Cairngorms Cottage

The fabulous Cairngorms Cottage is located on the Cairngorms Castle Estate in the heart of Glenshee, a spectacular, lush green glen. It enjoys the most breathtaking mountain scenery and very fresh air. The Estate is situated on the southern fringe of the Cairngorms National Park, just 2 hours from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Glenshee translates as ‘The Valley of Peace’ and is known fondly by the the locals as ‘the fairy glen’. The area is famous for its fantastic variety of activities including walking, angling, shooting, golf, cycling and also winter sports. Mountain biking, falconry and pony trekking are also available. The fantastic Glenshee Snowsports Centre is just ten miles from the cottage. If that is not enough to get the adrenaline flowing, Nae Limits offer an impressive range of water and land adventures including white water rafting, river tubing and quad biking.

The scenery is absolutely spectacular. The 64 mile Caterlan Trail passes through the estate and takes you to the highest point of the trail with sensational panoramic views of the mountain peaks and deep green glens. The Cairngorms National Park offers scenic drives and 55 Munroes to climb. They are ideal for beginners and experienced hill walkers alike. Kayakers and canoeists enjoy the challenging network of rivers. Instructor led beginner sessions can be arranged.   

Golfers are not left out. There are over 100 fantastic courses including Braemar, the highest course in Scotland and possibly the most beautiful. The Cairngorm Mountains rise up each side of the course. The championship courses at Rosemount and Blairgowrie and the world famous Gleneagles, St Andrews and Caroustie are all within easy reach.

The Cairngorms Castle Estate enjoys a fishing stretch of just under a mile with excellent salmon and trout fishing for novice and experienced fishers on the River Shee. The Shee Water is located at the head of the River Ericht tributary of the whole Tay system and has had a consistently strong run for 40 years. The Ericht has a fish counter on it which regularly sees 10,000 to 15,000 fish through in a season which usually runs from May to August. There is also rainbow and brown trout fishing in the estate’s private loch with the estate’s dinghy available for guests to enjoy.

Another popular excursion is a trip to a distillery. Gin lovers adore the Persie Gin Distillery which is just six miles from the castle. Chocoholics can treat themselves at the award-winning Chocolatier Iain Burnett’s gift shop.

The nearby towns of Blairgowrie and Pitlochry are very attractive. They are an easy drive and offer excellent amenities and plenty of attractions, including the Fish Ladder and Festival Theatre in Pitlochry.

Read more about Highlands

Luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in the Highlands

Get ready to embark on a whimsical journey to the Scottish Highlands with Oliver's Travels, where fabulous, characterful homes await in this rugged and enchanting slice of northern Scotland. Mist-shrouded mountains, deep-blue lochs and ancient castles are the name of the game. It is like stepping into a fantasy novel, but with fewer dragons and more kilts!

First up on our Highland hit-list is Ben Nevis, standing at a whopping 1,345 metres. Climbers and hikers worldwide flock to its trails, ready to conquer the mountain and be rewarded with the most incredible views. If you are not up for an epic uphill battle, fear not! The Great Glen Way offers a more chilled stroll along the Caledonian Canal, connecting Fort William and Inverness. It is like a leisurely stroll through nature, with bonus canal vibes.

Now, who hasn't heard of Loch Ness? Home to historic castles such as Urquhart Castle, this legendary spot invites you to channel your inner detective and search for Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. Nessie might be shy, but the views are anything but! You will enjoy ruins, mystery and just maybe, a friendly monster waving from the depths.

Inverness, the unofficial Highland capital, is where historic charm meets modern pizzazz. The River Ness weaves through the city, tickling the feet of Victorian buildings. It is a sophisticated dance of old and new. You can stroll along the riverbanks, explore Inverness Castle and soak up the local vibes at the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. Heading west is the hidden treasure of Plockton which boasts landscapes so picturesque, you will think you are in a watercolour painting. Whitewashed cottages add a touch of charm and the sheltered bay is the perfect spot for daydreaming. You can take a boat trip to nearby islands or just bask in the coastal serenity. In Fort Augustus, where the Caledonian Canal plays meet and greet with Loch Ness, boating and water-based antics abound. The locks of Fort Augustus are like a watery staircase, a fascinating engineering marvel that turns boat journeys into a spectacle.

The Highland Folk Museum near Newtonmore invites you to step back in time. This living history museum spills the secrets with reconstructed buildings, costumed interpreters and demonstrations of age-old crafts. Another wonder, Eilean Donan Castle is a real-life fairytale fortress perched on a tiny island where three lochs have a meet-up. It is so postcard-perfect that even Hollywood could not resist its charm. History buffs and Instagram enthusiasts, this one is for you!

Of course, we cannot forget the whisky. The Highlands are the holy grail for whisky aficionados. Glenlivet and Glenfiddich distilleries open their doors for guided tours, where you will learn the magic behind crafting Scotch whisky. Sip, swirl and savour – it is a Highland happy hour!

Whether you are scaling castles, conquering peaks, fishing, boating or just lounging by a loch, the Scottish Highlands invites you to a land where nature and history come together in a brilliant way. It is a timeless tale that leaves you in awe. Step into the magic as adventure awaits!

Ah, bonnie Scotland! A wild and beautiful part of the world, where you can explore the rugged highlands or enjoy the colour and vibrancy of cultural capitals like Edinburgh and Glasgow.

But how do you know you’re getting the very best out of your trip? That’s where we come in. If you’ve had a browse through our range of luxury cottages and castles in Scotland, you’ll know there’s some great places to stay, but to find all the great things to do, see and eat you’ll need our handy Scotland travel guide  – so read on and enjoy! 

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