What's On in the Cairngorms March 2017

What’s On FREE

MARCH

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Local Story: A Feast of Festivals Special Offers!

Events: Over 70 This Month

www.visitcairngorms.com

1 What’s On. . . . . . . . . . . . .

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1 Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 1 Local Stories. . . . . . . . . . . . 12 1 To Do. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 1 Eat and Drink . . . . . . . . . . . 16 1 Accommodation. . . . . . . . . . 18 The What’s On guide is also available online at www.visitcairngorms.com

Published by and all advertising sales Cairngorms Business Partnership Tel: 01479 810200. info@visitcairngorms.com www.visitcairngorms.com Produced by Landmark Press Carrbridge www.landmark-press.com Tel: 01479 841900.

Photo credits: Front Cover: Beverley Thain. Photography: Cairngorm Mountain, Natural Retreats, Dave Fallows, Alastair Hubbard, CNPA, Wee Epics, Visit Scotland.

What’s On in march

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elcome to the Cairngorms National Park and the Maarch edition of What’s On, the free events guide.

To help you make the most of your time here we’ve put together an essential guide packed with what’s happening in the area.

We’ve got some great ideas for things to do, places to see, where to eat and drink, and places to stay.

March brings an exciting mix of inspiring and adventurous events. To kick things off Braemar launches a new Mountain Festival, 3 days of talks, workshops and exhibitions.

Glenshee Ski centre hosts a series of snow sports competitions throughout the month and Cairngorm Mountain sees the return of the UpBattle Splitboard Weekend, a great opportunity to test out some split boards. The Aviemore Adventure Festival also returns, celebrating the best of outdoor and adventure culture with a series of talks, films, taster experiences and much more. If you’re looking to hear some local musical talent check out the Badenoch and Strathspey Musical Festival or head to Braemar and get involved with the Dee and Don Ceilidh Collective weekend. Whatever you decide to do this month we hope you have a great time exploring the Park!

The Cairngorms National Park has something for everyone.

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What’s On

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Contents

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25-26th March

what’s on in march

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ou are in an all year round destination with lots going on.

Use the listings to plan your fun! The Events of Interest list outlines exhibitions and events of interest over more than one day, the Calendar section gives you a day by day list of events and Day by Day shows regular events. For more information on all the events below please refer to www.visitcairngorms.com/whatson

Events of Interest

what’s on march 2017

3rd-5th March

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Braemar Mountain Festival (BMF) Throughout Braemar.

See daily listings. www.braemarmountainfestival.com BMF: Exhibition St Margarets Church, Braemar. www.braemarmountainfestival.com

The Dee and Don Ceilidh Collective Victoria & Albert Halls, Ballater. T: 07775 308321. www.deedonceilidhcollective.org.uk

Calendar of Events

9th-12th March Aviemore Adventure Festival (AAF) Various Locations. See daily listings.

T: 07563 203298. www.aviemoreadventureff.org

Wednesday 1st March Badger Watch Nethy Bridge. 5.30pm.

T: 01479 831768. www.highlandbadgers.net

11th-18th March British Freeride Junior Weekend Glenshee Ski Centre. www.snowsportscotland.org

Thursday 2nd March F Evening Talk: An Eagle l

Odyssey by Ronan Dugan Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk 4th-6th March 11th-12th March Wine Tasting with SSBX - Scottish Ski & Scottish Masters Ski Races Woodwinters Boarder Cross Glenshee Ski Centre.

The Pagoda, Grantown on Spey.

Glenshee Ski Centre. www.ssbx.co.uk www.snowsportscotland.org 6.30-8.30pm. T: 01479 873877. www.thepagoda.scot 13th-22nd March 9th-11th March Scratching the Surface The Gathering (Discussions, Badenoch and Strathspey Art Workshop Music Festival Brainstorming & Boat of Garten Community Performances) Various Locations. 9am-9pm.

Hall. 9.30am-2.30pm.

T: 07599 957100.

Boat of Garten Community Hall, info@boathall.org.uk www.strathfest.com Boat of Garten.

Friday 3rd March www.thetouringnetwork.com/the13th-18th March gathering-2017 Cheese & Wine Tasting F Nethy Bridge l Muckrach Lodge, Dulnain Bridge.

Community Charity Shop 6pm. Booking essential.

MAKE SURE Abernethy Church Hall, Nethy T: 01479 851227.

‘WHAT’S ON’ Bridge. Mon 10am-4pm & 6.30www.muckrach.com KNOWS 8pm, Tues-Fri 10am-2pm, Sat WHAT’S ON! BMF: Opening Night 10-12pm. T: 01479 821222.

Contact Jolene at info@visitcairngorms.com Castleton Hall, Braemar. 7pm. or register your event online at www.visitcairngorms.com/whatson braemarfestival@gmail.com 18th-19th March to get your events in www.braemarmountainfestival.com Copy deadline 5th of March UpBattle Splitboard for April 2017 edition.

Let the Weekend beGIN Specific Weekender Boat of Garten Community Hall.

Cairngorm Mountain, Aviemore.

F Free Entry to Event l 7-9.30pm. info@boathall.org.uk T: 07867 771001.

What’s On

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BMF: An Evening with Victor Saunders Village Hall, Braemar. 7.30pm. www.braemarmountainfestival.com BMF: Photography Workshop with Steven Rennie Village Hall, Braemar. 9am.

Booking essential. www.braemarmountainfestival.com BMF: Talk by Poet and Writer Alec Finlay Village Hall, Braemar. 10am.

Booking essential. www.braemarmountainfestival.com F BMF: Visit to Braemar l Mountain Rescue Centre Braemar Mountain Rescue Centre. 2pm. www.braemarmountainfestival.com BMF: Book Launch and talk by Geoff Allan Village Hall, Braemar. 4pm.

Booking essential. www.braemarmountainfestival.com BMF: Avalanche Awareness for Tourers and Freeriders Castleton Hall, Braemar.

9am. Booking essential. www.braemarmountainfestival.com BMF: Navigation Skills for Beginners Castleton Hall, Braemar.

9.30am-1pm. Booking essential. www.braemarmountainfestival.com BMF: Introduction to Ski Touring Castleton Hall, Braemar.

9am. Booking essential. www.braemarmountainfestival.com BMF: Introduction to Telemarking Castleton Hall, Braemar. 9am & 1.30pm. Booking essential. www.braemarmountainfestival.com

BMF: Introduction to Cross Country Skiing Braemar. 9.30am.

Booking essential. www.braemarmountainfestival.com BMF: Ski Tech - Sessions Castleton Hall, Braemar. 10am & 2pm. www.braemarmountainfestival.com Strathspey Thistle v Huntly Seafield Park, Grantown on Spey.

3pm. www.strathspeythistlefc.co.uk Live music with Ivan Drever Glenbuchat Bothy, Strathdon.

8pm. T: 01975 641303. www.glenbuchatmusic.co.uk

Sunday 5th March BMF: Film Night - Best of Kendal Mountain Festival Village Hall, Braemar. 7.30pm. www.braemarmountainfestival.com BMF: Photography Workshop with Dale Johnson Village Hall, Braemar. 9am.

Booking essential. www.braemarmountainfestival.com BMF: Talk by Dr Samantha Walton Village Hall, Braemar. 1.30pm.

Booking essential. www.braemarmountainfestival.com BMF: Introduction to Winter Skills with Heather Morning Castleton Hall, Braemar. 9am.

Booking essential. www.braemarmountainfestival.com BMF: Navigation Skills for Improvers Castleton Hall, Braemar.

9.30am. Booking essential. www.braemarmountainfestival.com

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BMF: Ski Tech - Sessions Castleton Hall, Braemar. 10am & 2pm. www.braemarmountainfestival.com BMF: Guided Ski Tour Castleton Hall, Braemar.

9am. Booking essential. www.braemarmountainfestival.com F BMF: Telemarking l Social Glenshee Cafe, Braemar. 10am. www.braemarmountainfestival.com BMF: Introduction to Cross-Country Skiing Braemar. 9.30am.

Booking essential. www.braemarmountainfestival.com F BMF: Guided Social l Hill Run Castleton Hall, Braemar. 10am. www.braemarmountainfestival.com Belly Dancing Workshop The Pagoda, Grantown on Spey.

10am-12 noon. T: 01479 873877. www.thepagoda.scot

Monday 6th March Evening Talk: Wild Britain Through Four Seasons by Brian Fulle Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey.

8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk Talk: The Real Rudolph Boat of Garten Community Hall.

7.30-9pm. info@boathall.org.uk F l

what’s on march 2017

Saturday 4th March

Wednesday 8th March F Evening Talk: A Nature l

Enthusiasts Year by Brian Fuller Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk F Free Entry to Event l

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10pm-12pm. T: 07563 203298.

Badger Watch www.aviemoreadventure.org Nethy Bridge. 5.30pm.

T: 01479 831768 or 07787 323264. AAF: Evening Talk with www.highlandbadgers.net Climber Cedar Wright Spey Valley Cinema, Aviemore.

Thursday 9th March 7-9.45pm. T: 07563 203298.

F Live Music with l www.aviemoreadventure.org The Bevvy Sisters & F Live Music & Dancing l The Miss’s with Nigel Dyson The Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore.

Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie.

8.30pm. T: 01479 811137.

Live Music. 8.30pm-10.30pm. www.oldbridgeinn.co.uk F Insh Marshes Spring l Clean Friday 10th March Ivy Cottage, Insh. 10am-3.30pm.

AAF: Evening Talk with T: 01540 661518.

Adventure Cyclist Emily Chappell Live Music with Spey Valley Cinema, Bronwynne Brent Aviemore. 7.30-10.15pm.

Glenbuchat Hall, Strathdon. www.aviemoreadventure.org 8pm-11pm. T: 01975 641303. www.glenbuchatmusic.co.uk Y-Engage Grantown YMCA Community Sunday 12th March Centre, Grantown on Spey. 7-9pm.

AAF: Evening Talk with T: 01479 872262.

Mountaineer Mick Fowler www.grantowncommunitycentre.org Spey Valley Cinema, Aviemore.

F Free Slalom Training l 7-9.45pm. T: 07563 203298.

Day www.aviemoreadventure.org Glenshee Ski Centre.

AAF: Talk with Kayak jerrr@hotmail.com Expeditioner Justine Saturday 11th March Curgenven Spey Valley Cinema, Aviemore.

AAF: Panel Discussion Q&A: The role of 2.30-5.15pm. T: 07563 203298.

Adventure in Education www.aviemoreadventure.org Spey Valley Cinema, Aviemore.

3.30-5pm. T: 07563 203298.

Tuesday 14th March www.aviemoreadventure.org Inverallan Old Time Dancing Scottish Park & Pipe Slopestyle Open Inverallan Church Hall, Grantown Cairngorm Mountain, Aviemore. on Spey. 7.30pm-10pm. www.snowsportscotland.org T: 01479 851353.

F AAF: Festival Party with l F Folk Sessions at the l Live Music from SEAFRET OBI Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore.

The Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore.

8.30pm-12am. T: 01479 811137.

F Free Entry to Event l www.oldbridgeinn.co.uk What’s On

Thursday 16th March F Evening Talk: Ice l

Bound by Darren Rees Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey.

8.30pm-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk

Friday 17th March Concert: Icaria Duo St Bride’s Parish Church, Newtonmore. 7-30-9.30pm.

T: 01540 673422.

Saturday 18th March Chocolate Master Class Muckrach Lodge, Dulnain Bridge.

Booking essential. T: 01479 851227. www.muckrach.com F Table Top Sale l The Pagoda, Seafield Avenue, Grantown on Spey. 10am-2pm.

T: 01479 873877. www.thepagoda.scot Newtonmore 10 Mile Race and 2 Mile Fun Run Village Hall, Newtonmore.

11am-2pm. T: 01540 670048. www.newtonmore.com Strathspey Thistle v Inverurie Locos Seafield Park, Grantown on Spey.

3pm. www.strathspeythistlefc.co.uk

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Please check the online calendar at www. visitcairngorms. com/whatson for further details and extra events

Sunday 19th March

Sunday 26th March

Mother’s Day Sunday Lunch Monday 20th March Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 12-3pm.

F Evening Talk: l T: 01479 810233.

Tasmanian and Exotic Mothers Day Bubbly Birds by Mike Blair Brunch Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey.

The Pagoda, Grantown on Spey.

8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526.

12-2pm. T: 01479 873877. www.bwwc.co.uk www.thepagoda.scot

Every Day in March Every Monday F Braemar Health Walk l

Group Under the Mews, Braemar.

10-11am. (Not the 1st Jan).

T: 01339 741426.

Cash Bingo (18+) Royal British Legion, Grantown on Wednesday 22nd March Spey. 7.50pm. (Not the 1st Jan).

Monday 27th March F Evening Talk: Birds in l T: 01479 873690.

F Evening Talk: More the Australian landscapes l F Live Music l Welsh Wildlife by Iolo

by Mike Blair Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore.

Williams Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on 8.30-10.30pm.

Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey.

Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.hiltonaviemore.com 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk www.bwwc.co.uk F Live Music & Dancing l Friday 24th March with George Gordon Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie.

Live Music with The Kaela Wednesday 29th March F Live Music with Boo l Live Music. 8.30-10.30pm.

Rowan Band Glenbuchat Hall, Strathdon. 7.30pm. Hewerdine F Live Entertainment l The Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore.

T: 01975 641303.

Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. www.glenbuchatmusic.co.uk 8.30pm. www.oldbridgeinn.co.uk 9.30pm.

Saturday 25th March Slush Fest The Lecht 2090, Strathdon. www.lecht.co.uk F OBI Club: Niteworks l DJs The Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore.

9pm. T: 01479 811137. www.oldbridgeinn.co.uk

Thursday 30th March F Laggan Heritage Talk: l

Bob Powell - Working Horses Laggan Hall, Laggan. 7.30pm.

T: 01528 544722.

what’s on march 2017

Haughs of Cromdale 10K Road Race Cromdale Hall, Grantown on Spey.

1.30pm. T: 01479 873488.

Presentation on Bob Scott Braemar Village Hall, Braemar.

7.30-9pm T: 01339 741511. www.braemarlhg.com F Encounter with l an Eagle Glen Doll Car Park, Kirriemuir.

11am-2pm. T: 01575 550233.

Every Tuesday F Glenlivet Health Walk l

Glenlivet Public Hall, Bridgend of Glenlivet. 9.45-10.45am.

(Not the 2nd Jan).

T: 01807 590689 (evenings).

F Free Entry to Event l

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what’s on march 2017 things to do

F Grantown Health Walk Rotary Club of Spey l

Group Curling Rink Car Park Anagach Wood. 10.30-11.30am. (Not the 2nd Jan). T: 01479 872142.

F Ballater Health Walk l Group Glenmuick Church Hall. 1-2pm.

(Not the 2nd Jan).

T: 01339 755634.

F Nethy Bridge Health l Walk Group Meet by Community Centre, Dell Road. 1-2pm. (Not the 2nd Jan).

T: 07519 569005.

Grantown-on-Spey Slimming World Royal British Legion, Grantown on Spey. 3:30-9pm. T: 07545 399160.

Senior Youth Club Grantown YMCA Community Centre, Grantown on Spey.

6:45-8:45pm. T: 01479 872262. www.grantowncommunitycentre.org F Live Music & Dancing l with Kenny Nairn Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, 8pm. T: 01540 661302.

F Live Music l Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore. 8.30pm.

Quiz Night Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

T: 01479 810233.

Every Wednesday Community Cafe St Andrews Church Hall, Aviemore.

10am-4pm.

F Boat of Garten Health l Walk Group Boat Hotel. 1.30-2.30pm.

T: 01479 831562.

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Valley Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore.

6-8.15pm. T: 01479 810233. www.speyvalley.rotary1010.org The Killiecrankies Cabaret Band Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie.

8.30-10.30pm. T: 01540 661302.

F Live Music l Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore.

8.30pm.

F Live Music with Davy l Holt Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

(Not the 11th).

Every Thursday F Kingussie Health Walk l

Group Badenoch Centre. 10.30-11.30am.

T: 01540 661878.

F Carrbridge Health l Walk Group Meet by the Old Bridge, Carrbridge.

11am-12 pm. T: 01479 841749.

F Aviemore Health Walk l Group Myrtlefield Car Park, near Mike’s Bikes. 1.30-2.30pm.

T: 01479 810519.

Junior Youth Club Grantown YMCA Community Centre, Grantown on Spey.

6:30-8pm. T: 01479 872262. www.grantowncommunitycentre.org F Live Music & Dancing l with Ronnie Douglas Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie. 8.30-10.30pm. www.dukeofgordonhotel.co.uk F Live Music with Tweed l Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore.

9.30pm.

What’s On

Every Friday F Glen Tanar Health l

Walk Glen Tanar Visitor Centre.

10-11.30am. T: 01339 886072.

F Tomintoul Health l Walk Tomnabat Court. 10-11am.

T: 01807 590689 (evenings).

Y-Engage Grantown YMCA Community Centre, Grantown on Spey. 7-9pm.

T: 01479 872262. www.grantowncommunitycentre.org F Live Music l Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore.

8.30pm.

Live Music with Carl Wilson Singer & Guitarist Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie.

8.30pm-10.30pm. T: 01540 661302.

F Live Music l Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore.

9.30pm.

Every Saturday Live Music Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore.

8.30pm.

Live Music with Nigel Dyson Singer & Guitarist Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, 8.30pm. T: 01540 661302.

F Live Music l Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

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Every Sunday F Live Music l

Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore.

8.30pm.

F Scottish Night with l Ceilidh Dancing Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, 8.30pm. T: 01540 661302.

l www.visitcairngorms.com

Music with Ruairidh Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 6-8pm.

T: 01479 810233.

Shinty

Newtonmore 2nds v Glenurquhart Shinty Match The Eilan, Newtonmore. 2.30pm. www.shinty.com

Saturday 18th March

Kingussie 1sts v Glenurquhart Shinty Newtonmore 1sts v Lovat Match Shinty Match The Dell, Kingussie. 2.30pm.

The Eilan, Newtonmore. 2.30pm. www.shinty.com www.shinty.com Newtonmore 2nds v Kingussie 2nd v Aberdeen Aberdeen University University Shinty Match Shinty Match The Dell, Kingussie. 2.30pm.

The Eilan, Newtonmore. 2.30pm. www.shinty.com www.shinty.com Strathspey v Kilmallie Shinty Match Grantown Grammer School, Grantown on Spey. 2.30pm. www.shinty.com

Saturday 4th March

Strathspey v Glengarry Shinty Match Grantown Grammer School, Grantown on Spey. 2.30pm. www.shinty.com

Saturday 25th March Newtonmore 2nds v Fort William Shinty Match The Eilan, Newtonmore. 2.30pm. www.shinty.com Strathspey v Lewis Shinty Match Grantown Grammer School, Grantown on Spey. 1.30pm. www.shinty.com

Details correct at time of going to press - please note events may change.

Saturday 11th March Kingussie 2nds v Fort William Shinty Match The Dell, Kingussie. 12pm. www.shinty.com Kingussie 1sts v Kilmallie Shinty Match The Dell, Kingussie. 3pm. www.shinty.com

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what’s on march 2017

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What’s On

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map

See www.visitcairngorms.com for more information on each of the villages in the area.

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A Feast of Festivals

he Cairngorms National Park is a natural when it comes to festivals, hosting an abundance of events that cater for all tastes and interests. Surrounded by inspiring, breath-taking scenery, it is an ideal setting for festivals that celebrate the great outdoors. Add to the mix, culture and heritage, and you have the makings of a festival calendar jam-packed with great experiences. Here is just a taster:

local stories things to do

Mountain Adventure With a backdrop of hills and peaks, it is to be expected that mountains feature on the festival line-up. Groove CairnGorm, the UK’s first resort based snowsports festival, with a unique blend of snowsports and electronic dance music, welcomed thousands to the Aviemore area in February. This month, Braemar Mountain Festival (3-5 March) promises to be a real celebration of the mountain environment. You can expect stimulating talks from writers and filmmakers; art and photography exhibitions and workshops as well as practical sessions on the ground or on the snow. Test your navigation skills, try ski touring or perhaps crosscountry. The next week (9-12 March), Aviemore Adventure Festival presents a diverse programme of outdoor activities, workshops and taster sessions. Enjoy action packed film screenings and inspiring lectures, delivered by enthusiastic modern day adventurers and explorers.

Braemar Mountain Festival 12 12

What’s On

Cairngorms Nature Big Weekend

Walking For exploring on foot, there is a fantastic range of walking festivals across the Park.

Organised walks and activities cater for all ages and abilities; gentle, easy, low-level, paths; routes for the more experienced walker and strenuous hikes that take in some of the UK’s highest peaks. Lasting from a few days to a week or longer, these festivals are ideal for a walking holiday amidst amazing scenery.

Walks are accompanied by rangers, estate managers or ecologists who share their knowledge of local history and wildlife.

Explore the hills and glens of Royal Deeside with the Ballater Walking Festival, held each May. Or savour the striking mountains and glens of Badenoch at the Badenoch Walking Festival. Encounter spectacular glens and wonderful coastal views as part of the Angus Glens Walking Festival (1-4 June) and for pure midsummer magic, the Moray Walking and Outdoor Festival (16-25 June) will steer you along the Moray Way and through surrounding towns and villages.

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The Park’s outstanding wildlife and scenery takes centre stage at the Cairngorms Nature BIG Weekend (13-14 May).

Family activities and specialist nature trips embrace a diverse programme of events – many of which are free. With miles of family orientated trails as well as invigorating mountain bike descents, cycling is one of the Park’s most popular activities. The Kingussie Bikeathon and Bikefest Scotland (25 June) is a 24-mile family friendly cycle event for everyone – which also raises funds for charity. Put the date in your diary now! Keen on orienteering? The 21st Scottish 6-days Orienteering international festival comes to Royal Deeside (30 July-5 August) taking advantage of the variety of terrain and stunning views.

Music, Arts & Entertainment A longstanding festival of music, dance, speech and drama takes place in venues in Kingussie and surrounding area. The 60th Badenoch & Strathspey Music Festival (13-22 March) is firmly engrained in the creative arts calendar and is acknowledged for encouraging participation and promoting these art forms. The Cairngorms Cèilidh Trail offers performance opportunities to young musicians, aged 16 to 22yrs, who share their skills and passion with appreciative audiences and are credited with helping to develop cultural tourism throughout the Park. 2017 auditions were held locally in February and we look forward to enjoying the musical talent of this year’s intake. Ceilidh Collective, a community music initiative launched in 2016 comprises six musical weekends of workshops, sessions and ceilidhs featuring the finest local musicians. Catch the last of the series, this March, in Ballater.

Head to Royal Deeside this summer for Ballater Victoria Week (4-13 August).

Ten days of fun filled activities attract

crowds to this popular annual festival.

2017 will be the event’s 30th anniversary so expect something even more special this year. Embracing arts, crafts, drama, literature and music, the autumn Braemar Arts Festival (18-22 October) celebrates the creative arts with workshops and a Festival Fringe, featuring great evening events.

Braemar Arts Festival

Food, Drink & Whisky Whether you enjoy the occasional malt or are a true whisky aficionada, you will appreciate the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival (27 April–1 May). Now in its 18th year, the festival has developed into one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world. Over 500 whisky inspired events are organised in distilleries, bars, halls and more unusual settings, to the delight of locals and visitors alike.

Food & Fiddle Fortnight is an October extravaganza of fantastic food and drink accompanied by live music. There’s lots to sample; cookery classes, food demos, farmers’ market and fiddle workshops.

Now that’s a winning formula!

local stories

Nature, Recreation & Sport

Whatever the festival, you can count on a unique and memorable experience.

Please visit www.visitaviemore.com/ whatson for online listings or check the respective festival websites and social media for updates.

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to do

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to do

here’s a whole host of things to do in the Cairngorms National Park and more and more people are discovering just how special this place is. There are so many ways to make the most of our beautiful surroundings so what are you waiting for? See www.visitcairngorms.com for more ideas and offers.

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to do

Free-Ski

Ski & Snowboard Lessons Email us at: enquiries@free-ski.co.uk www.free-ski.co.uk | Tel: 07495 028 578 www.visitcairngorms.com

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eat & drink

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ook out for local produce & help reduce food miles within the Cairngorms National Park. We really are spoilt for choice.

If you’re still stuck for ideas have a look at the next few pages and you’ll soon be inspired!

THE CROSS AT KINGUSSIE

eat & drink

RIVERSIDE RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS

Fine Dining in the Cairngorms Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner AA Three Red Rosettes Good Food & Michelin Guides 2017 www.thecross.co.uk 01540 661166

Boat of Garten - Tel: 01479 831 466

Dows Store & The Osprey Café

Local, Seasonal, Creative Food, Relaxed & Informal Dining Experience.

·· · ··

Fresh Food & Groceries Firewood & Kindling Serving homemade and locally sourced produce daily Open 7 days a week Home Delivery Available

Boat of Garten 01479 831225

Garth Hotel

* WEDNESDAY NIGHT PIE NIGHT ~ A Delicious pie with mash or chips, and a beer or wine for only £13 * CELLAR SUNDAY NIGHT ~ Traditional Sunday Roast £12.95.

Bring your own wine. * LUNCH SPECIAL ~ Monday to Saturday, daily changing blackboard menu, 2 courses £11.99, 3 courses £14.99 (Normal menu also available. Closed Tuesdays.)

T: 01479 831 466 or E: info@andersonsrestaurant.co.uk

www.andersonsrestaurant.co.uk THE

& Restaurant

ROWAN TRE E

COUNTRY HOTEL & RESTAURANT M Family run hotel with a warm and friendly atmosphere M Modern Scottish Cuisine using local produce created by Award-winning team M Good Selection of Wines and Local Beers M Over 70 malt Whiskies M Childrens Menu Restaurant open Tues-Sun 6-8.30pm Reservations Recommended Loch Alvie, by Aviemore - 2 miles S. on B9152 T: 01479 810 207 www.rowantreehotel.com

Royal Tandoori Restaurant and Take-away

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Restaurant open 7.30am-9.30pm Lunch served Monday-Sunday 12-5pm Evening meals served 5-9:30pm Early Bird Voucher - Sun-Fri until 6.30pm

OPEN 7 DAYS

Lunch 12noon-2pm

15% discount based on pre-booking & taking 2 Courses - booking essential

The Square (Castle Rd) Grantown 01479 872 836 n www.garthhotel.com 16

What’s On

Evening 5-10.30pm

Authentic Indian Cuisines Three Course Business Lunch ~ £7.95 10% Discount on Take-away Meals A La Carte Menu Freshly Prepared Coffees Private Function Room ~ Ideal For Stag, Hen Or Birthday Parties

Tel: 01479 811199 or 01479 811118

43 Grampian Road, Aviemore PH22 1RH www.royaltandoori.uk.com

l www.visitcairngorms.com

eat & drink

Cairngorm Hotel The Place to Eat and Meet Opposite Aviemore Railway Station

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Great Freshly Prepared Food All Day Beers, Wines, Spirits & Malts In the lively Lounge, All Day ‘til Late with Regular Entertainment + Live TV Sports

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Bed & Highland Breakfast from £52 per person, per night

Grampian Road Aviemore 01479 810 23 n www.cairngorm.com www.visitcairngorms.com

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What’s On

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accommodation

W

e have a superb choice of quality accommodation in the area. Use the accommodation finder on www.visitcairngorms.com to help plan your trip and keep an eye on the special offers page for last minute deals and great savings.

accommodation

Great North Lodges

silverglades

holiday homes

Group of luxury self catering lodges. Set in fantastic locations, throughout the Spey Valley, within the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland. We cater for all tastes, budgets and party sizes from 1 guest up to 23 guests. (Pets Welcome). Most of our lodges have log fires and wonderful outside Hot Tubs, many have luxury extras, including Saunas, Sky TV, Wi-Fi Internet access and much, much more. www.greatnorthlodges.co.uk gnl@greatnorthlodges.co.uk “Book Online” or call our Aviemore Office on 01479 812266

Cairngorm Highland Bungalows Beautifully furnished and equipped 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedroomed bungalows sleeping 2 - 8. Open fires.

Mountain views, pets welcome, Leisure Club/Golf facilities available.

Easy walking distance to Aviemore.

S.T.B. 3H - 4H Contact Linda Murray Tel: 01479 810653 www.cairngorm-bungalows.co.uk

tel: 01479 810165 email: info@silverglades.co.uk web: www.silverglades.co.uk

March Madness! Up to 33% Off, 2 nights from £232 Stylish self-catering bungalows in Aviemore. 3 & 4 star available. From 1-4 bedrooms.

All have TV, DVD, free view channels & Wi-Fi. BBQ, own garden & drive. Some with sauna, wood burner, designer kitchen & flat screen TV. Pets welcome in allocated properties. Guests discounted golf & leisure nearby.

STB HHH & HHHH. Colour brochure & Virtual Tours.

CHECK OUT 100 THINGS TO DO IN THE CAIRNGORMS #100thingstodoCNP www.visitcairngorms.com/100

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What’s On

l www.visitcairngorms.com