Aviemore & the Cairngorms
From ancient pine forests and island-castle lochs to mountains, watersports and wildlife, the very best of the Scottish Highlands begins right at the cottage door.
The Polchar sits within the Rothiemurchus Estate, on the road to Loch an Eilein and inside the Cairngorms National Park, about three miles from Aviemore. It is one of the finest bases in the Scottish Highlands for walking, wildlife, watersports and winter sports, with so much within a short drive that many guests barely move the car.
Highlights nearby
A short stroll from the cottage, this enchanting loch is famed for its ruined island castle and a beautiful circular walk through ancient Caledonian pine forest.
The Polchar sits within Rothiemurchus, one of the finest surviving tracts of Caledonian forest, with trails, a farm shop, fishing, clay shooting and Highland cattle.
The lively hub of the Cairngorms for shops, cafes and restaurants, the Strathspey steam railway and a mainline station with direct trains to Inverness and the south.
Scotland’s only freshwater beach, with watersports, forest trails, the Cairngorm reindeer herd and the funicular up Cairn Gorm mountain.
The UK’s largest national park: Munros and mountain biking in summer, snowsports at Cairngorm in winter, and dark skies for stargazing year round.
Watch for red squirrels, pine martens, ospreys and capercaillie. Nearby you can meet reindeer, go horse riding, canoe, or simply relax in the garden.
The famous Loch an Eilein circular walk begins just along the road from the cottage. This easy, mostly flat trail loops a beautiful loch with a ruined island castle, winding through ancient Caledonian pine forest where you may spot red squirrels and crossbills. It is one of the best loved walks near Aviemore, and is dog friendly throughout.
Step straight from the garden into Rothiemurchus, one of the largest surviving remnants of the great Caledonian pine forest. A network of waymarked trails suits everyone from buggies to serious hikers, and the estate offers fishing, clay shooting, off-road driving and a popular farm shop and cafe.
For experienced walkers, the high Cairngorm plateau is within easy reach, including Cairn Gorm and Ben Macdui, the second highest mountain in Britain. Gentler hill walks and waterfall trails around Glenmore and Loch an Eilein offer big Highland scenery without the commitment.
Loch Morlich, about six miles away, has Scotland’s highest sandy beach and a watersports centre offering canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing, all ringed by forest and mountains. It is a wonderful spot for a family day out, a picnic or a bracing wild swim.
At Cairngorm Mountain you can ride the funicular railway for sweeping views, walk the high trails in summer, or hit the slopes in winter, Aviemore being the heart of Scottish snowsports. Mountain bikers are spoilt for choice, from gentle forest loops at Glenmore to the world-class trails at nearby Laggan Wolftrax.
The Cairngorms are among the best places in Britain for wildlife. Look out for red squirrels, pine martens, crested tits and crossbills around the cottage, ospreys at nearby Loch Garten, and the free-ranging Cairngorm reindeer herd at Glenmore, which you can walk up to meet. Early risers may even glimpse capercaillie deep in the forest.
Just three miles away, Aviemore is the lively hub of the area, with shops, cafes, restaurants and outdoor outfitters. Ride the Strathspey Steam Railway through Speyside, and take advantage of the mainline station with direct trains to Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London, so you can even arrive without a car.
Beyond the cottage’s own play area and garden, families love the Landmark Forest Adventure Park, the Highland Wildlife Park at Kincraig (home to polar bears, wolves and tigers), meeting the reindeer, and a huge range of outdoor activities at Rothiemurchus, from pony trekking to gold panning.
Stock up at the Rothiemurchus farm shop, sample local produce in Aviemore’s pubs and restaurants, and explore the Speyside whisky trail, home to some of Scotland’s most famous distilleries. On wetter days there are distillery tours, the wildlife park, swimming and the steam railway to enjoy.