Accommodation, Activities, Transport and Food
The information below, with many links to local websites, is provided by Visit Cairngorms, with thanks to Kathryn Owen.
Introduction
We look forward to welcoming you to the spectacular Cairngorms National Park - this is a special area and you are going to see lots of it on the Speyside 100!
We want to help you to make the most of your time in one of National Geographic Traveller Magazine's Top 20 places to visit…in the world!
Adventure, relaxation, fun with the kids, time with your favourite person…there is so much to do. Stay longer, do a bit more…eat, drink, relax and recharge…let the Cairngorms National Park fill your soul.
Accommodation
There are awesome places to STAY, from bothies and bunkhouses to hotels, B&B’s and superb self catering options. Go to VisitCairngorms where you can tailor your search to find the perfect pad in the perfect place.
For those of you who will be venturing to the Highlands to recce your route in advance, here are some of our top picks…with some properties offering a wee discount!
Badaguish - a jaw dropping location in the centre of Glenmore Forest - with lodges, pods and camping, there is a great mix of accommodation available.
Loch Insh Outdoor Centre - this outdoor centre has superb facilities, loads to do and is in a truly sublime spot, waking up beside breathtaking Loch Insh will be a morning you remember! Quote ‘Speyside 100’ for a 10% discount on your accommodation.
Cairngorm Activities - a fabulous spot with Grantown-On-Spey nearby, there is a bunkhouse and a bothy to choose from, both well and truly off the beaten track, a true escape.
Igloo - find your perfect self catering pad with Igloo. Lovely accommodation and a brilliant team. Quote ‘we-love-igloo’ for a wee discount (between 3 and 5% depending on your booking).
The Boat Country Inn and Restaurant - a wonderful country inn beside the iconic Strathspey Railway in Boat of Garten. In January and February you can treat yourself to a one night stay for two people B&B with a complimentary glass of prosecco or mulled wine from £99. You can also enjoy a ‘stay & save’ offer with a 15% discount on a two night or longer stay.
The Rowan Tree - a wonderful small hotel in a breathtaking location near Loch Alvie. A friendly, cosy, home from home, perfect for short breaks or longer stay - with a wonderful dining experience.
The Grant Arms - the perfect combination of traditional Scottish hospitality and modern luxury in a cracking spot on the square in Grantown-On-Spey. Quote ‘Speyside 100’ for a 10% discount between January to April 2024.
Dalraddy Holiday Park - An ideal central location with spectacular views of the Cairngorm Mountains, close to the River Spey, Loch Alvie, Loch Insh and 3 miles south of Aviemore. Enjoy a 10% discount for stays on Motorhome / Campervan / Caravan / Tent pitches, the glamping cabin and on stays of 3 nights or more in chalets 21 and 33. Quote “Speyside 100” when you call 01479 810330 or email dhp@alvie-estate.co.uk to book. Valid through January, February, March, April and May (except Easter and Bank Holidays).
The Boat House Guest House - a family run guest house in Boat of Garten, near Aviemore. Book direct for the best rates.
Balneden Steadings - a stunning, contemporary barn conversion situated high up on a hill with panoramic views across the picturesque Glenlivet Estate.
The Caledonian Bungalow - a modern, one-bedroom, semi-detached bungalow in the heart of vibrant Aviemore.
Arbor is a wee sanctuary in the forest village of Nethy Bridge. A pad for two…where you can retreat, relax and recharge.
Apartment 8 Aviemore is in the heart of this vibrant Highland Village - it has all the convenience of home and the comforts of a luxury suite, for a perfect stay.
Weiroch - a 5-Star immaculate 18th-century mill conversion situated in a stunning location in the heart of Ballindalloch in Speyside sleeping 6-8 people.
Easter Corrie - a 18th century former Steading and Mill which has been lovingly converted into comfortable holiday accommodation - four individual cottages sleeping 18 guests. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, Easter Corrie offers a peaceful location in Tomnavoulin, Glenlivet. Use booking code ‘Speyside100’ for a 5% discount on all bookings made between now and the end of March (note the typical minimum booking period is 3 days, contact hosts to request less).
The Retreat Group - a wonderful selection of properties looked after by the Retreat group. Check them out to find your perfect stay.
Glencoldon Cottage - a bright and cosy eco-cottage in the village of Boat of Garten. Enjoy a 20% discount on your reservation quoting ‘Speyside 100’ (minimum 3 night stay).
The Delnashaugh - a historic Drovers inn, in the heart of Speyside, is nestled within the wooded glens of Ballindalloch Estate and overlooks the River Avon, This a favourite spot for enthusiastic long-distance walkers and will reopen on 17th March.
If you are travelling up to recce the route and need transportation for you (or your luggage!) get in touch with Badenoch and Strathspey Community ConnXions - this is one of the most successful Community Transport Schemes in Scotland and they would love to support you on your adventures - and you will be supporting a superb community enterprise.
Please note all discounts and incentives at the discretion of the business and may be subject to change or withdrawal at any time.
Getting here
You have LOADS of options for getting to the Cairngorms National Park.
Jumping on the train is an excellent choice and there are a few options - day or night. With six mainline train stations across the National Park planning your route will be easier than you think!
Check out the bus network for pocket friendly and low hassle options. Driving is super scenic, especially as you enter the National Park - car sharing with fellow event attendees could be a great idea to reduce costs, make a buddy and reduce the number of cars making the beautiful journey north!
With two airports just outside the Cairngorms National Park you can get here quickly. Inverness is 40 minutes to the north, and Aberdeen Airport is an hour to the east of the National Park.
Finding inspiration
The Cairngorms National Park is a spectacular backdrop with simply LOADS going on.
You can take a trip on the SnowRoads, take in the dark night skies, delve into the delicious world of whisky, wander the Speyside Way, jump on your bike and journey through some of the Cairngorms iconic gravel routes (check out Home is Where the Trail Takes You with Markus Stitz), take in the heritage of this passionate and culture rich land.
Take the time to see more. To do more. To feel more. The Cairngorms will touch your soul.
Travelling with little people…check out, Landmark Forest Adventure Park and Highland Wildlife Park
Travelling with tweens and teens…check out Cairngorms Activities (you can even get a 20% discount with these guys with the quote SPEYSIDE20), Loch Insh Outdoor Centre, G2 Outdoors and Aviemore Ice Rink
Travelling with your favourite person…check out The Dark Sky Park, Blair Castle & Gardens, Dalwhinnie Distillery and Highland Quietlife
Travelling with all the generations…Rothiemurchus, Balmoral Castle and Alvie Estates are all awesome options.
These are just snippets…there are mountains and cracking munros to conquer, lochs and rivers for paddling and sitting beside, woodlands to wander, beer, whisky and wonderful food to fill your evenings. So stay a bit longer and do loads more.
Finding Delicious Things!
There are lots of delicious things going on in the Cairngorms National Park. Alvie Forest Food rivals the very best street food offerings, Bothy Bakery is famous for knock out sarnies and sweet treats (a Bothy Bakery picnic besides the Spey? - yes please!), while The Old Post Office Cafe and Gallery is the kind of place you will remember for all the very best reasons.
If you are looking for pub lunch you are truly spoilt for choice - The Cairngorm Hotel, The Old Bridge Inn and The Balavoulin are all in Aviemore and the perfect spot for a pint and a refuel.
Head to The Boat Hotel or Anderson's Restaurant in the Boat of Garten, or The Cairn Hotel in Carrbridge if you fancy leaving the buzz of Aviemore for a slightly more chilled vibe. The Grant Arms or The Grantown Diner are lovely spots in Grantown too.
What are we trying to say?! The Cairngorms National Park has great coffee, lovely lunches and delicious spots for dinner in abundance. Whatever you fancy - the lovely businesses and communities will have you covered. Check out VisitCairngorms for loads more inspiration
Join our mail list at VisitCairngorms to keep up to date on all of the lovely things going on here. Click this link, have a wee scroll down to join the mailing list - this is a special place that we want to share with you!
