Visiting the Highlands
Drinks & Nightlife
We love the Old Bridge Inn. Delicious locally sourced food, great local ales, gins and whiskies, a roaring fire and the best of the Scottish music scene.
60 locals recommend
Old Bridge Inn
23 Dalfaber RdWe love the Old Bridge Inn. Delicious locally sourced food, great local ales, gins and whiskies, a roaring fire and the best of the Scottish music scene.
Food Scene
Where we go for locally sourced venison and delicious smoked mackerel
9 locals recommend
Balliefurth Farm Shop
Where we go for locally sourced venison and delicious smoked mackerel
Hands down the best coffee in the valley. Also great spot for soups and sandwiches. If you’ve got a bike you can take the scenic route and reach Nethy bridge along the tulloch road through the Abernethy forest
20 locals recommend
Nethy House Cafe & Rooms
Hands down the best coffee in the valley. Also great spot for soups and sandwiches. If you’ve got a bike you can take the scenic route and reach Nethy bridge along the tulloch road through the Abernethy forest
A hidden gem in Boat of Garten serving the best of local produce. We sometimes walk there along the River Spey. There is a good foot path and it takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively it's a 25 minute cycle.
Great food and good portion sizes so always worth a visit after a long days hiking
48 locals recommend
Andersons Restaurant
Deshar RoadA hidden gem in Boat of Garten serving the best of local produce. We sometimes walk there along the River Spey. There is a good foot path and it takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively it's a 25 minute cycle.
Great food and good portion sizes so always worth a visit after a long days hiking
By far the best breakfast in Aviemore and with stunning views out to the Cairngorms :)
35 locals recommend
Mountain Cafe
By far the best breakfast in Aviemore and with stunning views out to the Cairngorms :)
I love this spot. A tea room tucked away in the beautiful Inshriach nursery serving the best cakes in the area. They also have a window looking out to probably the busiest bird feeder in the Spey Valley. Enjoy your coffee and cake whilst watching red squirrels, woodpeckers, finches and blue tits squabble for seed. Also conveniently located for a visit after walking around Loch an Eilein
6 locals recommend
The Potting Shed Tearoom & Inshriach Garden
I love this spot. A tea room tucked away in the beautiful Inshriach nursery serving the best cakes in the area. They also have a window looking out to probably the busiest bird feeder in the Spey Valley. Enjoy your coffee and cake whilst watching red squirrels, woodpeckers, finches and blue tits squabble for seed. Also conveniently located for a visit after walking around Loch an Eilein
Entertainment & Activities
Our friend Walter runs Inshriach House and Estate. He has his own gin distillery (which won shed of the year) and there is always something fun happening there - gigs, courses, tastings and more. Definitely worth checking out.
Inshriach House
Our friend Walter runs Inshriach House and Estate. He has his own gin distillery (which won shed of the year) and there is always something fun happening there - gigs, courses, tastings and more. Definitely worth checking out.
Rothiemurchus
If you are travelling with kids, a visit to Landmark is a must. Tree top trails, water slides and a cracking gift shop.
161 locals recommend
Landmark Forest Adventure Park
B9153If you are travelling with kids, a visit to Landmark is a must. Tree top trails, water slides and a cracking gift shop.
Shopping
When I have a spare half day I jump into the car and drive across the moor to Auldearn Antiques. It is a veritable treasure trove of books, furniture, linen, vintage clothing and crockery all bought from highland house clearances. If you like a proper bargain and have some space in your suitcase then definitely get on up there. Just don't tell too many people about it ;)
9 locals recommend
Auldearn Antiques
When I have a spare half day I jump into the car and drive across the moor to Auldearn Antiques. It is a veritable treasure trove of books, furniture, linen, vintage clothing and crockery all bought from highland house clearances. If you like a proper bargain and have some space in your suitcase then definitely get on up there. Just don't tell too many people about it ;)
Essentials
If you want to avoid the crowds in Aviemore Tesco then pop to Boat of Garten village store (also the post office) for your essentials. They also have a good selection of local cheeses and beautiful post cards.
9 locals recommend
Boat Of Garten Post Office
Deshar RoadIf you want to avoid the crowds in Aviemore Tesco then pop to Boat of Garten village store (also the post office) for your essentials. They also have a good selection of local cheeses and beautiful post cards.
Parks & Nature
There are so many fantastic walks to be had in the area. Here are some of my favourite: Carn Ban Mor (drive to Achlane to start); Craigowrie / Meall a' Bhuachaille ridge walk (can be started from Milton); Loch An Eilein circuit; Ryvoan and Lochan Uaine circuit (park at Glenmore)
123 locals recommend
Cairngorms National Park
There are so many fantastic walks to be had in the area. Here are some of my favourite: Carn Ban Mor (drive to Achlane to start); Craigowrie / Meall a' Bhuachaille ridge walk (can be started from Milton); Loch An Eilein circuit; Ryvoan and Lochan Uaine circuit (park at Glenmore)
Loch Morlich
Water sports, great hikes and an actual BEACH!
If you fancy getting out of the mountains for an afternoon we love walking and swimming at the beach here. There’s some good farm shops in the area if you want to get lunch too
26 locals recommend
Culbin Forest
If you fancy getting out of the mountains for an afternoon we love walking and swimming at the beach here. There’s some good farm shops in the area if you want to get lunch too
Arts & Culture
It's a little drive away but if you are looking for a dose of arts and culture then Eden Court is your place. Concerts, gigs, theatre, classes, films - it's got it all
161 locals recommend
Eden Court Inverness
Bishops RoadIt's a little drive away but if you are looking for a dose of arts and culture then Eden Court is your place. Concerts, gigs, theatre, classes, films - it's got it all