Cairngorms
The Cairngorms on the other side of the Spey Valley are more impressive, higher and offering perhaps one of the most magnificent landscapes in Europe. They reach to over 4,000ft (1,219m) yet, throughout the years, have been more accessible to sportsmen and sightseers than their neighbouring ranges. Now they are a major tourism attraction. As well as low level walks through the forest to high mountain climbing for experienced mountaineers, there is also shooting, fishing, camping, canoeing and, through the winter months, the area's biggest draw, skiing. About 20 miles (32km) south-east of Inverness and 80 miles (129km) north of Perth, at the foothills of the Cairngorms, is Aviemore. The village has long been a nodal point on the tourist map for this part of the Highlands, although, in recent years, it has been criticised for its rather tired and disagreeable 1960s style architecture. This problem is currently being addressed and there is no doubt that it will return to the favoured resort it was when first established some 30 years ago. The majority of the concrete blocks you see were devised and built as part of a grand plan to accommodate more tourists and extend the holiday season especially to take advantage of the nearby skiing facilities. Originally, the village was little more than a few cottages and a couple of hotels but this local initiative has created a haven of bistros, bars, amusement arcades and numerous hotels. The Aviemore Centre contains an ice rink, swimming pool, theatre and cinema so there is always something to do even in the foulest weather. Outdoor pursuits are found at Glen More, which is part of the Cairngorm National Nature Reserve, a few miles up the glen past Coylumbridge. On Loch Morlich you find sailing and windsurfing while the surrounding woods and glens offer walking and more strenuous hiking in the higher hills. There are plenty of loch-side parking areas with adjacent coarse sandy beaches in which to paddle. If you wonder where reindeer go when they are not busy over the Yuletide, then visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre found near Loch Morlich. The herd was established here in the early 1950s and has grown to 500. The young calves are born in May so this is a good time to visit. The nearby Rothiemurchus Estate has done exemplary work in providing an outdoor experience for visitors and there is a host of interesting activities presented here. Forest and wildlife walks are organised with rangers through the ancient Caledonian Pinewoods or following the River Spey. Other more educational projects are available as well as farm tours, estate tours, clay pigeon shooting and fishing. The Rothiemurcus Visitor Centre is found on the B970 just before Coylumbridge, Tel: 01479 810858. Still on the banks of the River Spey, a few miles north east of Aviemore, is a triangle of holiday villages, Carr Bridge, Boat of Garten and Grantown-on-Spey. |
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