Seven of the best for Easter
Aviemore is known as Scotland’s winter playground, but as Susan Welsh discovered, it’s a great place to take the family at Easter, too
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THERE is an old ditty that goes, “Rome was built on seven hills, Dufftown was built on seven stills”.
Perhaps an updated version should read, “And Aviemore was built on seven thrills”.
With the Easter holidays fast approaching, now is the ideal time to make plans to stop children uttering the dreaded phrase, “We’re bored, there’s nothing to do”.
With seven of the country’s best family attractions based close to Aviemore, in the Cairngorms National Park, there’s no shortage of fun, thrills and excitement to be enjoyed, and no time to get bored.
Whether your youngsters want to step back in time and board a steam train, get closer to wildlife, go wild burning off excess energy in a forest-themed park, take a thrilling train ride up a mountain, try gorge walking, play mini-golf or discover what life was like in the Highlands hundreds of years ago, you’ll find something to keep them happy.
But there’s more – the area, known as Scotland’s winter playground, has a host of sporting activities to try, including watersports and snowsports (weather permitting).
This beautiful part of the Highlands is easily accessible by road and rail, and has accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, ranging from camping sites and family-run bed-and-breakfast establishments to top-notch hotels where your every need is met.
Further information on what the area has to offer can be found at www.visitaviemore.com, but to give a flavour of what’s on, here are details of the seven most popular attractions:
Landmark Forest Theme
Park, Carrbridge: Where else in the UK can you rock climb, “sky-dive”, flume ride, meet red squirrels face to face, walk through the tops of tall pine trees, watch logs being sawn on a steam-powered sawmill, wonder at the sheer strength of a Clydesdale horse, explore the hidden microscopic universe and learn all the secrets of Scotland’s ancient pine forest?
And that’s just a sample of what’s going on. Landmark easily offers a whole day’s entertainment and is ideal for both little ones and older teens, who will enjoy tackling the sky-diving tower, climbing wall and high-wire challenge course.
The centre is open daily from 10am until 5pm. For further information, call 0800 731 3446, or log on to ww.landmarkpark.co.uk
Highland Wildlife Park,
Kincraig, Kingussie: The park offers visitors the chance to experience Scottish wildlife as well as international endangered animals of mountains and tundra in a spectacular Highland setting. Visitors can drive around the main reserve in their own car then investigate the walk-round area by foot.
Visitors can also join the keepers on any of the feeding talks taking place that day – just check the boards around the park to see what’s on.
Recent additions to the park include a pair of red pandas and these are proving very popular with visitors, along with two male Carpathian lynx, which arrived from a German zoo. The park has also expanded its herd of Mishmi to seven. These creatures have a nose like a moose, tail like a bear and body like a bison and are well worth a look. But for added “wow” factor, visitors should swing by the wild boar, where they will see two litters of cute piglets.
The park is open daily from 10am until 4pm. For further details, call 01540 651270, or visit www.highlandwildlifepark.org
Highland Folk Museum,
Newtonmore: This museum brings to life the domestic and working conditions of earlier Highland peoples. Visitors can learn how their Highland ancestors lived, how they built their homes, how they tilled the soil and how they dressed, in a safe and friendly environment. An award-winning attraction, the museum encapsulates human endeavour and development in Highland life from the 1700s to the present day. The Newtonmore site is a mile long and includes a black house, Britain’s oldest re-created building; a 1700s township; a 1940 working farm; live interpretation, and a host of visitor attractions. Visits must be pre-booked by calling 01540 673551, or by logging on to http://highlandfolk.com/
Cairngorm Mountain
Railway, Cairngorm: The Cairngorm Mountain Funicular Railway transports visitors to the Ptarmigan Top Station, nestled just below the summit of Cairn Gorm. The journey to the top takes about eight minutes and train times are every 15 or 20 minutes, depending on the season. The essential feature of a funicular railway is that it involves a carriage being hauled along a track by means of a rope. When the carriage at the top moves, the other carriage moves as well. The carriages pass at the passing loop at middle station.
It’s an exciting ride to the top station, from where you get spectacular views from the terrace. There’s a well stocked shop, a restaurant and excellent mountain exhibition with lots of child-friendly activities.
The railway provides an opportunity for all ages and abilities to enjoy the Cairngorm Mountain experience in safety and comfort. Look out for special events taking place throughout the year, such as guided walks. A mask-making session for children aged three and over is taking place in the Day Lodge T bar at the ski area from 10.30am until 2.30pm on Sunday, March 23, and Monday, March 24. For further information, see www.cairngormmountain.org, or call 01479 861261.
Rothiemurchus Estate,
Rothiemurchus: Situated at the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, this living Highland estate presents a blend of stunning landscapes, exciting outdoor activities and locally sourced Scottish crafts and foods.
Visitors can walk or cycle around the carefully maintained paths, taking in the spectacular scenery, or try some of the huge range of outdoor activities on offer. These range from clay shooting, fishing, quad bike trekking, pony hacking and off-road driving to archery, wildlife watching and canoeing.
Those who want to know more about the natural environment can sign up for a chat or guided walk with the friendly Rothiemurchus rangers.
The estate specialises in family activities, with a host of events ranging from fish feeding to gorge walking. Further details by calling 01479 812345, or logging on to www.rothiemurchus.net
Strathspey Steam Railway,
Aviemore: Whether you remember the days of steam from yesteryear or it’s Thomas the Tank Engine that makes you happy, if you are looking for a train journey with a difference then head to Aviemore station.
The round trip from Aviemore through Boat of Garten to Broomhill takes about an hour, or you can shorten your trip by going part of the way. While you travel through the spectacular scenery of Strathspey, sit back and relax as teas, coffees, snacks and a full bar service are available on many trains (except Saturdays).
The Strathspey railway is run almost entirely by volunteers and their spirit of adventure means that you can experience the magic of a steam railway today. For further details, call 01479 810725, or see www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk
Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel
Funhouse, Coylumbridge: Little ones, and parents, will enjoy visiting the Fun House at the Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel. There’s an American-style diner where parents can relax while their youngsters burn off excess energy. Attractions include a nine-hole indoor and outdoor mini golf range, a 10-pin bowling area, a large soft play area and tree-house, video arcade, daycare centre and creche. The hotel also has an outdoor discovery adventure park with a dry ski slope, trampoline, climbing wall and skate park.
For further information, call 701479 810661, or visit www.hilton.co.uk/coylumbridge
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