Wildcat Lodge Guidebook
Wildlife
Grandpa Ron and Granny Tricia’s favourite trip with the weans. The Wildcat kittens are beyond cute, with sone of them being prepared to be released back to the wild.
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RZSS Highland Wildlife Park
Grandpa Ron and Granny Tricia’s favourite trip with the weans. The Wildcat kittens are beyond cute, with sone of them being prepared to be released back to the wild.
On our doorstep, experience nature returning to the Highlands with an intact ecosystem and rewilding in action. Year round walking and cycling trails.
Glen Feshie
On our doorstep, experience nature returning to the Highlands with an intact ecosystem and rewilding in action. Year round walking and cycling trails.
Walk from Wildcat Lodge and explore the hidden gem of Glen Tromie - the secret rewilding glen, and home to wildcats (tip: dawn or dusk, at the edge of woodland), and recently released beavers (tip: look near the aspen trees at dusk).
Glen Tromie
Walk from Wildcat Lodge and explore the hidden gem of Glen Tromie - the secret rewilding glen, and home to wildcats (tip: dawn or dusk, at the edge of woodland), and recently released beavers (tip: look near the aspen trees at dusk).
We are within the RSPB nature reserve - borrow our binoculars or telescope and explore. We have white tailed eagles visiting this year, and red kites were spotted in the spring. Look out for the newly released beavers and cranes.
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RSPB - Insh Marshes
We are within the RSPB nature reserve - borrow our binoculars or telescope and explore. We have white tailed eagles visiting this year, and red kites were spotted in the spring. Look out for the newly released beavers and cranes.
Loch Garten
Osprey heaven. You can borrow our binoculars.
See where BBC Springwatch is filmed (tip: Chris and Michaela’s fireside seat is at Dell of Abernethy). Keep your dogs on the paths please when ground nesting birds are breeding.
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Abernethy Forest
See where BBC Springwatch is filmed (tip: Chris and Michaela’s fireside seat is at Dell of Abernethy). Keep your dogs on the paths please when ground nesting birds are breeding.
Take a boat trip to say hello to our local dolphins, or spot them from the shore at Chanonry Point just over the Kessock Bridge.
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I-Centre ye-Dolphin ye-Scottish
Take a boat trip to say hello to our local dolphins, or spot them from the shore at Chanonry Point just over the Kessock Bridge.
We love our local reindeer herd. You will too. Visit the tame ones at the visitor centre or take the guided walk to the Cairngorm foothills to feed them ( wrap up well). Read the book about Utsi’s herd back at Wildcat Lodge.
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I-Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
We love our local reindeer herd. You will too. Visit the tame ones at the visitor centre or take the guided walk to the Cairngorm foothills to feed them ( wrap up well). Read the book about Utsi’s herd back at Wildcat Lodge.
Take an idyllic walk and see if you can spot where Attenborough’s team filmed the eagles for Wild Isles.
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Uath Lochans
Take an idyllic walk and see if you can spot where Attenborough’s team filmed the eagles for Wild Isles.
Take a walk over the farm with these adorable alpacas, and learn about these wonderful, comic, and gentle animals.
Cairngorm Alpacas- Lochbuie Croft
Take a walk over the farm with these adorable alpacas, and learn about these wonderful, comic, and gentle animals.
Historic
A short cycle or train ride, back into highland history, with a nice cafe. Our grandchildren love the old school house. But beware the tawse!
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Highland Folk Museum
Kingussie RdA short cycle or train ride, back into highland history, with a nice cafe. Our grandchildren love the old school house. But beware the tawse!
A lovely one mile walk or off road cycle along the Badenoch Way from us. Built by the Redcoats to keep the Jacobites in order at a cross roads of ancient Highland routes - including the one past the local coach house, now Invertromie Farm Steading.
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Ruthven Barracks
A lovely one mile walk or off road cycle along the Badenoch Way from us. Built by the Redcoats to keep the Jacobites in order at a cross roads of ancient Highland routes - including the one past the local coach house, now Invertromie Farm Steading.
Bonnie Prince Charlie met his match as the Jacobite clans were slaughtered by Cumberland's Redcoats. Sad and bleak but a Highland ‘must see’ because it directly led to the awful clearances. Visit the nearby Clava Stones if you want to travel back in time with Outlander’s Claire and Jamie. But don't forget to return to Wildcat Lodge. Factoid: the baby in the TV series stayed with us!
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Culloden Moor
Bonnie Prince Charlie met his match as the Jacobite clans were slaughtered by Cumberland's Redcoats. Sad and bleak but a Highland ‘must see’ because it directly led to the awful clearances. Visit the nearby Clava Stones if you want to travel back in time with Outlander’s Claire and Jamie. But don't forget to return to Wildcat Lodge. Factoid: the baby in the TV series stayed with us!
Adventure
The mountains, the views, and the unique wildlife are on a grand scale. There are walking and mountain bike trails of all grades. Granny Tricia even managed a blue run! Be prepared if you venture into the high tops. I am a Mountain Leader and am happy to discuss route options with guests.
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Cairngorm Mountain
The mountains, the views, and the unique wildlife are on a grand scale. There are walking and mountain bike trails of all grades. Granny Tricia even managed a blue run! Be prepared if you venture into the high tops. I am a Mountain Leader and am happy to discuss route options with guests.
The iconic loch of the Cairngorms. Walk round it, wild swim in it, sail on it, or just relax and enjoy.
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Loch Morlich
The iconic loch of the Cairngorms. Walk round it, wild swim in it, sail on it, or just relax and enjoy.
One of Scotland's Premier MTB venues. The red runs scare me witless, but maybe you are brave enough, or you can enjoy the red squirrel walk and cafe instead.
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Laggan Wolftrax Mountain Biking Trail Centre
7 Forestry HousesOne of Scotland's Premier MTB venues. The red runs scare me witless, but maybe you are brave enough, or you can enjoy the red squirrel walk and cafe instead.
Woodland adventure for all ages. And dinosaurs? The train from Kingussie to Carrbridge makes a fun day out.
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I-Landmark Forest Adventure Park
B9153Woodland adventure for all ages. And dinosaurs? The train from Kingussie to Carrbridge makes a fun day out.
Dave at Bothy Bikes hires E bikes and can recommended local routes for all abilities.
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Bothy Bikes
56 High StreetDave at Bothy Bikes hires E bikes and can recommended local routes for all abilities.
Well established with a good reputation - a short trot along the Badenoch Way from us. All grades from beginner to adventurer.
Highland Horse Fun
Well established with a good reputation - a short trot along the Badenoch Way from us. All grades from beginner to adventurer.
Food scene
A short walk to the other side of the River Tromie, slightly longer on the way back. The same pure water as we have - no wonder their whisky (and Byron gin) is good. Pre-book midweek for a tasting or tour, or visit The Snug in Aviemore (next to Tiso and Aldi).
Speyside Distillery
A short walk to the other side of the River Tromie, slightly longer on the way back. The same pure water as we have - no wonder their whisky (and Byron gin) is good. Pre-book midweek for a tasting or tour, or visit The Snug in Aviemore (next to Tiso and Aldi).
Nethy Bridge
There are lovely short and long walks around the forest village.
See how Wildcat Beer is brewed. Let Amanda know you are staying with Ron at Wildcat Lodge and she will give you a discount.
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Cairngorm Brewery
Dalfaber DriveSee how Wildcat Beer is brewed. Let Amanda know you are staying with Ron at Wildcat Lodge and she will give you a discount.
Fancy a night in with top quality local food delivered to you? These guys are good. Tell them you are staying at Ron and Tricia’s.
The Lunchbox Boys
Station RoadFancy a night in with top quality local food delivered to you? These guys are good. Tell them you are staying at Ron and Tricia’s.
The ultimate in local fine dinning, but expensive. Need to book ahead.
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The Cross
Ardbroilach RoadThe ultimate in local fine dinning, but expensive. Need to book ahead.
Follow National Cycle Route 7 to this wee cafe in Aviemore. Also the start and finish of the Aviemore Park Run. Saturdays 10.30 - a wee cracker through the woods and heather with Cairngorms views.
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Route 7 Cafe
Follow National Cycle Route 7 to this wee cafe in Aviemore. Also the start and finish of the Aviemore Park Run. Saturdays 10.30 - a wee cracker through the woods and heather with Cairngorms views.
We have a well equipped and spacious kitchen at Wildcat Lodge, but if you fancy a lovely meal prepared delivered during your stay, this is a good option.
Speyside Kitchen
11G Achnagonalin Estate
We have a well equipped and spacious kitchen at Wildcat Lodge, but if you fancy a lovely meal prepared delivered during your stay, this is a good option.
If you want to stock up on artisan produce, tweed n' tartan, stretch your legs on the Bruar Falls walk, or just break your journey on the A9, the 'Harrods of the Highlands' is 40 minutes from us.
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The House of Bruar
If you want to stock up on artisan produce, tweed n' tartan, stretch your legs on the Bruar Falls walk, or just break your journey on the A9, the 'Harrods of the Highlands' is 40 minutes from us.
Looking to break your journey north? Stock up on artisan breads or enjoy a wee bowl of soup and a fruit scone.
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Blair Atholl Watermill
Ford RoadLooking to break your journey north? Stock up on artisan breads or enjoy a wee bowl of soup and a fruit scone.
Please support our local artisan businesses - this little gem is on Kingussie High St.
THE CHEESE NEUK
20 High StPlease support our local artisan businesses - this little gem is on Kingussie High St.
A lovely wee tearoom or lunch option if exploring Abernethy or the forest village of Nethy Bridge. Their soup/sandwich combo is epic. Our spaniel Greta insists on the fireside table.
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Nethy House Cafe & Rooms
A lovely wee tearoom or lunch option if exploring Abernethy or the forest village of Nethy Bridge. Their soup/sandwich combo is epic. Our spaniel Greta insists on the fireside table.
Our daughter in law had a lovely meal here with friends. Local produce, veggie and coeliac options.
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Rowan Tree Country Hotel & Restaurant
Our daughter in law had a lovely meal here with friends. Local produce, veggie and coeliac options.
The perfect spot for coffee and cake on the Speyside Way, within cycle range.
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Old post office café
1 Braeriach RdThe perfect spot for coffee and cake on the Speyside Way, within cycle range.
Mehmood's Curry House
30 Main StAuthentic, fair pricing, and will deliver larger orders to Wildcat Lodge.
Our favourite cafe in Kingussie where everyone in the village meets. Dog and people friendly. The oat slices are epic.
The Sugarbowl
30 High StOur favourite cafe in Kingussie where everyone in the village meets. Dog and people friendly. The oat slices are epic.
Phone in then collect your order. Wildcat Lodge has a well equipped kitchen, but sometimes a fish supper is called for!
Joe's The Chippy on The Corner
19 High StPhone in then collect your order. Wildcat Lodge has a well equipped kitchen, but sometimes a fish supper is called for!
Our local curry house has dinning in and an an online menu of traditional carry out dishes, having taken over from the Tipsy Laird pub on High St.
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Tipsy Laird
68-70 High StOur local curry house has dinning in and an an online menu of traditional carry out dishes, having taken over from the Tipsy Laird pub on High St.
Sightseeing
A favourite walk or trail cycle on a good path. Red squirrels galore. Head further up the Glen Einich track and see if you can spot where Attenborough's team filmed the eagles for the Wild Isles series.
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Loch an Eilein
A favourite walk or trail cycle on a good path. Red squirrels galore. Head further up the Glen Einich track and see if you can spot where Attenborough's team filmed the eagles for the Wild Isles series.
The 'Fairy Loch' or 'Green Loch' in Glenmore is a geological kettle hole - a lovely walk on a good path through the Caledonian pine forest. It is a great wild swimming spot but gets deep quickly, and there are occasional algae blooms in late summer.
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An Lochan Uaine
The 'Fairy Loch' or 'Green Loch' in Glenmore is a geological kettle hole - a lovely walk on a good path through the Caledonian pine forest. It is a great wild swimming spot but gets deep quickly, and there are occasional algae blooms in late summer.
I-Railway Strathspey
Dalfaber RoadA must do for rail enthusiasts aged 2 to 82.
Pop in to see this wonderful rewilding croft and buy some honey, or better still book a tour with Lynn and Sandra. They'll give Ron and Tricia's guests a warm welcome.
Lynbreck Croft
Pop in to see this wonderful rewilding croft and buy some honey, or better still book a tour with Lynn and Sandra. They'll give Ron and Tricia's guests a warm welcome.
Up on the beautiful Moray coast you can visit an eco community showing the way for sustainable living. Lovely cafe, woods and beach walk.
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Findhorn Foundation
Up on the beautiful Moray coast you can visit an eco community showing the way for sustainable living. Lovely cafe, woods and beach walk.
Take a wee trip up to Inverness, down Loch Ness (watch out for Nessie!) and visit Scotland’s (and a world first) Rewilding centre.
Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
Take a wee trip up to Inverness, down Loch Ness (watch out for Nessie!) and visit Scotland’s (and a world first) Rewilding centre.