Mondays - Cairngorms National Park & Ballindalloch Castle

Loch-an-Eilean – Castle Roy (ruin) – Ballindalloch Castle – Balnafettach Highland Cattle Farm – Speyside Heather Centre

Click on images above to view larger versions. To view more photos taken on this tour, click here.

From Aviemore, we drive through the Rothiemurchus Estate, to arrive at Loch-an-Eilean (“lake with an island” in Gaelic), wonderfully located in the oldest Caledonian Scots Pine Forest and mostly known for its ruined castle on the little island (dark past of the infamous Wolf of Badenoch!).  After taking time to admire this tranquil and beautiful place where so many Glenbogle romances took place (Monarch of the Glen fans!), we then take a little back road up to Nethybridge, a typical Highland village. Just outside Nethybridge, we stop at Castle Roy, a ruined castle almost 900 years old! Next to it, is a lovely local Church (dating back to the late 18th century).

We then continue alongside the beautiful and famous River Spey up to Ballindalloch Estate. Ballindalloch is reputedly one of the most romantic castles in Scotland. It certainly has history and heritage absolutely bulging at it's seems. Ballindalloch has been occupied by the MacPherson-Grant family - continuously - since the mid 16th century. Quite a feat! This is a 'lived-in' castle and is in a beautiful state of repair. Plenty of time to look around the gardens and castle - perhaps you can find the link to the Aberdeen Angus breed of cattle? This is also a good stop to take some lunch in their traditional tearoom/restaurant.

From Ballindalloch we then head for Balnafettach Farm where they specialise in breeding pure Highland Cattle (those famous heilan’coos with long horns and long hair!).  This is a superb opportunity to get really close and learn more about this lovely old native breed of Cattle.  At lambing time (during April), there may also be the opportunity to see some very cute lambs!

Finally, on our return to Aviemore we stop at the world-reknowned Speyside Heather Centre. Here you can learn about the importance of heather to Scotland, the different varieties - and their names in the small exhibition centre. There is plenty of time to browse the nursery and antiques areas - or head for our favourite - the 'Cloutie Dumpling' Coffee Shop where they offer the traditional and most delicious Scottish delicacy "cloutie dumpling" ....... and they serve it in up to 21 different ways!!

A beautiful trip through the Northern part of the Cairngorms National Park (we go to the Southern part of it on our Friday tour!), alongside the River Spey – you’re guaranteed to remember the castles, the views…and of course the very photogenic coos!

Tour Notes

		Please note this tour is available from April to 30th September only
		Pick up points include Cromdale, Grantown-on-Spey, Dulnain Bridge , Nethy Bridge , Boat of Garten, Carrbridge, Kincraig, Aviemore - Other collection points by arrangement
		Tour departs around 10.00 am & returns by 3.30 pm (Departure times based from Aviemore). If you have an alternative pick-up point - times may be earlier or later - please check at time of booking
		This tour requires a minimum of 4 passengers to operate
		No entrance tickets are included in this tour - Entry to Ballindalloch Castle is approx. £6 pp and Heather Centre Exhibition is 50p
		Printed tour guides are available in a range of languages. We also speak good French and passable German and Spanish!
		The tour content and route may alter slightly at short notice due to adverse weather
		Please inform the driver if you have any special requests or medical conditions
		Please note that smoking is not permitted on the vehicles and that seat belts must be worn

Contact Details/Bookings

Click HERE to pre-book this Tour

For further information, please contact Bill or Steph at:

Highland Discovery Tours , Balnafettach, Cromdale, Moray, PH26 3LW
Tel: +44 (0)1479 870 341 Fax: +44 (0)1479 870 409 Email: steph@balnafettach.com

Payment

Payment can be made in cash, by credit card (all major credit cards accepted, except Amex) or by cheque (accompanied by guarantee card).

Cairngorms National Park & Ballindalloch Castle Tour 2008 Prices are:

Adults: £38
Children up to 15: £25

Payment will be requested a few days prior to the tour - please contact Highland Discovery Tours as soon as you have arrived at your destination (Bill or Steph on 01479 870 341). Booking only confirmed on receipt of payment.

Cancellation conditions: please note that a £10 cancellation fee will apply for cancellations after a confirmed booking has been made.  Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure will result in the full tour fee being charged.