Scottish MNers - I need your help!!!!!!

[zephyrcat]

Ok. Somrtime this summer, we need to take dd to see the reindeer that my Mum very kindly adopted her for xmas!

It's in the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Glenmore, Aviemore.

Last time I took dp to Scotland I took him on a tour of my childhood memories. Started in Aberdeen, went to Ballaer, Banchory, Braemar (Lin O' Dee, ski centre etc), Inverness, Fort William, Loch Ness and Ullapool... I think that's it!

I want to do something similar but obviously stopping by the Gelnmore park thing for a night.

Is anyone along this route and can recommend places to take the kids and nice/cheap places to stay?

TIA

[suedonim]

This site might help you, Zephyr.

[Pruni]

Message withdrawn

[seb1]

You need to talk to Wallace she lives up there

[seb1]

Some things in the area

landmark

also

strathspey steam railway

also

funicular railway

Also you can use your tesco points for entry to landmark and funicular railway

[zephyrcat]

Perfect - just the kind of things I need I'll have to keep a look out for Wallace, I didn't realise she was up that way.

Why's it best to avoid Aviemore?

We were up to those parts when I took dp but we coudn't get to Glenmore - or anywhere really for the foot and mouth thing.

Banchory was another place I love... Used to go there to see the Salmon jumping up the Feuch and walk out across the Dee on the rocks... dd would love that!!

[Pruni]

Message withdrawn

[expatinscotland]

That's good to know, Pruni!

We're planning a short holiday this summer, but staying in Scotland.

[zephyrcat]

lol will try to avoid it then!!

Just been looking at Balmedie Beach - the kids will be 5.6, 3, and just over a year old so will need things like beaches/seals/dolphins/parks etc to keep them amused whilst I relish in Fresh air and clean water!!

[hotandbothered]

Aviemore used to have the best fish and chip shop. Haggis supper - yum
Loch Morlich is gorgeous.
Landmark in Carrbridge is supposed to be good for kids..

[seb1]

This site is quite useful too kids-scotland

[sonsieface]

I think Aviemore is okay, it is quite near the place you are going, not picturesque itself, there is an old steam train that runs from there if you like that sort of thing, we went on a 2 yr old birthday trip on one, last september.

there is a place in rothiemurchus, that serves nice food, can't remember the name of it, it has a deli and shop, nice toddler friendly walks around there, lochs and pine trees,it is on the road to the reindeer place from Aviemore.(ssorry I am bad at directions too)

I cannot recommend places to stay unless you are camping

the thing is I live quite near Inverness and my mind is a blank... Belladrum music festival? (Inverness) not sure when it is on, though I think Wallace mentioned it in another thread

You fairly travelled the last time, Ullapool is a fair stretch from Aberdeen, are you thinking of travelling as much on your next trip?

Is it sight seeing, walking, historical places or do you want activities, events, etc?

[sonsieface]

Nairn has good beach, with children's paddling pool just off the beach, thoughit isn't exactly bonny

Findhorn is lovely, both the foundation place and the wide expanse of beach, really amazing

[zephyrcat]

We won't be going as far as Ullapool this time because of the little ones - they'll get too bored with all the driving. We wouldn't mind finding somewhere further West that we could find some seals or dolphins maybe - but not sure if the distance is realistic again.

We need a mixture of both really - although we have done our tour so I guess more for the kids this time...

[sonsieface]

oh i think i am too crap at place names to remember where the dolphin watching is, I did see Dolphins at Hopeman last year, was very special to see them, we'd lived here a year by then, somewhere further east there is a dolphin watching info centre, sort of Cullen direction I think

[seb1]

dolphins on moray firth . We are hoping to get to see some when we are on holiday up there this year

[suedonim]

The river Feugh runs near our house, Zephyr. There's a nice tearooms there now.

[sonsieface]

mmm Cullen has lovely ice-cream and very impressive pebbly beach, lovely to look at harbour etc

[suedonim]

Thinking about this, there's lots to do at Crathes Castle nowadays, the outdoor areas were revamped last year, new restaurants, shop and arial walkway. There's a railway place opposite as well, open summer weekends. And the Soft Bear Play centre near Finzean.

[zephyrcat]

suedonim! Do you know when we can catch the salmon leaping up the falls? From what I remember there was a little bridge in the town we used to stand on to see them.

[hotandbothered]

Pitlochry?

[sonsieface]

I remember watching salmon leap near Dunkeld... hermitage ?

lovely place liked having picnics there as a child

[suedonim]

Yes, there's a metal footbridge over the Falls so you're away from the traffic. I think summer is best for salmon, I don't think there's an exact month to see them.

[zephyrcat]

Yes that's it

I've just been looking at the website for Storybook Glen - anyone been there recently? I went about 20 years ago and I think it was a bit dire back then?!