Sharing the Love

SHARING THE

Since February is the most romantic month of the year, with Valentine’s Day on the 14th, What’s On asked some of the locals to reveal their most loved places in the Cairngorms National Park.

Tamasina Cassidy – co-owner of The Rowan Tree Country Hotel, with her husband Jonny:

“Whenever Jonny and I get a short break together, we always go for a walk up Craigellachie Nature reserve. It takes about 1.5 hours, is a great way to see the view across Aviemore, Cairngorms and the River Spey and, if you time it right, you can watch the steam train puffing towards Boat of Garten. Because we do it quite regularly, it is an amazing way to chart the change in seasons.”

Perhaps the perfect Valentine’s Day would be to do this hike followed by a 5 course tasting menu (£55) and a glass of Prosecco at The Rowan Tree Country Hotel?

Judith Thurlow, co-owner of holiday rental company Seasgair: Handpicked Lodges

“I love the walk in Glenfeshie to the bridge over the River Feshie, which has a lovely path in from Invereshie. It’s great fun clambering on the rocks and playing in the river with the family. There’s lots to love here.”

Cath Wright, founder and forest therapy guide at Highland Quiet Life:

“My favourite place to Forest Bathe under a full moon, or as the sunrises and a new day begins, is along the shores of our beautiful lochs in the Cairngorms National Park, protected by the ancient Scots Pine trees.”

Andy Bateman, owner of Scot Mountain Holidays:

“Inshriach and Invereshie National Nature Reserve is one of my favourite places. It has some wonderful side valleys that drop through a fringe of first growth native Caledonian pine forest. Draped in lichens, the atmosphere is fantastic, a place where time has stood still!”

Ann Vastano, artist and co-owner, the Old Post Office Café Gallery in Kincraig:

“I have a deep affection for the beautiful Lochnagar, the White Mounth plateau, the corrie, loch and the area as a whole. I feel connected with the hill like an old friend, whenever we meet we always have a good time! The lichen, moss, burns, waterfalls and snow up high. The ptarmigan and eagle. The red deer and mountain hare. There is no better mountain in the north east of Scotland.”

Craigellachie Nature Reserve Skiing, Braemar Laggan Wolftrax

Moor of Feshie, Tom Bailey

Lochnagar

Anna Riddell, founder and biking guide at RideOut Coaching:

Loch Garten

“I love Laggan Wolftrax as my favourite place to ride as the mountain biking trails are challenging and exciting with the most incredible views in all directions. It’s wild, rugged, and so beautiful.”

Uath Lochans, Farleitter Crag

River Feshie Loch Vaa

Old Pack Horse Bridge, Carrbridge

Sarah and Alastair Hubbard, co-owners of Cranford Guest House, Braemar

“We love both ski touring in the mountains and cross country skiing in the glens. Braemar is the perfect base for both!”

Spud the Piper (Callum Fraser):

“ was brought up in Carrbridge and my dad played the pipes here for 30 years. It means the world to me, this spot on top of the bridge, as I always think of him when I’m stood up there”