Cottages in Newtonmore

Full of Highland history, music, and lore, discover the magic of Scotland in Newtonmore, its geographical heart. This is the place where you’ll discover a bright sky and open space, with awesome scenery perfect for hiking or a leisurely stroll. There are horse and carriage rides, treasure hunts, outdoor activities, and cultural hotspots to explore. Perhaps a scenic golf game or a day of fishing is on your itinerary, whatever your agenda you’ll likely find a suitable opportunity in the Scottish villages.

Just around the corner from the city centre, a stay in one of these visually stunning cottages will make your countryside aspirations come true. Complete with all the self-catering amenities, couples and families will enjoy gorgeously decorated living rooms as well as cosy bedrooms. Warm up by the fireplace with a classic novel. Plan the day’s itinerary in the picturesque garden and later take photo shoots. There is a myriad of ways to craft a holiday to remember with these Newtonmore cottages.

While in Scotland take a day to visit Highland Wildlife Park where you can drive around the facility and view the wildcats, polar bears and more in their natural habitats. At Cairngorms National Park drive through the gorgeous vistas and enjoy some of the walking routes. They boast wildlife, watersports and even snowsports during winter. Within the park, Invereshie and Inshriach National Nature Reserve offers dramatic habitats for woodland and upland plants, red squirrels, crossbills and more. The gnarled Krummholz pine is fascinating as well. Don’t miss the awesome ice-covered mountain plateaus of Sgòr Gaoith and Carn Bàn Mòr.

History enthusiasts will find their match in Newtonmore. The Clan Macpherson Museum features a rich collection of treasures from the Macpherson Clan dating to the 1100s. Fascinating paraphernalia, historical accounts and anecdotes will keep you busy here. For instance, the chronicles of the last Jacobites and the broken fiddle of Macpherson’s Lament. On a more serious note, you’ll hear the accounts of famous Clan members that have affected the world in scientific discoveries, sports, art, weapons, the contents of Cluny Castle, and much more. If you happen to have Macpherson ancestry this is a great place to explore your roots.

There’s plenty of adventure in the Highlands and Scottish countryside. Discover the Wildcat trail which passes through the great River Spey, the exhilarating gorge and waterfall. You can mountain bike, pony trek or hike along the trail which encircles Newtonmore with awesome views of the Cairngorm and Monadhliath mountain ranges shrouded by moorlands and woodlands. Pattack Falls has two parts: the lower and the true falls. The latter is more impressive and worth the search. Cairn Gorm Alpaca trekking is a wonderful family outing for close encounters with friendly Alpacas in their lovely habitat but pre-booking is a must for this one.

The Highland Folk Museum is a living museum where actors are dressed in ancestral garments demonstrating the domestic daily routines of the Scottish Highlanders. They have built houses after the original style with farming and old-style entertainment too. This venue dates to the 1700s with red squirrels and tree creepers adding to the general atmosphere.

Newtonmore Golf Club is a truly picturesque course with some challenging holes and a delightful staff to make you feel welcome. The Clubhouse offers a great menu to cap off your experience, whether you want to warm up or wind down from other courses this is a beautiful experience. Kingussie Golf Club challenging but a satisfying blend of course holes and exceptional victuals at the clubhouse. Spectacular views as well as superb greens make this venue a must-do.

Wildcat Centre (The Wildcat Experience) is a family-based scavenger hunt to find all 132 painted model wildcats. They are distributed in the gardens, trees and behind walls in the village. Get your Wildcat Experience Trackpack at the Post Office. It helps you collect the pictures on a map. You’ll receive a certificate and prizes after you finish.

Badenoch Angling Association Fishing is one of several fishing spots. It has mostly brown trout, but Salmon and Sea Trout are also in the estuary. Take the day and explore your options like Lochan Uvie and Laggan where there’s good pike fishing. You can obtain a permit online, then enjoy your fresh catch with an ale or pint.

At the Iona Gallery you’ll discover some lovely specimens of art and crafts in the Handmade of the Cairngorms studio. Jewellery, sculpture, ceramics and textiles are just a few of the unique items on sale. If you travel in winter the SBSA Winter Art Fair is a must. Spirit of Cairngorms is an open studio with one-on-one workshops as well.

While in Scotland a visit to the Highland Games can’t be missed! It’s the heartbeat of the Scots and a day of fun for all. From May through September, you’ll find the games scheduled throughout Scotland. Check the Scottish Highland Games Guide online where a full description of events including Tossing the Caber, Highland Dancing, Bagpipes and more is laid out with the locations.

The Scottish food scene includes local varieties of fresh caught Salmon, trout, and pike. At the Letterbox restaurant, you’ll find delicious venison and duck with a pint of ale or traditional whiskey. The Wild Flour on the main street offers a great atmosphere, delicious cakes, coffee, and snacks including vegetarian choices.