Points of interest
For outdoor activities, including hill walking, mountain biking and skiing, Cairngorm Mountain is close by. Even closer are the Hills of Cromdale and the famous Piper’s Stone. Our local town, Grantown on Spey has a good selection of interesting shops and restaurants etc.
This is Malt Whisky land! One of our neighbours has calculated that there are over 30 distilleries within 30 miles of Lochan Cottage. Some well known names are within a 10-40 minute drive; Balmenach, Cragganmore, Aberlour, Knockando, Cardhu, Macallan, Glen Grant, Glenfiddich / Balvenie, Glenfarclas, Glenlivet, Tomintoul, Tamdhu, Tomatin, Glen Moray, Dallas Dhu, Dalwhinnie, Benromach, Longmorne etc. Did you know that some also distil Gin? Balmenach, just outside the farm boundary, distils Caorunn Gin which is absolutely delicious – try to locate some.
In addition to the Capital of the Highlands, Inverness (being approximately 40 minutes away), other major attractions are within 1 – 2 hours drive e.g. Loch Ness, the West Coast and Skye, Balmoral and Royal Deeside and Aberdeen.
The area abounds in excellent golf courses, with the closest in Grantown on Spey (18-hole). Others such as Carrbridge (9 hole), Boat of Garten (9 hole), Spey Valley (Aviemore), Castle Stuart, Royal Dornoch, Nairn, Kingussie, Tain are all within a reasonable distance.
There are innumerable great walks (both long and short) in the locality with the Speyside Way passing through the northern edge of the farm. You can even spend a day at an inland beach on Loch Morlich at the foot of Cairngorm Mountain!
Lochan Lodge is a true haven for bird watchers. Not only are there two RSPB reserves within easy reach (Loch Garten and Insh Marshes) but there is an abundance of really interesting birdlife on the farm itself. The wader population (in season) is quite astounding and there is even the possibility of observing (through Lochan Lodge’s panoramic windows) the Osprey catch his breakfast while you enjoy your own!
On the farm itself you will not only see the perennial rabbits, but you may also catch a sighting of Roe and Red deer, Brown Hare, Stoat, Pine Marten and even the elusive Scottish Wild Cat.
PS. Steph ran a mini-coach tour business in this area for 7 years so is a ‘fount of knowledge’ regarding the area and its attractions – she would be delighted to help you out!
