Outdoor Activities

Golf

Walking

From the ancient Caledonian Pine Forests surrounding Aviemore to the high tops of the Cairngorms, there's a huge variety of potential walks. The forest trails around beautiful Loch an Eilean at Rothiemurchus provide fairly easy low level routes in the shelter of the ancient pine forest and offer an ideal opportunity to spot red squirrels and native birds.

A number of footpaths radiate out from the Coire Cas car park on CairnGorm, providing options for short walks of half an hour or less up to high and remote mountain walks that require you to be fully equipped.

Avonglen has five sets of walking poles, three pairs of binoculars and three back packs that are all free for guests to use.

CairnGorm Mountain, Rothiemurchus Estate and the RSPB at Loch Garten / Abernethy all provide a programme of Ranger Guided walks throughout the year, these cover a variety of locations and topics and can be a fascinating way to learn more about the area, the mountains and the flora and fauna.

Snowsports & Winter Mountaineering

CairnGorm Mountain is just a 15 minute drive from Avonglen with trails to suit all abilities subject to snow conditions. The season typically runs from the end of December till late April, but may be shorter due to the closure of the Funicular Railway. A regular Ski Bus operates during the winter season from Dalfaber, just a couple of minutes walk from Avonglen. Skis, Boards, Boots and clothing can be hired on the Mountain.

For skiers & snowboarders wishing to broaden their horizons, the Lecht which is ideal for learning and families is just under an hour away, while heading West Nevis Range and it's challenging lift served Back Corries are just over an hour away. Glenshee and Glencoe are approximately 2 hours from Aviemore.

The Northern Corries of CairnGorm Mountain are amongst the most popular and most accessible winter climbing venues in Scotland offering a wide range of grades from the easier grade 1 gullies to extremely challenging mixed buttress routes. Nevis Range is just over an hour's drive away and the Gondola provides easy access to the popular climbing locations on Aonach Mor, while Creag Meagaidh is little more than 30 minutes away.

Ski Mountaineering offers up a unique way to explore the high tops and also to get in some amazing and remote descents, but high level touring on the Cairngorms Plateau is not for the inexperienced. If you want to try out winter climbing or ski mountaineering there are several local guides based in the Strath or you could do a relevant mountain skills course at Glenmore Lodge, Scotland's National Outdoor Training Centre.

Sledging

Avonglen provides a couple of sledges for your use on those occasions there is snow lying in the Strath. There are several good sledging slopes in Aviemore, the area below the Four Seasons hotel is very popular and the Hayfield at Glenmore situated at above 1000ft may have snow even when there is none in Aviemore.

Mountain Biking

Get out on two wheels and discover why the International Mountain Biking Association voted Scotland as their "Global Superstar" for several years running for outstanding mountain biking facilities.

Whether you're looking for a gentle ride through the forest on easy going tracks or more challenging high level terrain or the purpose built single track of the numerous dedicated mountain biking facilities in the Highlands (all the way up to the mind-blowing World Cup down-hill at Nevis Range), there is literally something to suit absolutely every ability.

It's possible to cycle from Avonglen to Loch Morlich at Glenmore off road via Rothiemurchas following the cycle path that runs parallel to the Ski Road, or for the slightly more adventurous via the Sluggan Pass on forest roads. Hidden within the Sluggan Pass is a little known but fantastic loop of purpose built single-track, but you'll have to find it!

Water Sports

From late spring through the summer months two of the most scenic water sport centres in the country are close by, Loch Morlich by the ski road to CairnGorm at Glenmore and Loch Insh located a few miles upstream of Aviemore.

A number of companies also offer white water rafting tours on rivers around the Highlands.