Shinty versus hurling event held

An annual game held between players of Scottish shinty and Irish hurling is to take place in Inverness as part of the Homecoming Scotland celebrations.

A women's and under 21 fixtures will also feature before the international clash at Bught Park on Saturday.

Organisers hope the event will be one of the major markers of the year-long celebration of all things Scottish.

Played by Scottish emigrants on ice in Canada, shinty is believed to have had a role in the launch of ice hockey.

Hugh Dan MacLennan, who will be among the commentary team during the BBC's coverage of the international, said shinty could only envy the crowds drawn to hurling.

in reference to:

"An annual game held between players of Scottish shinty and Irish hurling is to take place in Inverness as part of the Homecoming Scotland celebrations.A women's and under 21 fixtures will also feature before the international clash at Bught Park on Saturday. Organisers hope the event will be one of the major markers of the year-long celebration of all things Scottish. Played by Scottish emigrants on ice in Canada, shinty is believed to have had a role in the launch of ice hockey. Hugh Dan MacLennan, who will be among the commentary team during the BBC's coverage of the international, said shinty could only envy the crowds drawn to hurling."
- BBC NEWS | Scotland | Highlands and Islands | Shinty versus hurling event held (view on Google Sidewiki)

Glenmore LodgeMarmot, UKC competition

Glenmore Lodge Aviemore, Cairngorms National Park are currently running a competition in conjunction with Marmot and UkClimbing.com. This is a fantastic competition in which we are giving away a place on a weekend winter skills course and a place on a weekend winter mountaineering course...not only that but Marmot will kitting the two lucky winners out from head to toe in brand new winter kit!

So if your free on the weekend of the 6th and 7th of February then follow the link for more information on how to enter: http://www.glenmorelodge.org.uk/blog/2009/10/glenmore-lodgemarmotukclimbingcom.asp

in reference to:

"We are currently running a competition in conjunction with Marmot and UkClimbing.com. This is a fantastic competition in which we are giving away a place on a weekend winter skills course and a place on a weekend winter mountaineering course...not only that but Marmot will kitting the two lucky winners out from head to toe in brand new winter kit! So if your free on the weekend of the 6th and 7th of February then follow the link for more information on how to enter: Glenmore Lodge/Marmot/UKClimbing.com Competition"
- Glenmore Lodge, Cairngorms - Outdoor sports Instruction and Training Scotland (view on Google Sidewiki)

Some of the villages in the Cairngorms Park

Aviemore -

Aviemore (Scottish Gaelic: An Aghaidh Mhòr) is a town and tourist resort, situated within the Cairngorms National Park in the Highlands of Scotland. It is the first skiing resort to be established in Scotland and is also notable for being near the freely grazing reindeer herd at Glen More, the only one in the United Kingdom.

Aviemore lies on the B9152 (the "old" A9 road since the main road from Inverness to Perth was rebuilt further west in the 1980s). Aviemore railway station is on the Highland Main Line and Aviemore is also the southern terminus of the Strathspey Railway, a heritage railway, currently being extended to Grantown-on-Spey.

Kingussie

Kingussie (Gaelic: Ceann a' Ghiuthasaich) (pronounced king-yewsie). The name "Kingussie" comes from the Gaelic, "Ceann a' Ghiuthsaich" which means "Head of the Pines". Kingussie is a small town and is head of Badenoch and Strathspey, Highland, Scotland, adjacent to the A9 road, although the old route of the A9 served as the town's main street. Kingussie is the capital of the district of Badenoch and is 3 miles from Newtonmore, which is its greatest rival in the game of Shinty. Kingussie have been the dominant team in Shinty for the last 20 years although Newtonmore had it for 20 years before this and indeed have been recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as being the most successful sporting side in history.

The ruins of the early 18th century Ruthven Barracks (Historic Scotland; open to visitors at all times) lie near the original site of the village which was moved to avoid the flood plain of the River Spey.

The main railway line to Inverness passes through from Edinburgh, Glasgow and points south. Kingussie railway station is about 200 metres south east of the High Street. In the past few years, the TV series Monarch of the Glen has been filmed in and around the area of Kingussie. Ardverikie Estate, where Monarch of the Glen was filmed, is about 12 miles from Kingussie. You can park in a lay-by across from the Gatehouse and hike back to the 'Big House'. It is about an 8 mile round trip hike but is well worth it, especially if you are a Monarch of the Glen fan.

The Highland Wildlife Park is sited very close by. The Highland Folk Museum is in Newtonmore, 3 miles from Kingussie. It is free and well worth the visit.

Newtonmore

Newtonmore (Baile Ur an t-Slèibh in Gaelic) is a village in the Highlands of Scotland with a population of about 1000. The village is only a few miles from a location that is claimed to be the exact geographical centre of Scotland.

Shinty - The town is renowned for having a shinty team, Newtonmore Camanachd Club.

Walking - Newtonmore calls itself the "Walking Centre of Scotland", referring both to its geographical location and to the great walking opportunities locally, like the Wildcat Trail. An extension to the Speyside Way could soon add Newtonmore to a Long Distance Route and it will become the new end to this trail.

Golf - Newtonmore has a golf course on the banks of the Spey.

Bowling. The club is open to visitors. It has regular competitions with other clubs in Badenoch and Strathspey and with clubs from Perthshire and Aberdeenshire.

Mountain Biking - Lots of trails in the local forests and tracks on the surrounding hills, as well as the purpose build Wolftrax MTB trails at nearby Laggan.

Fishing

Horse Riding and Pony Trekking: Pony Trekking was credited with being started in Newtonmore in 1952 by Ewan Ormiston, it is still possible to ride in Newtonmore with his grandson Ruaridh at the Newtonmore Riding Centre. Ormiston Highlands

Shooting

Laggan

Laggan is a village in Badenoch, in the Highland region of Scotland. It is beside the River Spey, about 10 km west of Newtonmore. The A86 road passes through the village and crosses the river on a nearby bridge.

It featured as the fictional village of Glenbogle in the BBC TV drama series Monarch of the Glen.

Laggan is in the Cairngorms National Park.

Ruins of a Pictish fort can be found near Strathmashie, Laggan.

The Laggan Wolftrax, a mountain biking centre located in the nearby Strathmashie Forest, opened in 2004. This facility, owned by the Forestry Commission, features over 17 km of purpose-built trails.

Dalwhinnie

Dalwhinnie (Scottish Gaelic: Dail Chuinnidh; NN634848) is a tiny village in the Scottish Highlands. It is a little north of Drumochter, and functions mainly as a service stop. Because the pass is often closed in winter, this is seasonal.

Dalwhinnie is also the site of a railway station on the Highland Main Line from Perth to Inverness.

The light, heathery Single Malt Scotch that bears the town's name is also made here (the highest-elevation working distillery in Scotland). Dalwhinnie Single Malt Scotch is part of the Diageo Range.

Free Holiday Planner

Get maps of Cairngorms Park, what's on info, coupons and more - it's everything you need to plan your Cairngorms Park Holiday www.scottishtourismguide.com/ac1009.htm

in reference to:

"Holiday Planner

Get maps of Cairngorms Park, what's on info, coupons and more - it's everything you need to plan your Cairngorms Park Holiday"
- Cairngorms Holiday Cottages - Self-Catering Accommodation in the Cairngorms National Park (view on Google Sidewiki)

Cairngorms Polar Explorer

MERCEDES the polar bear has cemented her status as Badenoch and Strathspey's latest celebrity, after she received over 4,000 visitors in her first week at the Highland Wildlife Park.

in reference to:

"MERCEDES the polar bear has cemented her status as Badenoch and Strathspey's latest celebrity, after she received over 4,000 visitors in her first week at the Highland Wildlife Park."
- Strathspey and Badenoch Herald (view on Google Sidewiki)

Cairngorms Recreation

You won't have to look far for adventure on your Cairngorms Holiday. The Park has something for everyone - whether it's simply admiring the ever changing views of the spectacular mountains, or walking with a Ranger-led group learning about the plants and animals in native pine woods. For the more energetic there are plenty of opportunities to go mountain biking, canoeing or climbing. in the winter there are a wide range of snowsports activities to do. The area also has a rich cultural heritage with castle, distilleries and estates all happy to welcome visitors. Hundreds of countryside events, outdoor activities, guided walks and talks take place throughout the Park each year.

in reference to:

"Recreation

You won't have to look far for adventure on your Cairngorms Holiday. The Park has something for everyone - whether it's simply admiring the ever changing views of the spectacular mountains, or walking with a Ranger-led group learning about the plants and animals in native pine woods. For the more energetic there are plenty of opportunities to go mountain biking, canoeing or climbing. in the winter there are a wide range of snowsports activities to do. The area also has a rich cultural heritage with castle, distilleries and estates all happy to welcome visitors. Hundreds of countryside events, outdoor activities, guided walks and talks take place throughout the Park each year."
- Cairngorms Holiday Cottages (view on Google Sidewiki)

Cairngorms Holiday Cottage

the Cairngorms National Park encompasses the highest landmass in Britain a broad mountain plateau, riven only by the deep valleys of the Lairig Ghru and Loch Avon, with an average altitude of over 1000m and including five of the six highest summits in the UK. The Cairngorms National Park includes a wide range of very diverse communities and villages. These communities are home to some 17,000 people and each place has its own distinct heritage and culture. To find out more about each community and plan your Cairngorms Holiday, please click on the link to the relevant region or village.

in reference to:

"he Cairngorms National Park  encompasses the highest landmass in Britain a broad mountain plateau, riven only by the deep valleys of the Lairig Ghru and Loch Avon, with an average altitude of over 1000m and including five of the six highest summits in the UK.  The Cairngorms National Park includes a wide range of very diverse communities and villages. These communities are home to some 17,000 people and each place has its own distinct heritage and culture. To find out more about each community and plan your Cairngorms Holiday, please click on the link to the relevant region or village."
- Cairngorms Holiday Cottages - The Cairngorms National Park Information (view on Google Sidewiki)

Aviemore Snow Sports

Aviemore is based in the highlands of Scotland, with impressive mountain views, and surrounded by country-side it stands 26,000 feet above rural farmland. The area is renowned for skiing, having recently had British Army Competitions on its snowy peaks in the last two months. The ski resorts success, with professional skiing has also lead to success with tourists, having thousands people hitting the slopes each month. These massive numbers are also attributed to snowboarding, with boarding specific parks on one side of the mountain.

Aviemore recently commissioned a state of the art ski train that can travel up to 15 miles per hour, withstand winds in excess of 110 miles per hour. The amazing structure travels from the base to the top and is certainly an amazing sight for any avid skier

Aviemore is an unfortunate to only have snow for 4-5 months in the year, ruling it out of hosting many competitions, and really placing Scotland up their with as one the top skiing destinations in Scotland. The skiing destination has recently hosted the snowboarding freestyle championships

With a thriving economy that survives largely of the tourism industry, Aviemore had the facilities to bed over 2,000 people a night,. The reasons for this was largely down to its proximity to a local town that was also able to provide bed and breakfast and selfcatering accommodation.

If you have never been to Aviemore then I recommend you visit, whether or not you are a skier. The fact is, the views are amazing, the fresh clear air is refreshing and the people are fantastic. If you have never skied before, then what better place to learn than Aviemore.

Future Of Gelncoe Ski Resort....uncertain

Glencoe Mountain, Scotland's oldest ski resort, may not open for business this winter season due to a lack of investment. The future of the resort hangs in the balance after it failed to attract investors when it was put on the market in March 2009.

Glencoe has opened an online petition and had gathered 1882 signatures by Oct. 12. The intention is to demonstrate the level of support for skiing, snowboarding, and winter activities to continue at Glencoe. The resort will leave it open for the next six weeks and the results will be presented to the Scottish Government.

The Glencoe ski area (305-1108 metres) is set near Glencoe village in the west of Scotland. The resort is surrounded by untouched mountain terrain and boasts the longest single descent and steepest on-piste run in Scotland.

Its 20 kilometres of pistes are suitable for all levels and served by seven lifts. The 19 runs are divided into four green, six blue, seven red, and two black. The lifts can transport up to 4300 skiers per hour.

Skiers and snowboarders will also find off-piste skiing, ski schools, equipment hire shops, and mountain huts serving hot food and beverages.

Ben Nevis

Regular walkers on Britain’s highest mountain "Ben Nevis" west of the Cairngorms National Park are being asked to keep an eye on things until the spring.

Path repairs had to be suspended on a section of the tourist track in August as the summer came to an abrupt end on Ben Nevis, with the result that there is a danger of erosion where finished section meets parts of the track still to be repaired.

Helicopters moved contractors’ accommodation and equipment off the ben ten days ago, just as the first snow arrived. Now, the Nevis Partnership, which manages the mountain, is looking for volunteers to check four cross-drains and, if necessary, clear them of debris so any damage is kept to a minimum.

The area in question is between John’s Wall and zigzag corner one.

A spokesperson for the partnership said: “If you would be willing to take part in ‘trackwatch’, say once a fortnight or so, please do get in touch. We will provide all necessary information and guidance on what to do – it’s not an onerous task.”

Volunteers can ring 01397 701088.

Polar Bear in the Cairngorms National Park

The UK's only polar bear has been given a public unveiling at her new home in the Highlands.
Mercedes was relocated from Edinburgh Zoo to the Highland Wildlife Park, near Kincraig, on Monday.
Her new enclosure extends over four acres of land regarded as more typical of the natural habitat of polar bears.

A public appeal helped to raise £75,000 needed to fund her transfer and the Army assisted in building the bear's home and a nearby visitors' car park.

David Windmill, chief executive of the zoo and park's owner, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said watching Mercedes leave Edinburgh had been a poignant experience.
He added: "We have been gradually moving animals that are better suited to colder climates from Edinburgh Zoo up to the Highland Wildlife Park and Mercedes is the latest of these moves.

"The animal collections at both parks will continue to evolve and visitors can expect to see new species introduced in the coming months."

Douglas Richardson, animal collection manager at the wildlife park, said her transfer went smoothly.

He said: "When she arrived here, she walked out of her crate and immediately began investigating her indoor dens and holding pen.

"She has settled in very well and we're looking forward to seeing her explore her outdoor enclosure which, at around four acres, is one of the largest polar bear enclosures in the world."

New surroundings

Mercedes was rescued from her native Canada and brought to Scotland after she was scheduled to be shot because she had begun roaming into a nearby town in search of food.

It is thought she is 27-years-old. Polar bears can live into their early 30s.

A crate used for moving rhino was modified to transport the bear by road and was allowed time to settle into her new surroundings before the public unveiling.

Her arrival is expected to further boost visitor numbers at the park.

The public unveiling of three rare Amur tiger cubs in June was followed by record-breaking entries with 80,000 visits within weeks.
In 2008, numbers of visitors for the year reached 65,000.
Sappers helped to prepare the wildlife park for the bear's arrival.
The soldiers from 51 Parachute Squadron Royal Engineers built a road and car park for the enclosure.
They also constructed a viewing platform and bridge at the park's tiger enclosure.
Dubbed Caledonian Thor, the exercise trained the sappers in military aid and civil community tasks.
Previously, Territorial Army soldiers of 75 Engineer Regiment worked on the polar bear enclosure.
Mercedes' move north has also brought the animal closer to where the only remains of a polar bear that was resident in Britain thousands of years ago were found.
It was thought the bear was washed into caves at Inchnadamph in Sutherland 18,000 years ago.
The bear's skull was found in 1927 and is held in the collections of the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

Romantic festive Breaks in Scotland

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year and December is the perfect time to take some time out and enjoy a wonderful break with your loved one. Christmas Breaks you can really enjoy, when you rent one of the luxury properties on http://www.cairngormsholidaycottages.com/ as your choice of accommodation.

Cairngorms National Park with snow capped Mountains, some how feel right for the Christmas period, a luxury selfcatering property providex the perfect ambience, look and feel and a romantic fesitive break is perfect for this.
Looking for self-catering accommodation? Why not check out

http://www.cairngormsholidaycottages.com/

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Puffer to head for Grantown-on-Spey

A North MP yesterday heard about plans to raise the £5million needed to extend a famous tourist railway line.

Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MP Danny Alexander met with members of the Strathspey Steam Railway Company (SSRC) to find more about their fundraising plans to extend the stretch between Broomhill Station and Grantown.

The two-mile stretch is the final part of the company’s goal of completing the 14 miles of track which links Aviemore to Grantown.

Mr Alexander, a strong supporter of the project, said: “It was both fascinating and enormously impressive to see behind the scenes at the Strathspey Railway.

“It is only through the extraordinary work of a large number of volunteers carrying out a wide range of specialised tasks that we have the railway for so many people to enjoy.

“The plan to extend the railway to Grantown is one of the most exciting projects going on in the Strath at the moment. It will be a big boost to tourism locally, providing a wonderful new attraction for Grantown, as well as offering benefits to local people.

“With the current Scottish Government re-confirming the support of the previous administration for realigning the A95 at Gaich, the way is open for the extension to take place.”

He added: “The Strathspey Steam Railway Company deserves strong support from public and private sectors and the local community. I, along with many others, will be working to ensure that its fundraising drive for the extension succeeds.”

John Partridge, director of the SSRC, said: “I’m confident that we will raise this money because there is so much support that we have for it, from government to the local community and general community in Strathspey to Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Highland Council.”

He added that he hoped work would begin on the extension in 2013/2014.

The former Grantown Station was demolished after the closure of the line in 1965 when passenger services from Aviemore to Forres and Elgin, and goods services from Boat of Garten were withdrawn.

Red Alerts

Red Alert! Nevis Range now open for red route riders! Nevis Red, The UK’s only red graded cross country mountain bike trail accessed by mountain gondola, was officially opened today (Tuesday 25 August) by BBC Sport presenter and avid mountain bike rider Dougie Vipond at Nevis Range, Fort William, in the heart of the Outdoor Capital of the UK. Home to the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup the challenging terrain of Aonach Mor, in the shadows of Ben Nevis, was previously only accessible to expert and professional downhill riders tackling the Off Beat downhill track, one of the toughest physical and technical tracks in the world. Now with the addition of the ‘Nevis Red’ route experienced trail centre riders and competent weekend enthusiasts can now enjoy the thrill of a downhill challenge. Following a 5.5km singletrack route that undulates and weaves its way 543m down from top to bottom, combining a mixture of infamous Fort William natural bedrock, metre wide wooden boardwalk and gravel paths, the new Nevis Red route (graded red by the Forestry Commission) provides a fun rollercoaster ride for every mountain bike enthusiast. With the Nevis Range mountain gondola providing the perfect access the new route provides the longest downhill ride of a cross country mountain bike trail in the UK. Even the fastest riders will take around 20 minutes to complete the descent. Accessed by riders and their bikes on specially adapted carriers fitted to the UK’s only mountain gondola the trip up is almost as exciting as the descent. Over 200,000 sight seers, skiers, downhill riders; and now cross country mountain bikers, share gondola access.

The trip takes riders from the Nevis Range car park at 100m to 650m up the mountain. On exiting the gondola riders follow a track to the Snowgoose chair, which in the winter transports skiers and boarders further up the snowy slopes, marks the start of the new track. UK's first red graded downhill mountain bike trail that can only be accessed by a gondola has been opened check out www.nevisrange.co.uk

Take a short break or a long holiday

Take a short break or a holiday in one of the super Cairngorms Holiday Cottages in the Cairngorms National Park. There are lots of different types of selfcatering cottages and houses for you to choose from that have excellent facilities for both the adults and the children. Holiday Selfcatering breaks have become even more popular than ever before and National park is a great option for anyone who likes to spend time in a great environment with excellent self catering accommodation.
Cairngroms National Park has a variety of accommodation that will sleep anywhere from 2 to 50 people, so any type of break you like you can have. If you are interested in Cycling, Walking or Relaxing then a break in the UK's largest National Park is more than ideal. Many of the properties on Cairngorms Holiday Cottages are set in beautifully landscaped woodland areas and you can even enjoy the indoor swimming pools or a saunas in may of the luxury properties.

There are many other options for you to enjoy and these include the likes of climbing, canoeing, mountain bike hire, and so much more. There are hundreds of Self-catering properties and cottages throughout the Cairngorms National Park and you could be enjoying your time away, take a look at available from the links in this blog post.

http://www.cairngormsholidaycottages.com/

Mercedes Ploar Bear at Kincraig

Plans to move the only polar bear in a UK zoo to a new home in the Highlands could be completed by the autumn. Mercedes has been at Edinburgh Zoo since 1984 after being rescued from Canada where she was due to be shot.

In June, a campaign was launched to raise £75,000 to create a new enclosure for her at the Highland Wildlife Park at Kincraig. The appeal has so far raised £48,000, including an individual donation of £10,000. Mercedes has been preparing for her move to the Highlands by familiarising herself with a new transport crate that will be used to take her on the journey.
Since the crate was placed at her enclosure a couple of months ago, keepers have been working to make her feel comfortable in it.

Alison Maclean, head keeper of carnivores at the zoo, said: "It is quite risky to sedate a large mammal so we have been training Mercedes to walk into the transport crate.
"We've been doing this using positive reinforcement - she has learned that when she walks into the crate she gets a reward, such as a piece of cooked chicken.
"She responded to the training extremely quickly and has been walking in and out of her crate for a few weeks now.

"We are confident that the move will go well and we're looking forward to helping her settle into her new home."
Campaigners are now hoping to raise the final £27,000 required to complete the project.
Rescued from Churchill in Canada, Mercedes was due to be shot after repeatedly wandering into towns in search of food.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland arranged for her to be brought to Scotland.
Original estimates for the the cost of moving the bear to Kincraig were in the region of £300,000, however, a team of soldiers helped build her a new enclosure, which reduced the cost to £75,000

Looking for self-catering accommodation to see the Polar Bear or current animals at the wild life park? Why not check out

www.cairngormsholidaycottages.com

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Self-catering Holidays

One of the inventions of modern times that is gaining huge acceptance across UK are self catering cottages. Perfect holiday destinations, they are cut out for people with average income. These cottages have ensured that even such people who till now could not realise their dream of going on holidays can now fulfil their dreams. Indeed, self catering cottages have ensured that going on vacations does not remain confined to rich and affluent. Now, the question that arises is that what is it that makes these cottages so well liked. Well, answer to this is very simple. These cottages are laced with so many outstanding features that there is nothing that anyone can do other than falling for them.

For starters, the biggest attraction of these Cairngroms Holiday Cottages is the low price at which they can be availed. This is one of their specialties that spread their popularity across all the sections of society. Then the setting of these cottages is another big attraction. Set amidst the calm Highland country side, these cottages allow people a perfect runaway from the noise and pollution of their cities and expose them to a few days of complete bliss. The freedom that people enjoy at these places is another attraction that tilts the scale firmly in their favour. People are allowed to enjoy their vacations in any which way they want here. So much so that they are even allowed cooking their own food here!

Self catering cottages are also on top of the popularity list of business units. They find the place to be just perfect for organising their team building exercises and official get togethers. A brief stay here is also used by these companies to honour their most deserving employees.The way life is becoming hectic it would not be wrong to say that the popularity of these cottages is bound to increase big time in days to come. Looking for the best self-catering accommodation in Scotland? Why not check out http://www.cairngormsholidaycottages.com/

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Boat of Garten - What a great golf course

Scotland is the Home of Golf - the location of some of the most celebrated and recognisable courses in the world, like St Andrews, Carnoustie, Turnberry, Gleneagles, and Royal Troon. But there is much more to golf in Scotland than these famous championship courses. Scotland has more golf courses per capita than any other nation and the quality of many of these "lesser" courses is simply breathtaking. Across the length and breadth of the country are great courses often overlooked by foreign visitors, which is a pity for playing on these hidden gems can be some of the most rewarding and memorable experiences of your golfing tour of Scotland.

Boat of Garten Golf Club is often described as the most beautiful course in Britain and is one of the most delightful courses you could ever hope to play. Nestled amid forests of silver birch, bounded by the River Spey and surrounded by the dramatic and breathtaking scenery of the Monadhliath and Cairngorm Mountains, this historic course was laid out by one of the true grand-masters of golf course architecture.

How to get there
Boat of Garten (located in the village of the same name) is set in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. It lies just off the A9, 30 miles south of Inverness (the nearest airport) and 9 miles north of the busy tourist resort of Aviemore. For accommodation options in the area, please click www.CairngormsHolidayCottages.com

Course details
Length - 5876 yards, Par/SSS – 70/69, Type - Inland

History
The Boat of Garten Golf Club, known locally as “The Boat,” was first laid out in 1898. The original 6-hole course was expanded and redesigned by the celebrated Scottish course architect, James Braid, in 1930. The course remains a lasting testament to his talent – maximizing the stunning natural landscape and producing a challenging and incredibly beautiful course.

Highlights

Boat of Garten may well be the prettiest course you ever play a round on. It wends its way through heather and whin, fairways and greens tightly fringed with silver birch and pine, surrounded by a breathtaking panorama of snow-capped peaks. It's a short, fun course but don't let that fool you - it can also be extremely challenging.

The course’s signature hole, and designer James Braid’s personal favorite, is the par-4 6th, “Avenue.” A dogleg hewn through a forest of silver birch and pine, requiring a drive to the bend in the fairway, leaving you with a long iron or even a fairway wood to reach the hogback green.
The 13th, “Tulloch,” is rated the most difficult on the course and with good reason. A par-5, but only 473 yards, it's severely uphill and the double dogleg requires a well placed drive avoiding the extreme right hand side of the fairway followed by an accurate shot up a narrow gully to give a 100 yard pitch to a tricky green surrounded by trouble.

Visitor information
Boat of Garten Golf Club welcomes visitors but asks that you pre-book. Green fees are 44 GBP per day on weekdays and 49 GBP at weekends. For more information, please click www.CairngormsHolidayCottages.com

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