Swiss Cottage

Across the road just a couple of minutes’ walk from the cottage is a shop/PO that is very handy for stocking up on provisions and also has a petrol station to fill up at.

At the Delnashaugh Hotel (0.25 miles) some of the local whiskies can be sampled in the bar or the restaurant can provide a welcome break from cooking for lunch or an evening meal. The cottage is right on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park so it is ideally situated for exploring the park or trying out the North East 250 touring route that passes close by.

Ballindalloch Castle (1.5 miles) has been home to the Macpherson-Grant family since 1546 and is still a family home to this day. Tours of the castle are available, along with its three formal gardens that have wonderful trees and flowers and there is even a herd of black Aberdeen Angus cows that can be seen grazing in the grounds.

Fishing can be arranged on the wonderful River Spey and this truly is whisky country with more than half of Scotland’s distilleries being based within Speyside. The trail starts at the Estate’s own distillery where the family’s extensive distillation experience is put to good use creating some superb single malts. From there you are spoilt for choice with several other distilleries to visit in easy reach.

Wild Alba Tours (1 mile) run wildlife walks and 4x4 safaris with experienced guides that know the best places to spot an array of local wildlife including red squirrels, pine martens, mountain hares and roe deer.

Right on the River Spey on the coast at Spey Bay (26 miles) dolphins and whales can often be spotted out in the waters of the Moray Firth and it is also well worth popping across to visit the lovely beaches at Lossiemouth or Findhorn.