DAY 11
AVIEMORE

Okay, we’re staying put for the day … sort of …

We’re looking at a train ride, a little clan homecoming, and lots of scenery.

As I mentioned in a previous installment, my reasoning for staying in Aviemore (yes, it’s really on a map) for several days was due to its centralized location in the highlands. It is also the middle of recreation country.

The Cairngorm mountains and Cairngorm National Park host a plethora of sporting activities: fishing, canoeing, mountain biking, rock-climbing, hiking, golf, horse riding … even skiing in the winter (if there is enough snow).

Strathspey Steam Railway

In just over 1.5 hours the historic Strathspey Steam Railway runs from the train station in Aviemore to Broomhill and back. Unfortunately, the train does not run all year and it is necessary to check their calendar for a schedule. During the summer there are 3 departures from Aviemore per day. The cost of tickets varies depending upon your status, but the 3rd class round trip ticket for an adult is £10.50 ($16.80) with children 5-15, half price. There are also deals for families and seniors.

Hey, there’s even a fare for dogs and bicycles … as long as neither sit on a seat, travel in 1st class, or eat the food on the catering car … and my bicycle was looking forward to some of that delicious Haggis!!!

And, for those intrepid enough … it’s not even necessary to ride back on the train. You can hike the Speyside Way trail back to Aviemore.

Strathspey Steam Railway

www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

Cairngorm Mountain Funicular Train

If you want to ride a shorter, but steeper railway, hop on the Cairngorm mountain funicular railway (incline), the highest in the UK. It takes approximately 8 minutes to reach the top of Britain’s 6th highest mountain.

The train, which looks similar to a light rail car, is wheelchair accessible. From May to October, there are volunteers on hand to talk about the area and which mountain is which from your high level vantage point.

The train runs on a daily schedule every 30 minutes from 10 AM with various ticket prices for both adults (£9.50 ($15.20)), seniors, and families.

And, again for the intrepid: you can buy a Downhill Train Only Ticket … Wait a minute! That supposes that I am going to walk up the hill first, right? Noooo … I don’t think so!

Which leads me to ask … Why can’t I buy an Uphill Train Only Ticket?

http://www.cairngormmountain.co.uk/see-do

Trivia Question: Which two U.S. based incline railways claim to be the steepest in the world?

Answer …. Next time

Rothiemurchus Estate

If you are looking for outdoor activities you might head out to the Rothiemurchus Estate. Many of the activities which I mentioned at the beginning, plus many more, are available on this almost 25,000 acre working estate.

http://www.rothiemurchus.net/

If instead you are looking for a theme park, and who isn’t on a once in a lifetime trip to Scotland … there actually is one near Aviemore.

But, Landmark Forest Theme Park is not your typical amusement park. There are no scare-your-socks-off roller coasters, or big extravaganza musical shows.
There are, however, three water slides, and attractions dealing with rope bridges, skydiving and simulated rock climbing. But wait, that’s not all – there are also trails and educational exhibits. Yes, education! You just might learn something on vacation … now that IS scary!!!

http://www.landmark-centre.co.uk/

For more on Aviemore area attractions you can go to: www.visitaviemore.com

CLANNING AROUND …

Newtonmore

I’m not expecting everyone to stop in Newtonmore for the same reason that I am, mainly because they’re probably not related to the Macpherson Clan … the rest of you can find your own Clan museum … and there are many throughout Scotland.

Just 15 miles south of Aviemore on A9 then onto A86 is the small village of Newtonmore. With a Pipe Band, their own Highland Games, and home to Shinty what more can you ask for?

How about, what the heck is Shinty?

It’s a team sport played with sticks and a ball similar to field hockey … but it isn’t!

For an overly detailed explanation try this link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinty

There is even a petrol station, Post Office and two mini-marts.
The Clan Macpherson Museum, is located at the south end of the village and is open from April 1st to October 31st from 10am to 5pm (Monday – Saturday), 12 pm to 5pm (Sunday). There is no admission charge but, of course, donations are always welcome. And don’t stop there, Macpherson related souvenirs are available for sale in the Museum Shop. Fancy that!
The museum has been awarded a 4-star rating by The Scottish Tourist Board.

Also in the area:
The Newtonmore Museum (The Highland Folk Museum)

The museum in Newtonmore is a one mile long, eighty acre (32 Hectare) living history site interpreted through re-located and re-created buildings, working demonstrations and live interpreters. Over 200 years of rural Highland life is displayed from the early 1700s to the mid 1900s. 

2009 marks an entire year of events that have been dubbed, Homecoming Scotland (just a coincidence that I’ve finally been able to make the trip)
During this time the Folk Museum is dropping its admission charge to “£0” a price you can’t beat with a stick!

I know! As I have been reminded many times, Yes, you can beat anything with a stick! 

Can we move on?
And yes, donations are gladly accepted …

http://highlandfolk.com/newtonmore.php

And last, but definitely not least is:
Waltzing Waters

Okay, this is probably the most unusual of all the attractions in Scotland. For 40 minutes, every hour on the hour you are dazzled by a combination of water, light and music. (Think, the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas, but it’s indoors and you can sit down and relax).
And no tourist attraction is complete without … a gift shop. 

The attraction is open from February to mid December, 7 days a week for at least seven shows. Adults £4.25 ($6.80), Children £2.50 ($4.00), and Concession (Seniors) £3.75 ($6.00).
There’s even an Internet Coupon on line at the following link:

http://www.waltzingwaters.co.uk/newtonmore/newtonmore-home.html

*** Currency Conversion: As of 6/7/2009, the exchange rate 1GBP=$1.5987US

Next week we’ll be heading down to Edinburgh with a few castle stops along the way.