A Weekend Exploring the Cairngorms

How long have you lived in Nethy Bridge and what brought you here? 

The Dell has been in the family since the 60s, operated and deeply loved by my grandparents first and then my uncle John. Twelve years ago the timing was just right for all of us when my uncle was looking to move on and we were looking for a new project and a different lifestyle that would create a little space for a family. I spent every holiday here as a kid so it was very much like coming home.

What is it that you particularly enjoy about this part of Scotland? 

I am very grateful for our easy access to truly wild landscapes and all the pleasure and real therapy that this can offer. Quiet places where your ears ring in silence, loch dipping with just the birds for company or staring down a deer in the woods. Also, community is a huge part of living in this neck of the woods and I feel it’s never been so strong following the last few years. It feels vibrant and exciting and full of possibilities. 

What advice would you give to anyone looking to explore the Cairngorms?

Slow it down and take your time. Life can be busy and noisy and relentless. I would first suggest finding a very quiet spot; put your feet in the water, breathe deeply in the woods, get in sync with your surroundings. Consider covering the ground on foot or by bike rather than car; this gives a great pace to experience the landscape better. With endless trails and wonderful e-bike hire options around you can cover great distances with ease. Don’t over-programme your time.

Can you give us a rundown on what the Cairngorms is like as the seasons change, and in your opinion when is the best time to visit? 

The Cairngorms are breathtaking in any season. Spring always feels like a welcomed lengthening of day with budding trees after the dark snowy months. Early summer is filled with calm warmer days, where the lochs are warming up and the swallows return. Autumn has to be my favourite time around The Dell as the huge deciduous trees start to turn. Although famed for the Caledonian Pine forests, there are also some incredible pockets of birch and beech in this area and at this time of year the air is crisp and the colours are on fire. There is always great excitement at the first snowfall of winter as we welcome the cosy nights, huge skies full of stars and the buzz that surrounds the winter sports season in this area.

How would you spend your ideal weekend in the Cairngorms? 

Saturday 

My ideal weekend would start with a bike ride through the woods with my boys, down to the Nethy House café for breakfast and some good strong coffee. I’d then pick up something for Sunday roasting from the Balliefurth Farm Shop next door. Usually with a little more time, I would take the chance to travel a little further afield for a good swimming spot, either in the River Feshie or Pattack Falls near Laggan. Stopping in at Anderson’s in Boat of Garten to pick up some pizzas on the way home to share ideally around a fire with friends.

Sunday 

We love a quiet, slow start to a Sunday. Once the roast is in, staying close to home, we’d get out into the woods surrounding The Dell. We have a huge area of ancient Caledonian pine forests right on the doorstep and Explore Abernethy have mapped out a wonderful network of trails, so you are never stuck for options. After a long walk, a roast would be shared with family and I would try to squeeze in a swim at dusk nearby

Polly’s Top Picks

Eat ~ daytime. 

The High Street Merchants 
Grantown-on-Spey 

Buzzing café with super healthy “buddah bowls”. 

KJ’s Bothy Bakery 
Grantown-on-Spey 

The perfect spot to grab a hearty picnic lunch. 

Nethy House Café 
Nethy Bridge 

Dog friendly lunch spot. 

Alvie Forest Food & Cabin Coffee 
Dalraddy Caravan Park 

You have to check out this food truck duo of dreams.

Eat ~ evening.

The Old Bridge Inn 
Aviemore 

Log fires, great food, dogs and live music. The perfect pub. 

Osteria 
Boat of Garten 

The ideal blend of incredible pizza and passionate, seasonal menus. 

Tarmachan Café 
Crathie 

An incredible drive rewarded with a little roadside haven of fresh, local food put together with love.

Drink. 

The Old Bridge Inn 

Don’t miss their annual summer solstice party in June. 

Inshriach Gin Distillery 

By appointment only. The best gin around and they often have open nights with live music and dancing in the farmyard. 

The Copper Dog 

Located in the Craigellachie Hotel, you will find this great cocktail bar and whisky room.

Relax. 

Katie White Yoga 

Available throughout the valley, classes are the perfect mix of inspirational theory, dynamic flow and great tunes. Katie also hosts weekly classes and regular day retreats at The Dell. 

Jump in! 

I’m a huge advocate of the health and relaxation that can be found following a good, cold dip and there are many lochs to choose from and local swimming groups to chum in with. Follow Wild Swim Scotland for any tips.

Soundscape 

Guided walking meditation with a carefully curated soundtrack in the woods surrounding The Dell. 

Carrie Wilde Massage 

Carrie offers a blend of treatments, yoga and massage at The Dell or Killiehuntly.

Shop. 

The Bookmark 
Grantown-on-Spey 

Packed to the rafters, this tiny independent bookshop is a real institution. Marjory is so engaging with kids and she’ll always find what you didn’t even realise you were looking for. 

The Whisky Castle 
Tomintoul 

A dizzying selection of malts and a generous samples bar. Fiona’s Wholefoods Grantown-on-Spey Refills and health food shop with the best hot chocolate in town. 

at The Dell. 

The Dell Tipi Supper Club 

A night to remember with long table dining, new pals and acoustic musical interludes. 

The Dell Grocer 

We now have our own little Grocer with all our favourite things stocked for guests and the community to enjoy

Explore. 

Anagach Woods 

Particularly in autumn, this is a stunning beech forest bordering the River Spey. 

Uath Lochans viewpoint 

I think this may be one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the valley and an easy climb for all the family. 

Ryvoan Circuit from Abernethy Forest 

You can walk from The Dell to the top of Cairngorm without having to cross a road and this walk takes you some of the way, taking in some huge views and then looping back through the forest. 

Nethy Bridge - Kings Road & riverside path loop 

This loop is a great track, good on a bike or with a buggy, and you can take a pit stop at the Nethy House Café or village play park on the way. 

Activities. 

The Third Eye 

Make your own jewellery with The Third Aye in her gorgeous garden studio at Nethy Bridge. 

Cairngorm Reindeer Herd 

Visit and feed Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer on the hill in winter. 

Tour of The Cairn Distillery 

Really progressive and passionate new distillery experience with lovely food offerings. 

Strathspey Steam Railway 

Upgrade to a first class cabin for afternoon high tea. 

Lynbreck Croft 

Take a tour of this authentic working Scottish croft.

Polly’s Top Tips

“Put your feet in the water, breathe deeply in the woods, get in sync with your surroundings.

Tip 1. 

Try when you can to support the area’s independent retailers, of which there are plenty. You’ll find incredible bread and bakes from KJ’s and fresh fruit and veg from the Dairy, both in Grantown. The freshest seafood from Pro fish in Aviemore and meat from Balliefurth Farm Shop. You won’t be disappointed. 

Tip 2. 

Get up early! Some of the most beautiful skies, peaceful lochs and amazing displays of wildlife can be found at dawn. 

Tip 3.

Don’t underestimate the volume of people that visit the Cairngorms during the school holidays. Book in good time for bike hire, dinner reservations and activities.

Must not miss! 

Whisky Food Safari with Ghillie Basan If you’re looking for a truly unique activity that just encompasses this area completely, this is the one. Ghillie welcomes you to her home in the hills where you prepare an incredible tasting menu together to match her dizzying supply of rare whiskies. The landscape, the company and the flavour is the best you’ll find.