Lachlan (aged 11) top 5 places to visit in the area (plus a sneaky few extras)
This week we aren't talking food but kids favourite places to visit that are local to the cottage, so who better to ask than our son. These are in no particular order and if you are familiar with the area, some of these I’m sure will be favourites in your family.
Less than a 10 minute drive away is Landmark Forest Adventure Park (https://www.landmarkpark.co.uk) which is in Carrbridge. No matter what your age there is something there for everyone ranging from café, butterfly sanctuary, dinosaurs, rollercoasters, wooden play area for the younger kids, walks, picnic area and the list goes on. A season pass can be cheaper so check that out before you buy online.
Next on the list is the Highland Wildlife Park (https://www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk) at Kincraig which is 25minutes drive or you can cycle on the Speyside Way. A great day out and again play area, café, picnic zone, tigers, monkeys, polar bears and you can do a safari. You have two ways to do the safari, firstly you drive around or secondly book in to get a guided tour in their own wee minibus which used to be free, but worth checking out.
As always, the outdoors features heavily on his favourite places to visit with Loch Insh Outdoor Centre (https://lochinsh.com) and Glenlivet Bike Trails (https://www.glenlivetestate.co.uk/outdoor-activities/mountain-biking) receiving regular visits. There is so much to do at Loch Insh from sitting looking at the view from the café or picnic area to hiring a paddleboard or getting a water sports lesson. In fact, every summer Lachlan goes for a weeks’ activities from 9:30-4pm which not only includes water sports but skiing and archery and he loves it. Again, you can cycle to Loch Insh from the cottage but that’s not the most practical for Glenlivet unless you are the keenest of cyclists. With parking the only cost if you have bikes, or you can hire bikes there, it is a great day out. A fab café and toilets are on offer. There is a small pump track and then lots of other exploring to do no matter what your age or ability.
Finally, he loves to shop for outdoor wear so a visit to Mountain Warehouse or the Tresspass sale is a must. Hopefully that’s given you some food for thought but we would be keen to hear what your kids’ favourites places to visit locally would be.
Ps a sneaky sixth one is the train ride at Grantown East and a seventh the chance to drive a train at the Strathspey railway (https://www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk)