Walking & Mountain Biking

This all year round holiday destination is rich in natural beauty and captures the full splendour of the Highlands of Scotland sweeping down from the snow-capped tops of the Cairngorms and Monadhliath Mountains to the banks of the famous river Spey.

Whatever your level of fitness or skill there are walks and trails to suit all capabilities throughout the region.

From Boxwood (see Self - Catering Cottages), you could throw the car keys away and just walk and cycle everywhere. It is even possible to find the most fabulous trails without going on a road or seeing a car. For the adventurous it is possible to leave the cottage and cross over to Glenmore forest and Loch Morlich and from there through the Lairig Ghru to Braemar on Deeside. This without seeing a car. This however is extreme, and would require careful planning.

The point is, the options are enormous, a cycle into Nethybridge for some basics through forest trails instead of the road would lift any soul.

To the rear of the Hawthorns lies Anagach Wood, acres of ancient pines, with a network of paths. These walks are gentle but do provide an opportunity to experience the unique wildlife and natural beauty of an ancient pinewood. Walks along the banks of the river are possible within a 100 yards of the house and cottage where rare orchids and wild lupins are to be seen. It is possible to walk along the river as far as Cromdale. This walk of about 4 miles, 8 miles round trip, skirts the edge of Anagach Wood and is a popular route for bird watchers as there are often Caipercaillie to be seen.

Down towards Aviemore, walks round Loch an Eilein and trails up Glen Feshie will appeal to many with the opportunity of seeing a Golden Eagle soaring with the uplift of air rising up Carn Ban Mor.

For those wishing a walking holiday why not consider the "Speyside Way"?
One of Scotland's official long-distance footpaths, it extends from Buckie along the coast and continues up the Spey to Aviemore. The route offers mainly easy walking terrain through wonderful scenery.