In 2007 The Potting Shed just outside Aviemore was selected by RSPB members as “Favourite Bird Feeding Station in Scotland”. In the same year they were nominated as one of Britain’s Top 10 cake shops by the Guardian. This is, in actual fact, a plant nursery but a cake shop has been set up in what looks like the potting shed. Outside the shop is a feeding station which attracts an array of birds. This is the perfect kind of animal viewing: sitting with a large slice of peanut cake and a cup of tea while staring out of the window watching Red Squirrels, Chaffinches, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Robins, Crested Tits, Blue Tits and occasionally a Pine Marten.

inshriachnursery.co.uk/
Inshriach Nursery, Aviemore, Inverness-shire, PH22 1QS
+44 (0) 1540 651 287
Google map: bit.ly/ko7p9o

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Rising up through the magnificent Cairngorm mountain range was the most beautiful sight I have had the privillege of experiencing in my short lifetime! Situated just a 45 minute drive from the main city of Inverness, lies a hidden gem of picturesque paradise. In my case, I was visiting my father, who lives in a small village on the outskirts of Inverness. He suggested we visit the Cairngorm mountain range as a pass time. Being only 13 at the time, my initial reaction was somewhat lacking in enthusiasm. However, with the proposition of an ice-cream or two, I was all set to go! Finding your way to the national park is relatively easy and well signposted. If you do struggle to find it however, simply stick your head out of the car window, and search for striking peaks, luscious scenery and the occasional free roaming deer!

After a relatively stress free journey, we arrived at the make shift car park. On a negative note, navigating your vehicle in the attempt of finding a space was quite tricky. However, the car park has been vastly improved since my last visit. The luxury of visiting a national park is that a vast proportion of public services are free of charge, although if you are feeling generous, you may wish to make a donation which would go towards the preservation of the park and its wildlife.

The true magnificence of the park, concerns the numerous activities which are available to the public. These range from walking with a ranger led group through the woods discovering new plants and animals, to mountain biking, canoeing and climbing. During my visit, we chose to simply take the small tram to the summit of one of the mountains in order to admire the parks aesthetic value. There was a small queue for the tram, but we waited no more than 10 minutes. The seating on the tram was comfy and the views on the way up became progressively more unbelievable. Stepping outside the tram station onto an uneven grassy plain was the beginning of a new interest. Watching a bold eagle fly in its natural habitat, set against the setting Scottish sun was utterly breathtaking. Suddenly the ice cream which was promised to me earlier in the day seemed a tad inferior to the sight in front of me. Being at such a high altitude, the lack of oxygen played a part in the overwhelming sense of relaxation. I felt at one with nature and with being only 13, in hindsight, this was a massive achievement!

A day trip to the Cairngorms is a fantastic opportunity to appreciate nature in its most powerful state. For those who enjoy a touch of thrill seeking, that to can be arranged. Very little money is needed, except for petrol and food; as there is a small restaurant and gift shop on site. I guarantee that when you leave, your understanding of nature will be greatly improved. For anyone living a great distance from the park, or for that matter, from Scotland itself, i would still highly recommend visiting the Cairngorm National Park.

All information concerning how to get to the park, visit: www.cairngorms.co.uk/

Google map: tinyurl.com/ydqxwwl

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Inshriach is a Scottish fishing estate with two miles of the Spey. It is amazingly positioned, nestled in the Cairngorms, sufficiently far from Aviemore to be isolated, sufficiently close to be convenient.

It is the most wonderful place. Think grand, but not precious, roaring log fires, four-posters, a dram of rare single malt in the Library and standing waist deep in a river inhaling the cleanest air in the country. It is heaven.

I'd have tried to keep it a secret but the owners are so kind and so deserving I thought I'd share.

www.inshriach.com

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Take a hike at the late season in Aviemore (Scotland rocks for snowboarding - don't listen to the fairweather types) and session a kicker. You never know, you may even see the sun and be able to session in a t-shirt!
Stay for the night in Aviemore and have a nice tip of whiskey at the end of the night.

Aviemore, Scotland. At the Cairngorm mountain resort

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