saturday Afternoon.
Park & Ride from Aviemore or *Broomhill Stations

*Broomhill is the location for station scenes in “Monarch of the Glen” (BBC)
3½ miles south of Grantown on Spey.

We don't allow pets in our cottage, but other companions are welcome if they are good walkers like "Jogger". This is Jogger's cairn home to keep him safe during our visit to the Reindeers

Usually in late summer and autumn there is a large array of Fungi that sprout out of the ground all over the village. I wouldn't recommend picking or eating any unless you are really used to collecting them. Certainly there are many chantrelle around but it's best to spot them and investigate theire variety rather than eating them. There is a good book on Mushroom and Edible Mushrooms in the cottage. A word of warning though - you need to be up early before the maggots get into the stalks (yuk!)

There are lots of red squirrels about, keep a look out above you during your forest strolls as they are usually frolicking in the branches. There is an interesting website by the Forestry Commission on the future of the red squirrel which is fighting for its habitat with the grey squirrel (an American invader)

Not usually on until the summer but a good way to experience the foothills of the Cairngorms - grass sledging can be arranged. It is usually on at the right hand field just after Loch Morlich (after the Glenmore centre). It's great fun for all ages, contact them on Grass Sledging
Aviemore: tel (01479) 812 296.

You can follow a guide walk up to the Cairngorms to visit and feed the Reindeer Herd. Its a guided walk call 01479 861228 to book or try and meet up by Glenmore Lodge (follow signposts).

Visits to the Herd leave daily at 11.00 am from the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre. During the Summer months from May to September, a second trip goes out in the afternoon at 2.30 pm.. During the Winter, (October - April) they only have the 11.00.am morning daily visit and this is dependent upon weather conditions being suitable . An admission charge is made for the trip. See below for admission charges

The visit to the herd involves your making a short journey in your car to nearer the reindeer location. They will lead the cavalcade in one of our vehicles and, if you have no transport of your own, there is normally room in someone's vehicle.

We suggest that you have suitable clothing with you. Boots, Wellingtons or Stout Footwear are appropriate; high heels are not. If we advise you to take a waterproof jacket or warm clothing with you, please do so.

When the cavalcade reaches its destination (about 5 minutes drive up the ski road), you will then be taken on a short hill walk lasting around 30 minutes to where the reindeer will be grazing or, more likely, waiting for lunch to arrive. Your guide will then give a short talk including any specific instructions for that particular visit which may be necessary for your safety and comfort..

Admission Charges (check that they are current)

Adult £ 8
Child (Ages 6 to 16) £ 4
Under 6 free
Family Ticket £20

The Cairngorm ski area and funicular is ideal for having fun and walking (although there are some restrictions during the summer if you are walking - you cant use the funicular to skip the start of the walk).


The funicular is a great trip for the kids. If you plan to come to this area more than once its worth becoming a Friend of the Cairngorm.

It's open all year round, except on Christmas Day and during our annual maintenance programme (usually mid-November).

Spring/Summer/Autumn - trains run every 15, or 20 minutes daily
First train up 10.00am (10.20am on Wednesdays)
Last train up 4.20pm
Last train down 5.00pm
(times vary throughout the seasons)

Winter - train and other snowsports uplift open from 9am daily, subject to weather conditions.

TRAVEL HERE BY CAR
If you do drive, they currently operate a voluntary carbon tax scheme which asks for a £1 donation per car - you're very welcome to give more though - it's put towards projects to help manage the mountain area more sustainably, for example with new footpath trails. From Aviemore (just off the A9 main trunk road) take the B970 and follow it all the way to CairnGorm Mountain - it's about 9 miles.

Not far south of Aviemore is the Highland Wildlife Park, run by Edinburgh Zoo. http://www.highlandwildlifepark.org it has lots of animals you wouldn't expect to see within a zoo. A nice open environment with many of the animals roaming freely (within the park so dont worry!) Probably the most popular animals are the Wolves, it is certainly fascinating to watch them. Unfortunately in 2006 the entire pack was culled as they were exhibiting abnormal behaviour. They have been replaced but it's an important reminder that these animals are still wild.

Yes, he has a house in Nethy Bridge (Aultmore House) so check out the local Post office regularly to ensure he isn't picking up his latest order from Amazon or golfing (one of his favourite past times) at Abernethy golf course

This article gives some background

Family Entertainment,(singing, dancing, piping)with a licensed Bar at the Community Centre at 8 pm Weds 18th July, Weds 1st August, Weds 15th August Adults-£5.00 Concessions-£3.00 Family Ticket-£12.00 (2 adults and 3 children under 16)

secretary@nethybridge.com
www.nethybridge.com

2007 date 11th August 2007

Its a great day out with lots to see at this once a year event and clan grant gathering.



This was one of the most important international events from last year - the egg and spoon race.

Either from Nethy Bridge or from the car park at Glenmore Forest there is a great walk to Ryvoan Bothy through the Cairngorms. Great views of the mountains, loch morlich and the special "green lochan" its a simple enough walk for all the family. Walking Scotland has a great guide to get there you will need Explore 403 map to keep you on track. Should be in the drawer!

From the car park to Glenmore Lodge the route follows a single track road; from there to the Green Lochan the path is very good; Green Lochan to Ryvoan not so good. This last section, and particularly the climb up from the Green Lochan on the return journey, make boots advisable.

On this section of the walk, at 400m, there are superb views across the Pass of Ryvoan into the Northern Corries.



Once you get to the top you will be very happy! Take a flask

Another great rainy day activity (it doesn't rain that much!) is to get the rod out and go along to Rothiemurchus fish farm. There are a few good activities from just feeding the fish in the farm to having a go at fishing in the novice loch.

The beginner's Loch Package consists of a permit, rod, bait and fishing instruction for £12.50 for an hour. They are reasonably flexible on time spent so it can be 1.5 hours which is a good length of time at this activity. You are quite likely to get a bite or two so its great fun!

The loch is stocked with Rainbow Trout and for the more advanced angler there is lots of variety.

For more information contact the Fishery at Rothiemurchus estate on 01479 810703 or online at www.rothiemurchus.net

The Landmark Forest Theme park in Carrbridge is a great day out for the whole family.

It has a great range of attractions (most of the fun ones are closed in the Winter!) including a water slide, Ropeworks (a high wire rope walk that is quite high up - but safe!) and woodland walks.

It is about 15 minutes from the cottage by following the signposts to Carrbridge. A family ticket is good value but if you plan to come back a few times to Nethy Bridge get an annual ticket - its great value and its a great wet day venue so is a good investment if the weather forecast isn't looking great (see here for the local weather forecast).

Costs for 2007 are:

2007 Price List - Landmark Centre
but we would highly recommend that you go for the season ticket:
2007 Price List - Landmark Centre - MultiVisit

Explore Abernethy has done a really good job of creating simple and easily accessible walks within the lovely village of Nethy Bridge.

A network of waymarked woodland footpaths and an all abilities riverside trail provide the opportunity to discover the natural beauty and cultural history of the Abernethy area.

The paths are generally low level with minimal gradient and average 5km ( 3miles ) in length.

Links have been created with the neighbouring villages of Grantown-on-Spey and Boat of Garten with the completion of the Speyside way

More information can be found at www.exploreabernethy.plus.com

Not far from Inverness is the iydyllic location and home of the Grant family - Urquhart Castle. This Historic Scotland building is a great day out for the family. Start with a coffee in the excellent coffee shop and they take the informative 10 minute presentation before strolling down to the castle itself and exploring.



2007 Prices are:

Adult £6.50
Child £3.25

Buy online for simplicity of become a Friend of Historic Scotland for free entry and a discount in the shop.