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Aviemore B&B Accommodation
in the Scottish Highlands
near the Cairngorm mountains

Return to Northern Scotland Region Page

Aviemore is a busy little town in Strathspey, the valley of the River Spey, nestled at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains. Originally just a small village with a station, on the main north-south railway line, Aviemore was enlarged in the 1960s when the Aviemore centre, including a hotel, shops, an ice rink, go-karts and "Santa Claus Land" was built. This has now been rebuilt and brought up-to-date.

Popular for many different activities, Aviemore is probably best known as the first of Scotland's ski-ing centres. With the bulk of Cairngorm itself only a few miles away, from when the first snows fall to when the last disappears, there are skiers thronging the town from dusk to dawn. During daylight hours, they are away up the mountain facing the challenges of The White Lady, The Fiachaill or The Coire na Ciste or relaxing in the Shieling or Ptarmigan restaurants.

All year, weather permitting, the slopes are popular with hikers making their way along paths through the hills or up to the pass of the Lairig Ghru, which goes many miles through the mountains to Deeside. The ski road from Aviemore winds up the mountain through the Queens Forest of Scots pines, past beautiful Loch Morlich, with spectacular views as the road climbs. At the top, the less energetic can take the chairlifts or the newly built funicular railway to reach even higher and see, on a clear day, far-reaching vistas of forests and hills, swathed in bright purple heather in August. Britain's only herd of reindeer is free to roam the slopes up here and there are guided walks to see them.

Not far from Aviemore, is pretty Loch an Eilein, which has a pleasant circular walk around it of just a couple of miles. For the wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to the Wildlife Park seven miles south of Aviemore at Kincraig, is fun. Cars drive through the park, safari style, to view deer, bison, rare breeds of horses and others and there are large enclosures where other animals and birds may be seen including wildcat, otters, lynx and wolves.

South from Aviemore beyond Kincraig is Kingussie, where there is an interesting folk museum. A back road, B970, leads back north to Aviemore passing through Inshriach, home of an alpine plant nursery where gardeners will find a treasure trove of delights including azure gentians, turquoise meconopsis and a host of multi-coloured lewisias. At Loch Insh, is a water sports centre where the adventurous can try their hand at windsurfing.

The River Spey is one of the great salmon rivers of Scotland but the only ones to fish for free are the ospreys, which are occasionally seen swooping down to capture a meal. North of Aviemore off the same back road, B970, is the Loch Garten reserve where ospreys have nested for many years. There is cause for celebration every spring when the pair of birds return after spending the winter in warmer climes. Visitors can watch them from a safe distance from a hide, managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. There are binoculars and telescopes for visitors' use and closed circuit TV relays close-up pictures of the nest and its occupants. Nearby is the quaintly named village of Boat of Garten.

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B&Bs in and around Aviemore include:

STRATHSPEY HOUSE
Glenn & Fiona Armstrong
Grampian Road - Aviemore PH22 1RP
Tel: 01479 812453
Email: strathspeyhouse@btinternet.com
Click to view web site with more details & photos
  • 1 four poster suite (ensuite)
  • 1 kingsize double (ensuite)
  • 1 twin (ensuite)
  • Open Jan - Dec
  • B&B from 30 Pounds Sterling
  • Photo
    4 stars Edwardian elegance in the centre of Aviemore. Ideal location to enjoy & explore the spectacular Cairngorms National Park. Spacious & charming bedrooms, individually styled retaining original features & period character. Experience our unique "Ruthven Suite" with four poster bed & cosy sitting room.

    Private parking Tea/coffee facilities TVs in rooms Central heating Vegetarian diets catered for Garden Golf nearby Fishing nearby No smoking Hairdryers Four poster bed
    Animal free house

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    EDEN HOUSE - Luxury & Organic B&B
    Carol and James Monteith
    Cromdale - Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3LW
    Tel: 01479 872112
    Email: enquiries@theedenhouse.co.uk
    Click to view web site with more details & photos
  • 1 kingsize four-poster suite (en suite)
  • 1 double (private luxury facilities)
  • Open Jan - Dec
  • B&B from 46 Pounds Sterling
  • Photo
    4 stars The luxury and organic Eden House, boasting stunning views over the surrounding countryside, offers a truly unique experience for the discerning traveller. Luxurious accommodation, combined with warm and sincere hospitality provides the perfect ambience for that special mini break or romantic weekend. Grantown-on-Spey 3 miles.
    Private parking Tea/coffee facilities TVs in rooms Central heating Lounge Vegetarian diets catered for Special diets catered for Garden Golf nearby Fishing nearby No smoking Hairdryers Four poster bed
    Dogs accepted by arrangement
    Internet access
    Walkers Welcome - Cyclists Welcome - Golfers Welcome - Anglers Welcome

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    B&Bs around Kingussie include:

    GLENGARRY
    Janet & Roger Crawford
    East Terrace - Kingussie PH21 1JS
    Tel/Fax: 01540 661386
    Email: glengarry@scot89.freeserve.co.uk
    Click to view web site with more details & photos
  • 1 double (en suite)
  • 1 twin (en suite)
  • 1 double/single (en suite)
  • Open Jan - Dec
  • B&B from 32 Pounds Sterling
  • Photo
    4 stars Our elegant Victorian villa, set in beautiful, peaceful grounds within the Cairngorms National Park, has acquired an enviable reputation for comfort and quality. With well appointed accommodation and delicious food, Glengarry provides the perfect all-year-round base. Recommended in 'Which?' B&B holiday guide.
    Private parking Tea/coffee facilities TVs in rooms Garden Lounge Foreign language spoken Vegetarian diets catered for Central heating Credit cards accepted Golf nearby Fishing nearby No smoking Hairdryers
    Walkers Welcome - Cyclists Welcome

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    ROWAN HOUSE
    Susan Smiter & David Jackson
    Homewood - Newtonmore Road - Kingussie PH21 1HD
    Tel: 01540 662153
    Email: RowanHouse.Scotland@btopenworld.com
    Click to view web site with more details & photos
  • 1 kingsize double (en suite)
  • Suite with 1 double, 1 twin + sitting room (en suite)
  • Open Jan - Dec (not Xmas)
  • B&B 26 - 35 Pounds Sterling
  • Photo
    4 stars Hillside location with panoramic mountain and Spey Valley views within the Cairngorms National Park. Wildlife, history and varied walking closeby. Unique 3-roomed suite ideal for 1-4 guests. Easy walk to village, restaurants and railway station.
    Private parking Tea/coffee facilities TVs in rooms Lounge Foreign language spoken Central heating Golf nearby Fishing nearby No smoking Vegetarian diets catered for Hairdryers
    Dogs accepted by arrangement
    Internet access
    Walkers Welcome - Cyclists Welcome

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    To make enquiries or bookings, please contact the proprietor direct via phone, fax or email as detailed on the relevant entry.

    Additional accommodation in the area includes:
    Inverness - Spean Bridge

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    Key to Symbols:
    Private parking Tea/coffee facilities
    Vegetarian diets catered for Special diets catered for
    TVs in rooms Lounge
    Foreign language spoken Basins in rooms
    Payphone Evening meals by arrangement
    Central heating Garden
    Working farm
    Golf nearby Fishing nearby
    No smoking Child rates and facilities
    Wheelchair accessible Hairdryers
    Credit cards accepted Ground floor bedrooms
    Agents commission given Four poster bed

    Please note that all details of establishments are as provided by the proprietors
    who are solely responsible for the standards of their establishments
    and for the accuracy of information displayed on this web site concerning them.

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