10 things to do to have a memorable break in the magical Cairngorms
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We're in the midst of winter – if you don't believe us just check out the snow forecast for the coming days – and where better to be than in the magical Cairngorms?
The region has so many activities to enjoy and sights to see and all within an easy short drive with many of these being pretty unique to this stunning part of the world.
It is so special in fact that the Cairngorms is the UK's largest national park.
At the centre of it all is Aviemore with its excellent road, rail and air links.
And Macdonald Hotel and Resort's very own four star family holiday retreat is at the heart of the village.
It makes for the perfect base to enjoy the wealth of things to do from snowsports at Scotland's most famous ski resort – Cairngorm Mountain – to strolls on the shores of breathtaking lochs such as the enchanting Lochan Uaine.
The beauty spot is known locally as the Green Lochan and said to take its emerald colour from the local fairies who wash their clothes in the waters to give its magical glow.
Speaking of magical glows, the Aviemore resort has its own wonderful spa so go and pamper yourself whilst the kids (and dads, grannies and grandads) enjoy the leisure pool or take in a movie at the Spey Valley Cinema.
Here is just a small selection of some of the fantastic things to do in the Cairngorms this February half-term from your base at the Aviemore resort:
Want an adventure? You're in the right place!
It would not be a visit to the Cairngorms in winter without taking a trip up to Scotland's most famous ski resort. Cairngorm Mountain is a 20 minute drive away from the Macdonald Aviemore Resort through some of the most scenic landscape imaginable.
There is also now a regular hourly bus link from the village to the resort – the Aviemore Adventurer.
February half-term usually guarantees snow but if Mother Nature does not deliver then the beginners slopes are snow assured thanks to the resort's own SnowFactory.
Pick up your skis and boards and take on runs including the Ciste, the Gunbarrel, the Traverse and White Lady.
The resort caters for all abilities and last winter installed two of its own magic carpets which means that learners do not have to grapple with the dreaded T-bars and Poma lifts until they have found their ski (or snowboard) legs.
Unfortunately the resort's mountain railway is out of action at the moment but there are still stunning views to enjoy for those who do not want to hit the slopes and the chance to grab a warming hot chocolate or something a bit more boozy to enjoy by the stove at the Day Lodge.
There are also plenty of other things to do at the resort as it moves with the times (and climate) and becomes a year-round destination.
Recently introduced activities include mountain biking and tubing. Due to its locations, what is on offer of course depends on the time of the year and the weather conditions. Find out more about the resort and ski conditions here.
If snowsports are not your thing – or the weather means the resort is closed – then how about swinging through the trees with G2 Outdoor on Alvie Estate just a short drive from the Aviemore resort?
The Zip Trek is an adrenaline filled aerial ride on 14 wires through stunning a Scottish pine forest. Starting gently, the wires increase in length and height as you move through the course, flying high above the Alvie Gorge. You’ll be accompanied by a zip guide throughout the course to show you the ropes (literally) and operate the brakes as the wires get bigger.
The longest zip wire is 550m long reaching speeds of 40mph!
Sample the breathtaking natural beauty of the Cairngorms
Why not walk off the excesses of those holiday treats by taking a hike up to the top of the peak which overlooks Aviemore and gave the Clan Grant their famous battlecry 'Stand fast Craigellachie!'?
The start of the path to Craigellachie National Nature Reserve can be accessed from the Macdonald Aviemore Resort from just behind the play park.
The reserve which is cared for by NatureScot boasts birch woodland, open glades, tree-fringed lochs and slopes rising to the craggy summit standing at 496m (1627ft).
Around 50 bird species call the reserve home including rare species such as spotted flycatcher, lesser redpoll, tree pipit and black grouse so take your ornithology book with you.
Furthermore, a pair of peregrine falcons nest on the crags which can be viewed through a webcam in the visitor centre section of the nearby Aviemore Youth Hostel.
For the most part the track to the top is easy to follow and not too exerting although there is a short steeper section near to the highest vantage points.
However, great care needs to be taken by anyone walking the route in icy and snowy conditions – we would recommend the hike on a calm, clear and mud free day!
The effort to reach the top – which takes a little over an hour for most – is well worth it with superb views over to the Cairngorms and up and down the strath.
A network of paths cross the reserve so take your pick of one of four routes and enjoy the chance for some peace and solitude.
For those who just want a taste of the beauty spot then there is a well-marked track taking in Loch Pulladdern at the bottom of the reserve – and just a 15 minute walk from the resort.
Discover the ultimate family getaway
Enhance your half-term break with a stay at the four-star Macdonald Aviemore Resort offering a variety of fun leisure activities and full entertainment schedule for the whole family.
It's a paradise for kids and a relaxing escape for parents, starting at just £299 per family per night for two-night stay.
But that's not all. You can also enjoy unlimited access to the wonderful Aviemore Activity Centre with large indoor pool and fun slide, soft play, and exciting children's activity rooms.
Plus, the resort has also lined up some fantastic activities and entertainment during your break, as well as a complimentary pass for the family at the Spey Valley Cinema – so you'll never hear cries of 'I'm bored' from the kids (or dad)!
The resort itself is just a short stroll from the centre of Aviemore with its good range of shops, bars and restaurants and within a short drive of the wealth of family fun activities and sights to be seen across Badenoch and Strathspey.
These include stunning Loch an Eilein and Lochan Mor (better known as the Lily Loch) on nearby Rothiemurchus, the wonderful beach at Loch Morlich and its watersports facilities and how about stepping back in time with a visit to Ruthven Barracks – built by George II's government between 1719 and 1721 following the Jacobite rising of 1715 – on the outskirts of Kingussie.
Book your February half-term family break today!
Click on these links to find out more: https://cairngorms.co.uk/discover-explore/enjoying-the-park/planning-a-visit/ and https://www.visitscotland.com/things-to-do/landscapes-nature/national-parks/cairngorms
Have a wild day out – and meet the polar bears
There is a wild time to be had just six miles from the resort. You don't even have to leave your car as you come face to furry face with nature at its most fascinating.
At the Highland Wildlife Park, by Kincraig, you carry on driving through a reserve which is home to a herd of European bison, Bukhara and red deer, European elk, Przewalski’s horse and vicuna.
There is, of course, the option to get a closer look to some of the most amazing species such as the Amur tigers. The park is home to five of the magnificent beasts.
You'll see Arctic foxes Jack and Sarah and their five cubs Spruce, Storm, Rosie, Dena and Toots, born last May. The Arctic fox is now extinct in Scotland but a trip to Kincraig will give you a glimpse of how they lived here until the last Ice Age.
Harry Potter fans will be fascinated to find the park's Eurasian eagle owls in the walkaround area (quite near the wildcats!) and there's a chance to come close to the two great grey owls in the collection. Edwin and his daughter Zooni live in the enclosure next to the woodland walk.
Other animal highlights include the troop of snow monkeys and, of course, the resident polar bears Walker, Arktos, Victoria and her cub, Brodie.
There is also the chance to find out more about the wonderful conservation working being done by wildlife park owners The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland both overseas and close to home - including an amazing success story to save the pine hoverfly which is one of the UK's rarest insects.
And there's a gift shop: Wildthings is packed with souvenirs and Antlers Café in the visitor centre.
Get steaming on the Cairngorms very own heritage railway line
While enjoying a state-of-the-art break at the Aviemore resort you can enjoy a bit of retro too – and in great style.
On the doorstep of the resort there's Aviemore's very own heritage railway station and there's a platform there (just over the bridge from the main line) which will take you all the way back to the great age of steam.
The Strathspey Steam Railway runs a quality 'nostalgia' service during the half-term break, taking its passengers through to the bijou Boat of Garten and Broomhill stations so enjoyed by TV fans who fell in love with the BBC's poplar long running series 'Monarch of the Glen'.
The locos used by the company area certainly the real McCoy, with beautifully-appointed observation carriages which, while allowing the feel and comfort of the glory days, offer the travellers the most majestic, panoramic views of the Spey valley and the Cairngorms which are not so easily available from the road.
As well as the period carriages, there is the 'Beavertail' to take in the views. Recently restored to its original 1937 Art Deco interior, this streamlined carriage is so named on the railway because of its distinctive 'beaver tail' shape, and has armchair seating for 22, together with attended service.
It's well worth checking out the company's website to see just what trains will be running and when.
But a service will certainly be available during the half-term break and its bar will be open for the journey, with a trolley service running as well.
The price of the railway line's Coronation Service includes tea and coffee.
