As the winter months recede it’s an opportunity to spring into action and embrace the best running and walking activities Scotland has to offer. The Cairngorms National Park, globally renowned for its outdoor activities, is also acclaimed for its natural beauty, mountain landscapes and abundant wildlife, providing a year-round destination for those who love getting off the beaten track and experiencing the great outdoors.
Walking is by far the most popular activity in the Cairngorms National Park, and probably the most varied, from a gentle stroll to one of the 43 Munroes, the options for enjoying one of the most strikingly beautiful landscapes on earth, are endless. With spring just around the corner it’s the perfect time to start exploring.
February
Health Walk
Date: 20, 27 February 2015
Time: Start time 10am, finish time 11.30am
Location: Glen Tanar Visitor Centre, Dinnet
The Cairngorms is renowned for its outdoor activities but for those wishing to build or recover their fitness and explore the countryside with good company in a more gentle fashion the Dinnet Health Walk is just what the doctor ordered.
Additional Information: Telephone 013398 86072
Visit the Reindeer
Date: Daily from February 7.
Time: 11am
Location: Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Glenmore
For a walk with a difference join an experienced reindeer herder trekking up a mountainside to where the Centre’s main herd live all year round. This scenic hill walk is followed by the feeding of the herd which is an unforgettable experience. The reindeers’ soft velvet noses mean they are a delight to hand-feed and their endearing and friendly nature ensures a visit to the reindeer is a great day out for children and adults alike.
Additional Information: Website http://www.cairngormreindeer.
March
Newtonmore 10 Mile Race
Date: 21 March 2015
Time: 11am
Location: Newtonmore
This out and back course is open to amateurs and professionals over 16. The starting line in Newtonmore takes runners through the village of Kingussie to the hamlet of Lynchat and back. There is also a two mile fun run/walk at 11.15am (under 8’s to be accompanied by adult) for those wishing to try a shorter course. The event starts with a Pasta Party for competitors on the Friday evening and taking part in the ten mile race allows participants to take part in the ‘Hangover Mile’ at 9am on Sunday morning so it’s possible to make a weekend out of the event.
Additional Information: Cost – £16 for 10K and £3 for fun run. Contact Geoff – 01540 670048, email newtonmore10@live.co.uk.
Haughs of Cromdale 10KM
Date: 22 March 2015
Time: 12 noon
Location: Starts from Cromdale Hall
A straight forward ten kilometer run – the antidote to over organised events, no pre-entry or sponsors required. The course is an ‘out and back’ minor road towards the Haughs of Cromdale Hills on which a Jacobite battle took place. All proceedings go to fundraising for Cromdale Hall.
Additional Information: Cost £6, website
http://www.cairngormrunners.
Explore the five different areas of the Cairngorms National Park and find the ideal break – Aviemore and Cairngorms; Angus Glens; Atholl and Glenshee; Tomintoul and Glenlivet; and Royal Deeside and Donside. The Cairngorms National Park is accessible by road and rail from all over the UK. For those flying to the area, the western side of the park is served by Inverness Airport while the eastern side is served by Aberdeen International Airport. For further information about the Cairngorms National Park and more details about where to stay, what to do and what’s on, including special offers, visit www.visitcairngorms.com.