What is there to do in the Aviemore Area?
Aviemore embraces the rustic ambience of Big Husky Lodge perfectly and brings opportunity of fabulous adventures to all who visit. The surrounding area of Aviemore, the Cairngorm Mountain Range and Spey Valley has a great deal to offer large groups of families and friends to enjoy and immerse themselves into the Highland Spirit.
Snowsports in the Cairngorms
Big Husky Lodge is a mere stone’s throw from many of the amazing activities on offer in and around Aviemore. The Cairngorm Mountain Range is one of Scotland’s most awe-inspiring snow sports destinations, as well as a very popular tourist area for visitors all year round. Only 11 miles from Aviemore itself, Cairngorm Mountain Range brings unforgettable skiing and snowboarding for adrenaline junkies and first-timers alike. The 30km of pisted runs and 10 lifts makes this snowy attraction one of the UK’s absolute go-to mountain for winter sports and summer adventures.
Not a skier – not a problem. Tubing at Cairngorm Mountain is popular amongst families, introducing children to the excitement of the mountain. Racing down the 70 metre, high speed track on sit down snow tubes.
Adrenaline Activities, Aviemore
Winter certainly isn’t all that draws visitors to Aviemore! Adrenaline sports are very much a part of the area and the very nature of the surrounding mountains, rivers and glens make this the ideal destination for stag and hen parties, or large groups, looking to be thrilled.
Aviemore has many outdoor specialists in creating an adventure filled weekend. Only 15 minutes away is Craggan Outdoors – the self-confessed Heart of the Active Cairngorms and providers of all things thrilling for the party animal, and also more relaxed activities for the more peaceful at heart.
White water rafting, zip wires, gorge walking, kayaking, quads, laser tag and paintball are only some of the activities on offer to thrill and excite. Their specific stag and hen party packages cater for every need and the licensed Clubhouse Café helps to calm the nerves.
Sporting Activities, Aviemore
Aviemore is famous for its Winter Sports facilities, however, the local area around Big Husky Lodge is a perfect sporting playground for visitors and locals alike. From fantastic water sport activities, to target sports where you can challenge yourself and your opponent.
Loch Insh is a mere 20 minute drive from Big Husky Lodge and facilitates a huge amount of daytime activities for large groups and families. Sitting in the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains, the River Spey opens herself up to create the awe-inspiring Loch Insh in Glen Feshie, stretching out beyond the centre into undulating hills, perfect for hill-walking and mountain biking.
The centre itself offers activities such as; Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Windsurfing and Sailing. Or maybe your group would benefit from some team building challenges such as raft building. With such a huge choice you are almost guaranteed to find fun for even the most diverse group. Oh, did we mention the ospreys fishing?
Golfing in Aviemore
Visitors to Aviemore and the Cairngorms area don’t just arrive for the winter and adrenaline sports. With 8 golf courses in the local area of varying style, challenge and length, Aviemore is perfectly suited to the discerning golfer.
Craggan itself features a well maintained 9-hole course and the beautiful James Braids Golf Course is found amongst the rivers and trees of Boat of Garten surrounded by stunning walks cycle rides and wildlife.
Furthermore, the par 72 Spey Valley Championship Course offers something a bit more challenging. 7,153 yards of beautiful inland countryside meanders through heathland, woodland and links under the watchful eye of the majestic Cairngorms. Famous for its 635 yard 5th hole (one of the longest in Scotland) and followed by the 6th as it spans across a lake, this golf course will challenge all who play.
Fishing in Aviemore
The Highlands are without doubt a fisherman’s dream. Lochs sitting beneath the mountains gaze and meandering rivers for salmon to fight through are all part of the Aviemore and surrounding areas natural attraction.
Rothiemurchus Estate has much to offer to lovers of the great outdoors – walking, cycling and of course, fishing. The stocked lochs within the estate set in stunning settings, challenge the angler with top quality rainbow, blue and brown trout. While permits can also be purchased for two beats of the River Spey – one of Scotland’s ‘big four’ rivers and famous for its salmon runs. Anglers visit from all over the world to test their skills against the river and the wild Scottish Salmon.
Rothiemurchus also caters for children and beginners with fly-fishing lessons.
Walking & Cycling in Aviemore
Aviemore and Cairngorms National Park have fabulous cycle routes and walks throughout the area. From mountain bike trails, to family friendly off-road cycle pathways that meander through the National Parks forests, woodlands and heather.
Courses can be booked to safely enjoy the majestic Cairngorms in both summer and winter, with Winter Hill Walking Courses allowing walkers to really get a frontline feel for the winter environment of the mountain.
Whether you are looking to challenge yourself on two-wheels with some cliff-edge biking, or some gentle peddling at your own pace, the Cairngorms has routes to suit all cyclists. The Glenlivet Mountain Bike Trail Centre provides a great cycling experience with blue and red runs, along with a great Pump Track next to the café.
Landmark Centre, Aviemore
The Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge, Aviemore, is without doubt one of the fullest days of fun for the whole family that you can find.
The Dinosaur Kingdom with 22 life-sized, moving dinosaurs and the Tropical Hothouse with beautiful butterflies and birds, truly bring the wilder-life to you. The magical ‘Bamboozeleum’ is filled with mystical exhibits to dazzle and explore and Water Slides to excite the entire family.
‘Ant City’ is two floors of adventure for kids to crawl, spiral and climb through while trying to find the exits, and the Tarzan Trials take you to heights that you may never have imagined to navigate the various turns and obstacles.
Highland Wildlife Park, Aviemore
Polar Bears, Tiger, Snow Leopard, Grey Wolf, Eagle Owl, Bison – The Highland Wildlife Park is a must for visitors to Aviemore. A huge conservation project with specially created enclosures to protect and care for over 200 beautiful animals.
Clear favourites are the Polar Bears, 2 males, 1 female and 1 cub (Hamish) born in December 2017. In total Highland Wildlife Park devotes over 10 acres in total to the Polar Bears, more than any zoological institution in the world and, due to its success, the model is being mirrored elsewhere in the world.