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Archive for the ‘Cairngorms National Park’ Category

Boat of Garten North Signal Box – Thomas 2005


A short video from Boat of Garten North Signal Box at the Strathspey Steam Railway on 09 July 2005. The class 31 Locomotive 31327 is seen assisting from the rear of the “Thomas” train, and the resident Class 107 and 117 DMU’s are seen working in multiple to Broomhill.

New Year in the Highlands

Are you tired of spending New Year’s Eve packed in an expensive bar, waiting to get served, not heard in a position to think for themselves, let alone for chat with friends?

Well, maybe it’s time to take matters into their own hands, so your friends gather together and go to the highlands for their Hogmanay celebrations this New Year

Renting a home for a few days over New Year’s Eve is an increasingly popular way of farewell to 12 months and is especially popular with those who have reached their late twenties and feel that they are done with the celebration of the hedonistic New Year’s Day, their youth.

And there is no reason why rent a house with a group of friends or family is so popular, but as blowing all your money on a great night, you will enjoy a long weekend of celebrations, other activities will include outdoor such as hiking, fishing and cycling in the nearby countryside. It is also a good opportunity to another part of the country that it might otherwise be unlikely to see visitThe Scottish Highlands and Islands are particularly popular with New Year revelers in search of

There are hundreds of properties across the lakes and valleys to choose from, depending on how far you can be your new year.

The west coast of Scotland offers many secluded, rustic cabins and farms, with a crackling wood fire and views over the beautiful lakes.

If you are looking to get a New Year’s in the game of golf, Fife is the place to go, head for a fisherman’s cottage overlooking a harbor for a traditional Scottish experience

Winter sports enthusiasts may even be able to get a few days skiing in, despite the unpredictable nature of Scottish weather means that you are probably not your heart on the slopes of the firing or Cairngorm Glencoe, but you never know you were on the

For those who are south of the border who do not want to travel too far to the north, the Scottish Borders is an ideal place for a taste of Scotland, without getting so long journey

Whatever part of Scotland for your Hogmanay celebration, you should be able to find a rental house to adapt your needs.

Be of great houses, which accommodate up to 20 people, the perfect pair of cozy cottages for a romantic New Year’s Day, forget drums in a crowded disco – this year, why not spend Hogmanay in the Highlands?

A on the Strathspey steam railway

Strathspey Steam Railway

Image taken on 2008-07-27 13:04:08 by henrybloomfield.

Cairngorm & Grampian Mountains

The local government consisted of Grampian region of Scotland from 1975 to 1996 and today it is divided into three separate regions of uniform Council, as Aberdeenshire, The City of Aberdeen and Moray, of course.

This wonderful community has local areas, consisting of the six counties of Aberdeen, Banff and Buchan, Deeside, Gordon, Moray and Kincardine. This region has the county name from the magnificent local Grampian Mountains. The old Grampian area is still, however, the combined electoral authority, police, fire, national health authorities and evaluation office.

Annual Games come here and the winner is the one who defeats all competitors in total will be “The Grampian champion” in this field.

One of the three major mountain ranges in Scotland, the Grampian Mountains, also very famous as “The Grampians well known and they take a sufficiently large part of the Scottish Highlands in northeast Scotland.

By extension, many people confuse the whole region as “The Grampians” not only because of this mountain chain. The other reason for this can be given that the independent TV station, known as Grampian TV, which was assigned to cover the north east of Scotland after the regionalization of Scotland television in 1975. These two reasons were enough to put the name Grampians in the minds of many people. Architects also that were outside the area have contributed to this confusion by also stretching the name to cover the whole of Eastern Scotland.

Until recently, Deeside was a lonely and deserted place, and that was because the mountain barrier of the Grampians, which starts at a low level with the shore and is enhanced by many ups like Mount Battoch at 2555 m on Beinn one Ghlo 3671 m, Cairn Mon Earn at 1245 ft to Beinn Dearg, which is at 3304 m

The Cairngorms is the area of the mountains, go south from Aberdeen to the West Beinn Dearg in the field of Atholl. One author has described the Cairngorms as the reach of the River Dee and another group of hills that runs from Drumochter, which is in Walmost to the sea, lies just south of Aberdeen.

Some books and maps describing this as the Grampians, and children do learn from the outside world. This is not wrong to mention in one of the local schools or in local real estate course, and they are not even mentioned as such in any local language or lectures. Some geographers fuel to the confusion caused by the pressure of the Grampians and Cairngorms instead of Strath Don Hills, and that presumption of the authors are at fault if the Cairngorms has actually are.

The Grampians area is located southwest to northeast between Gleann Mòr, or the Great Glen and Highland Boundary Fault, which almost half of the region in Scotland. Then how can we avoid each Cairngorms and the Lochaber hills. This area has a vertex of Ben Nevis in the British Isles at 1344 meters above sea level, and Ben Macdui, the second highest at 1309 meters.

The Old Grey Man Of Ben Macduie, by Pete and the Tar Gang


Piratical storytelling band Pete and the Tar Gang, perform their epic The Old Grey Man Of Ben Macduie. At The Melbourne Fringe Festival, 2008 – As part of their Songs Of The Hollow Bone Moon album launch. This one is a tale about a yeti, rumored to lurk upon a certain peak of The Scottish Highlands… most hikers and expeditioners report only an inexplicable feeling of dread and panick…

Hogmanay in the Highlands: New Year in Scotland

Are you tired of spending New Year’s Eve packed in an expensive bar, waiting to get served, not heard in a position to think for themselves, let alone for chat with friends? Well, maybe it’s time to take matters into their own hands, so your friends gather together and go to the highlands for their Hogmanay celebrations this New Year!

Renting a home for a few days over New Year’s Eve is an increasingly popular way of farewell to 12 months and is especially popular with those who have reached their late twenties and feel that they are done with the celebration of the hedonistic New Year’s Day, their youth.

And there is no reason why rent a house with a group of friends or family is so popular, but as blowing all your money on a great night, you will enjoy a long weekend of celebrations, other activities will include outdoor such as hiking, fishing and cycling in the nearby countryside. It is also a good opportunity to another part of the country that it might otherwise be unlikely to see visit.

The Scottish Highlands and Islands are particularly popular with New Year revelers in search of holiday cottages. There are hundreds of properties across the lakes and valleys to choose from, depending on how far you can be your new year.

The west coast of Scotland offers many secluded, rustic cabins and farms, with a crackling wood fire and views over the beautiful lakes. If you are looking to get a New Year’s in the game of golf, Fife is the place to go, head for a fisherman’s cottage overlooking a harbor for a traditional Scottish experience.

Winter sports enthusiasts may even be able to get a few days skiing in, despite the unpredictable nature of Scottish weather means that you are probably not your heart on the slopes of the firing or Cairngorm Glencoe, but you never know you were on the lucky winners! For those who are south of the border who do not want to travel too far to the north, the Scottish Borders is an ideal place for a taste of Scotland, without getting so long journey.

Whatever part of Scotland for your Hogmanay celebration, you should be able to find a rental house to adapt your needs. Be of great houses, which accommodate up to 20 people, the perfect pair of cozy cottages for a romantic New Year’s Day, forget drums in a crowded disco – this year, why not spend Hogmanay in the Highlands?

Getting Accommodation in Grantown

Grantown is a small tourist town situated in the Highlands region of Scotland, in between Inverness and Perth.  The area is perhaps best known for being one of the best destinations of skiing in Britain and it also a popular place for hill walkers.

 

The town is on the Inverness to Edinburgh rail line with a direct service to both cities and also to Perth.  The town sits in the shadow of the Cairngorm mountain range and has some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland.

 

The cairngorm national park is one of only two national parks in Scotland and it covers an area of 1,467sq miles.  The area is home to a highland wildlife park and a wide selection of outdoor activities.  The area can be explored on foot, bike, canoe or horse riding.

 

There is plenty of accommodation in Grantown for visitors to choose from with guest houses and some luxury hotels throughout the town centre. 

 

The resort has the Cairngorm Mountains in the background and offers guests hill walking, golf and a tasty fine dining restaurant.

 

Grantown is a central location and offers a great base for exploring the Highlands region of Scotland.  There is a direct road from Grantown that connects with Perth to the south and Inverness to the North. 

 

Of course there are other accommodation options in the town for those either on a budget or just looking for a stopover while climbing one of the many mountains in the area.  The lowest cost option is a hostel, where you stay in dormitory style accommodation usually with 6-8 people in a room.

 

The accommodation is basic but ideal if all you are looking for is a bed for the night and prices start from only 14 per person.  Other options such as bed and breakfasts and guest houses offer lower prices than hotels in a more informal setting. 

If you are thinking of a trip to Grantown today then you will find plenty of Accommodation in Grantown at VisitGrantown. They have plenty of hostels and hotels in Grantown listed online.

Exploring Grantown on Spey and the Scottish Highlands

Scotland has an ancient and fascinating history with its own distinctive culture, factors that make it an exhilarating holiday destination. With so much to discover, this small country attracts tourists in their droves keen to explore its dramatic landscape, snow covered mountains, beautiful lochs and intriguing cities. Whenever you choose to visit Scotland there are a wide range of entertainment and activities available and the choice of places to stay, including self catering accommodation, means you can bring the family.

Situated between Perth and Inverness are the charming areas of Grantown on Spey and Cairngorm, their location in the Cairngorms National Park in the Highlands of Scotland provide them with spectacular views. With the extensive variety of activities and attractions offered in the area, they have become a trendy destination for tourists and residents to spend some time.

Reasonably simple to get to by road and coach, the rail network extends to Grantown, via Aviemore from Inverness, Glasgow and Edinburgh and there is a direct link from London. If you don’t have a lot of time to spend then the local airport is Inverness.

Grantown on Spey and the surrounding area have a lot to offer and winter sports are one of the main attractions for many visitors. The Cairngorm Mountains offer a range of snowboarding, sledging and skiing opportunities. The ski-lift will take you to the top of the mountain and slopes have been designed for beginners or skilled skiers. The restaurant at the top of the mountain is a great place to stay awhile and admire the scenery. The mountain is mainly covered in snow from December until April or May.

Aviemore offers the ideal destination for a weekend away with a loved one, to spend some time with friends, or as a treat for the family as there are lots of activities and attractions to keep everyone happy.

If visiting CairnGorm Mountain, there is a small train that runs you up to the top, an impressive 1097m above sea level it is a safe manner tin which to reach the summit and an ideal way to experience the effects of altitude. Ensure you visit the mountain exhibition and wild garden and the self guided trails are fascinating places for exploring. For younger children the substitute is to take a ride on the Strathspey Steam Railway. It makes a round trip from Aviemore, passing through Boat of Garten to Broomhill and takes just over an hour. Sit back and see the stunning Cairngorm Mountains pass by whilst experiencing the pleasure of riding a steam engine.

Not far from Grantown is Rothiemurchus, a Highland estate and fascinating place for all ages, there are various wildlife to see such as Pine Martens, Badgers and Red and Roe Deer as well as many species of birds, amongst them Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Tawny Owls and Woodcocks. There are heaps of activities on offer in the estate many of them geared towards families and children. The Rothiemurchus Ranger will show you around the trail and teach you about the local wildlife and countryside. Rafting is specially arranged so families can join in too, with calm waters and expert guides on the rafts, and you can even visit the farm and meet the Highland Cows and Red Deer Stags.

There is a broad variety of accommodation on offer in Grantown and the nearby area, whatever your taste, bed and breakfast, guest houses, hotels and resorts are all an option or experience a log cabin or holiday cottage Aviemore. Self catering is a good option for those with families as it provides a lot more space. A 2 or 3 bedroom lodge or cottage can effortlessly contain a family and with all the mod cons and comforts of home can keep everyone happy.

Whatever type of holiday you are preparing for, a quiet weekend break, a week full of activities and entertainment, or a family holiday, you are sure to find it in Grantown and the Scottish Highlands. Check online for a choice of lodgings, including self catering accommodation in Grantown.

Skiing Jacobs Ladder Cairngorm late spring


Sandy abseils into, then skis Jacobs Ladder in Coire an t-Sneachda Cairngorm

Ski The Cairngorm Mountain

I always wanted to try skiing on Cairngorm Mountain, in the Cairngorms National Park, but was concerned by all the additional costs, such as ski passes, ski hire and all the clothes – not to mention going all the way to somewhere cold enough to try it. But this time it was different.

 

I had a friend from the United Kingdom, and, so we decided that the next time we would go together, it would be somewhere cold enough for snow! Scotland looked good in January, we  booked everything – and I was quite surprised at how little it costs us ….I found a ski resort, and spoke to a  very helpful person at the other end of the line. He told me that the tuition price includes all the essentials including free travel on the cable car, ski passes and of course a full day teaching and all the extras you could need if you hire them.He also advised that due to the temperamental weather, and on the booked date and there is no chance to ski, they move freely to lesson the next day. I do not know why I was so worried about all the extra costs – as so far, it does not seem to be all!

 

The property we chose was as close to the Cairngorm Mountains as we could get, and it turned out – the best place to be if you are an outdoor type. It was a center for all organizations would you expect up here, including Avalanche Research, mountain rescue and training. It was also a learning center for all interested in rock climbing, ice hiking, canoeing, river and sea, to name a few – and only by staying at the lodge, you had free access to their climbing wall, gym and pool during your stay.Anyway, on the first day we read the weather and avalanche information (!) For the mountain, had a hot breakfast and everything looked like it would be a good day for skiing. There was no snow on the lower parts of the mountains, but as we drove into the parking lot we could see heavy snow to the side! More and more excited we drove up to the equipment area.

 

The staff could not have more patient and helpful, as we were sent to collect on our boots, and were with some adjustments, fitted them, and then walk in them. Well, they take all the movement away from your lower leg, ankle and foot, so that we were limping alongon our heels.  We must have looked like real newbies to all the regulars – I can imagine they have a word for us when we look like a train, in a large group on the mountain.In the morning there was nice and slow, on a flat piece of snow, not too far up the mountain, with only 5 other beginners in our group. It was very strange to see no control over our own feet and not in a position to step out of them at any time, but it was not long before I stopped falling down. The boots completely support your body – I mean, you could sit right down, or right lean forward and touch the fronts of your skis, without tipping over. This increased my confidence no end, and I was really on the ski slope after about 20 minutes!It was then that I found I could not quite stop! I understood what the teacher told me to do, but my feet were not quite in control. It was very strange trying to tell my feet what to do, when they were doing something else.

 

We broke for lunch, with me having not yet mastered turning and stopping, and headed up the mountain, where we ate apparently in the highest restaurant in Scotland (). The afternoon session was right at the top of the mountain, and when we got there, you could not see beyond the end of your ski’s – it was a storm! We were all wrapped up safe and dry in all our clothes, with only our nose exposed to the weather. The fresh snow skis so much easier, we had our ski slalom poles and were all between 10-times better than this morning, and I finally mastered stopping. Phew!!  (I found it easier without the poles in my hands). All in all it was a great day. Now I can ski with confidence, I was not cold at all at any time, I did not get wet from all the falling down, I was not injured all, and saw a lot of snow!!