Self Catering - better value for money !!

Compared to your other holiday options - hotels, guest houses and B&Bs - self catering undoubtedly provides the 'best value for money'. The daily rate for a couple staying at the Steading is between £27-£29 for each person.
For four people it's even cheaper - ranging from £18-£20 each. This price is inclusive of bedding, towels and electricity - there are no hidden charges.
In return you get quality accommodation for the duration of your stay - 24/7. In terms of cost, B&B is usually closest on price - averaging around £25-£30 per person. However, bed and breakfast is little more than that - a bed for the night.

The Steading holiday cottage by contrast gives you a comfortable base in beautiful surroundings to relax and enjoy your holiday - along with freedom, flexibility and choice :
http://www.ballieward-steading.co.uk/

Springtime at the Steading

..... is one of the best times of year to visit us!
The garden is bursting into life - and the surrounding fields and woodlands are alive with nesting lapwings, curlews and oystercatchers.
Our quality accommodation will help ensure that your holiday in the Scottish Highlands is a truly memorable experience.

And as an extra incentive to come and stay with us - we have reduced our rates during April and May.

So don't delay .... check out our availability calendar for 2012: http://www.availcheck.com/cgi-bin/calendar.cgi?propid=8753

Visit Pluscarden Abbey

Pluscarden Abbey as we know it today owes its foundation to King Alexander II of Scotland in the year 1230.

It is now is one of sixteen Houses of Benedictine monks in Britain. At Pluscarden there are 21 monks.

The Order of St. Benedict, first established by the Rule of St. Benedict in the sixth century, was the most widespread Order of monasticism in medieval Europe.

More information is available at:

http://www.pluscardenabbey.org/home.asp

Pluscarden Abbey is 25 miles from the Steading holiday cottage.

Whales and dolphins at Spey Bay

Based at the mouth of the River Spey on the southern side of the Moray Firth on the east coast of Scotland, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Centre at Spey Bay is about an hour’s drive from the Steading.

Set on a 450 hectare nature reserve with exhibitions, café and shop, it’s a fantastic day out!

The Centre is based in a wildlife haven that is home to ospreys, grey and harbour seals, otters, wildfowl and waders. Part of a 450 hectare nature reserve, it is a breathtaking and truly unique part of Scotland:

http://www.wdcs.org/connect/wildlife_centre/story_details.php?select=63

Don't delay - book today !!!

Experience tells us that most bookings for the Steading are made during January and February - when visits to our website hit their peak.

With only a few Spring weeks still available - don't miss out on our Special Spring Offers.

Click on the link to check on our current availability:

http://www.availcheck.com/cgi-bin/calendar.cgi?propid=8753

Strathspey Steam Railway

Whether you remember the days of steam from yesteryear or simply want a relaxing day in the Highlands, come and enjoy a train journey with a difference in spectacular Strathspey.

From its base at Aviemore through Boat of Garten and on to Broomhill, the railway takes you on a nostalgic 20 mile round trip along part of the original Highland Railway.

As the train passes over moorland, through woodlands and by great sweeps of the River Spey, the Cairngorm Mountains provide a backcloth to the scenery -- the ingredients of a great day out.

The Strathspey Steam Railway is just one of many local attractions you can enjoy during your stay at the Steading holiday cottage.

Enjoy .................

http://www.strathspeysteamrailway.co.uk/

River Findhorn & Randolph's Leap

Randolph's Leap is named after the point on the River Findhorn (5 miles south of Forres) where its sheer rock banks are closest.

According to legend an ancient chief known as Randolph was chasing a Comyn, who jumped to the other side and escaped back to his castle.

The Comyn castle fell and the lands were turned over to Randolph and the name gradually changed from Comyn's Leap to Randolph's Leap.

The nearest settlement is Logie Steading from where walks along the side of the river can be taken.

This part of the Findhorn is renowned for its dramatic rocks, cliffs and waterfalls and peaceful surrounding pine forest.

Randolph's Leap is also an important wildlife area, with lesser black-backed gulls, woodpeckers and red squirrels.

The Steading holiday cottage is 14 miles from Randolph's Leap:

http://www.logie.co.uk/steading.html

Ardclach Bell Tower ...

... is a remarkable little fortified bell tower built in 1655 on the hill above the parish church of Ardclach.

Follow the A939 road to Nairn towards the valley of the River Findhorn as it makes its way from the Monadhliath Mountains to the Moray Firth.

Signposted single track roads west and south of the A939 lead to Ardclach.

The Steading holiday cottage is 12 miles from the Ardclach Bell Tower:

http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/nairn/ardclachbelltower/index.html

Save the planet ... drink organic !!

The Black Isle Brewing Co is a small intensely independent organic brewery in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
Its mission is to produce a range of top quality organic beers packaged in recycled materials. The barley and hops used are grown on organic farms, without artificial fertilisers or herbicides. The brewery is open: Monday to Saturday 10am - 6pm (all year) Sunday 11.30am - 5pm (April to September inclusive)
http://www.blackislebrewery.com/

The WalkHighlands website ...

... is packed full of information any walker could ever possibly need including - latest news, walks, routes, maps, skills, safety, books, forums, Munros, weather and the list goes on.

Oooops, almost forgot accommodation - and of course you'll find the Steading listed there.

Our quality accommodation is delighted to be associated with this quality website.

Check it out at:
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/

Merry Christmas from the Steading

Duncan and June would like to wish all of our visitors to the Steading a very merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Haste ye back !!

http://www.ballieward-steading.co.uk/

Aviemore Christmas Parade

The road to Grantown

Ballieward Steading is less than 3 miles from Grantown-on-Spey - where excellent shopping facilities and other services are available.

Only a few minutes by car - or if you fancy some exercise - there are two recommended walking routes into town - both of which avoid the main road.

As you can see there are spectacular views towards the Cairngorm mountains.

Hoping the weather will be a bit less extreme during your visit:

http://www.ballieward-steading.co.uk/

Winter Wonderland?

As you can see - winters at the Steading can be rather unpredictable!!

However, satisfaction is guaranteed at all other times of the year.

Check out some of our guests' comments at:

www.ballieward-steading.co.uk/comments.htm

Logie Steading Visitor Centre

Originally built as a model farm in the 1920's, Logie Steading has now been converted to welcome visitors to the tranquil Findhorn Valley, near the well-known walks at Randolph's Leap.

Specialising in promoting Scottish craftsmanship and produce, Logie Steading makes an interesting day out for individuals or groups, with a wide variety of things to see and enjoy; from fashion textiles to country antiques, paintings and jewellery to secondhand books, prime Longhorn beef to hardy plants, there is something for everyone, not forgetting the acclaimed café where all the delicious food is cooked on site.

The gardens of Logie House are open every day, as is the playground and the spectacular walk along the River Findhorn.

Logie Steading is 14 miles from the Steading holiday cottage:

http://www.logie.co.uk/logiesteading.html

Forres in Bloom

Forres lies within the temperate climate of the Moray Firth in Scotland. It is a traditional market town with a rich cultural and environmental history and a wealth of architectural buildings both on the high street and around the town.

Central to the town are Grant Park and Cluny Hill, with lovely woodland, well maintained open spaces for informal activity, and high quality seasonal planting schemes providing wonderful colour throughout the year.

Led by the Forres in Bloom group, the whole population is fully committed to enhancing the quality of life for visitors and residents through environmental improvement schemes and keeping the town spotlessly clean at all times.

In recognition of its efforts, Forres has recently been awarded a gold medal by Entente Florale Europe.

Forres is 19 miles from the Steading holiday cottage:
http://www.forresinbloom.co.uk/

'Thank you for a lovely cottage'

Just one of many appreciative comments left in the Steading's visitor book - you can click on the image for a closer look:

http://www.ballieward-steading.co.uk/comments.htm

Hugh Miller Museum and Cottage

Miller House in Cromarty is the home of a superb new museum created by the National Trust for Scotland.

It presents Hugh Miller's many talents - including stonemason, geologist, writer, editor and church reformer - through a variety of exhibitions, with some of the artefacts reappearing after over 20 years in storage.

The fossil collection has been enhanced with several specimens on long-term loan from the national Miller collection.

You can also visit the 17th century thatched cottage where Hugh was born in 1802. An audio tour takes you round its cobbled yard and the Scottish wild garden, then inside the building for vivid descriptions, often in Hugh's own words, of its history and of generations of his family who lived there.

The Steading holiday cottage is 55 miles from Cromarty:

http://www.hughmiller.org/

Springtime at the Steading .....

..... is one of the best times of year to visit us!

The garden is bursting into life - and the surrounding fields and woodlands are alive with nesting lapwings, curlews and oystercatchers.

Our quality accommodation will help ensure that your holiday in the Scottish Highlands is a truly memorable experience.

But don't delay .... our availability calendar for 2011 is filling up fast:

http://www.availcheck.com/cgi-bin/calendar.cgi?propid=8753

The Findhorn Foundation

Registered as a charitable trust in 1972, the Findhorn Foundation was formed by the spiritual community at the Findhorn Ecovillage - one of the largest communes of its type in Britain.

Originating in 1962 from a caravan park - and founded by Eileen Caddy, Peter Caddy and Dorothy Maclean - the Foundation and surrounding Findhorn Ecovillage community is home to more than 400 people.

The Foundation runs various educational programmes for the Findhorn community and also houses about 40 community businesses like the Findhorn Press and an alternative medicine centre.

The Findhorn Foundation is 25 miles fom the Steading holiday cottage:

http://www.findhorn.org/workshops/calendar.php

The Whisky Castle at Tomintoul

The collection of Scotland's Malt Whiskies available to buy at the Whisky Castle at Tomintoul is truly outstanding - with every working Scottish Distillery represented by multiple expressions of fine malts wherever possible.

In addition it stocks many rare whiskies from those distilleries at present mothballed or those long gone.

The Whisky Castle at Tomintoul is 20 miles from the Steading holiday cottage:

http://www.whiskycastle.com/

Eden Court Theatre

Eden Court Theatre is a large theatre, cinema and arts venue situated in Inverness, Scotland.

It has recently undergone a complete refurbishment and major extension, adding a second theatre, two dedicated cinema screens, two performance/dance studios, improved dressing room and green room facilities and additional office space.

The theatre's restaurant and bar facilities have also been totally overhauled and improved.

The Steading holiday cottage is less than an hour's drive from the Eden Court Theatre:

http://www.eden-court.co.uk/whats-on/

Grantown Leisure Centre

The Craig Maclean Leisure Centre named after the local Olympian cyclist, opened spring 2007.

The design and construction of the facility provides a remarkable example of sustainability and energy efficiency.

The centre is an integrated facility used by the neighbouring secondary school, whilst being readily available for public use early mornings, evenings and weekends.

Facilities include a fitness suite and 20m traditional swimming pool.

The Steading holiday cottage is only two miles from the Craig Maclean Leisure Centre:
http://www.highland.gov.uk/leisureandtourism/sportsfacilities/leisurecentres/grantownlc.htm

The Aberlour Distillery

Situated at the junction of the Rivers Lour and Spey, Aberlour Distillery lies in a beautiful glen, surrounded by glorious scenery dominated by the rugged peaks of Ben Rinnes a short distance away.

Most Aberlour single malts are double cask matured.

The spirit is matured separately in the best quality ex-sherry butts and ex-bourbon casks for the required period of time. When it is ready to be bottled, whisky from the two types of casks is brought together for the first time and the different flavours and textures are subtly merged.

The Aberlour Distillery visitor centre has been awarded the maximum five-star status by Scotland’s National Tourism Board. The relaxed and informal tours enable guests to experience the whisky-making process and sample a selection of the finished products in a tutored tasting session.

The Steading holiday cottage is 25 miles from the Aberlour Distillery:

http://www.aberlour.com/

Cairngorm Sleddog Centre

Situated in Aviemore, at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountain Range, the Cairngorm Sleddog Centre offers a wide range of activities for the whole family. from Kennel & Museum Tours to Sleddog Trips and Safaris.

The centre is open all year round and although snow is great it's not essential for the dogs to run.

The Steading holiday cottage is 20 miles from the Cairngorm Sleddog Centre:
http://www.sled-dogs.co.uk/index.php

White Water Rafting

Ace Adventure have White Water Rafting trips to suit all ages and abilities.

For a gentle relaxed fun journey suited to children, young families, youth groups and those who are a little reserved to the concept of rafting - the River Spey makes a great introduction.

Ace also run trips packed full of the white stuff, yep, good old white water suited to those who don’t mind getting wet, thrilled and exhilarated - the most popular trips being on the world class experience that is the River Findhorn.

The Steading holiday cottage is the perfect base for Ace Adventure trips on the River Spey and River Findhorn:
http://www.aceadventures.co.uk/Pages/White_Water_Rafting.asp

The Cairngorm Brewery

The Cairngorm Brewery Company, established in 2001, is situated in the village of Aviemore within the Cairngorms National Park in the Highlands of Scotland.

It brews traditional ales with a fresh new edge, by using well established brewing methods, the finest malted and roast barley, hops and crystal clear mountain water.

The Brewery is open to the public. It has a small shop selling a full range of bottles together with polypins and party barrels of its permanent and seasonal cask products. It provide tours and offer samples of its ales.

The Steading holiday cottage is 17 miles from the Cairngorm Brewery:

http://www.cairngormbrewery.com/index.php?app=gbu0&ns=display&ref=splash

To see the Queen ....

.... visit Balmoral Castle.

Set amongst the magnificent scenery of Royal Deeside, in the shadows of Lochnagar is the Balmoral Estate.

Purchased by Queen Victoria in 1848, the Estate has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family ever since.

The Estate extends to over 50,000 acres of heather clad hills, ancient Caledonian woodland and of course the beautiful River Dee is nearby.

Over the past 160 years careful Royal stewardship has preserved the wildlife, scenery and architecture which is available for all generations to enjoy.

A visit to Balmoral Castle has proved to be a popular day trip for guests staying at the Steading holiday cottage:

http://www.balmoralcastle.com/index.html

Speyside Wildlife

Why not join one of Speyside Wildlife's friendly, expert guides at an evening wildlife watching experience on Rothiemurchus estate in the Cairngorms National Park?

Following in the footsteps of Bill Oddie and Springwatch, you'll have the chance to see pine martens, badgers and much more just a few feet in front of you from the comfort of our hide, with large picture windows, looking out over the forest.

Whether you want to see golden eagle, red squirrel, ptarmigan, bottlenose dolphins, crested tit, minke whales, deer or our more elusive species, Speyside Wildlife can tailor-make an itinerary to suit your wishes.

Speyside Wildlife is right on the doorstep of the Steading holiday cottage:
http://visitcairngorms.com/dbattractions-Speyside_Wildlife/413.html

The House of Bruar

Situated in rural Perthshire on the main A9 road ten miles north of Pitlochry, the House of Bruar boasts some of Scotland’s finest produce, clothing and rural artwork.

Within its walls you’ll find items ranging from traditional Scottish tweed to cashmere jumpers and food hampers.

The range of country clothing features time-honoured classics and exciting contemporary designs.

If you want to admire some of the UK’s finest examples of contemporary rural art, its Gallery is your ideal destination.

And if you appreciate the beauty of nature as portrayed in the Gallery, don’t forget to explore the magnificent Falls of Bruar with its spectacular tumbling waterfalls.

Why not stop off at the House of Bruar on your drive north to the Steading holiday cottage:

http://www.houseofbruar.com/

The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

The Northern Lights are a free light show in the night sky seen in northern latitudes - including the Scottish Highlands.

The phenomenon varies from a gradually changing glow along the northern horizon, to flickering curtains and patterns of light over much of the sky.

They peak every eleven years but can occur in any year and also at any time of year - except you need a dark but clear and preferably moonless night to see them at their best. They are caused by electrically charged particles from the sun (the solar wind) inter-acting with gas particles in Earth's upper atmosphere.

Because of their unpredictability, treat the Northern Lights as an unexpected bonus to your stay at the Steading holiday cottage.

Autumn Speyside Whisky Festival (24-27 Sept 2010)

A great Festival held each year in and around Dufftown, organised by Dufftown2000.

Throughout the Festival several distilleries that are not normally open to the public invite whisky enthusiasts to tour their facilities and sample their products. Mini bus trips are laid on that enable connoisseurs of whisky to tour and taste an incredible array of fine malts from a wide range of distilleries. The most infamous of these is the marathon "Seven Stills Tour" that visits all of Dufftown's distilleries on a single trip with a dram at each and every one. Definitely not for the faint hearted!

But there is more - music, dancing, exhibitions, pipe bands and food and craft fairs. The best of Scotland's culture is on show alongside the celebration of its national drink.

The Steading holiday cottage still has availability during the Autumn Speyside Whisky Festival:

http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/holiday_planner.php

Waltzing Waters - once seen ... never forgotten !!

The world's most elaborate water, light & music production!

Visitors are overwhelmed by thousands of dazzling patterns of moving water synchronised with music!

The Waltzing Waters is the only indoor show of its kind in Europe!

An entertainment spectacular for all ages!

The Steading holiday cottage is 30 miles from the Waltzing Waters at Newtonmore:

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

Self catering - it's the way to go !!

Compared to your other holiday options - hotels, guest houses and B&Bs - self catering undoubtedly provides the 'best value for money'.

The daily rate for a couple staying at the Steading is between £27-£29 for each person.

For four people it's even cheaper - ranging from £18-£20 each.

This price is inclusive of bedding, towels and electricity - there are no hidden charges.

In return you get quality accommodation for the duration of your stay - 24/7.

In terms of cost, B&B is usually closest on price - averaging around £25-£30 per person.

However, bed and breakfast is little more than that - a bed for the night.

The Steading holiday cottage by contrast gives you a comfortable base in beautiful surroundings to relax and enjoy your holiday - along with freedom, flexibility and choice :

http://www.ballieward-steading.co.uk/

Steading prices held for 2011 .....just fantastic !!

After another sell-out summer season, we're holding our prices for 2011.

But don't delay - we've already taken repeat bookings for weeks in April, May and June.

So if you want a fantastic cottage in a fantastic location then snap up a bargain at a fantastic price!!

http://www.availcheck.com/cgi-bin/calendar.cgi?propid=8753

Speyside Cooperage

In the heart of Scotland’s rolling hills lies Speyside Cooperage, the only working cooperage in the UK where you can experience the ancient art of coopering.

Since 1947, this family owned business has produced the finest casks from the best American Oak. Today the cooperage still produces the age-old product, using traditional methods and tools.

Follow the lifecycle of the cask, see highly skilled coopers at work, try it for yourself with mini casks or simply relax and enjoy the gift and coffee shop.

.

The Steading holiday cottage is 25 miles from the Speyside Cooperage:

http://www.speysidecooperage.co.uk/

Cairngorm Reindeer Herd

The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is Britain's only herd of reindeer, found free ranging in the Cairngorm mountains in Scotland. These extremely tame and friendly animals are a joy to all who come and see them.

Reindeer are not just for Christmas.

The Steading holiday cottage is 24 miles from the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd:

http://www.cairngormreindeer.co.uk/index.html

Landmark Forest Adventure Park

Where else in the UK can you rock climb, ‘skydive’, flume ride, meet wild red squirrels face to face, walk through the tops of tall pine trees, watch logs being sawn on a steam powered sawmill, wonder at the sheer strength of a Clydesdale horse and learn all the secrets of Scotland's ancient Pine forest all in one day?

The answer is Landmark!

And that's only a small part of what's on offer…..Landmark is a truly awesome day out and easily a whole day's entertainment (educational too, but so fun you won’t notice).

The vast majority of these attractions are included in the great value Admission Ticket so it is easy to see why Landmark is one of Scotland’s favourite family days out.

The Steading holiday cottage is 12 miles from the Landmark Forest Adventure Park:

http://www.landmarkpark.co.uk/

Grantown-on-Spey Golf Club

Situated in the Cairngorms National Park, Grantown Golf Course measures 5710 yards, with a par of 70 and Standard Scratch Score of 68.

Though not long, it presents a fair challenge for every calibre of golfer.

It is naturally split into three sections - Holes 1 to 6 are played over flat parkland, holes 7-12 are played through moderately hilly woodland, whilst holes 13 to 18 revert to undulating parkland.

The 'signature' hole of the course is Murdie's View, the 275 yard 9th, a short downhill par 4 with the spectacular backdrop of pine trees and the Cromdale Hills. Elsewhere on the course, magnificent views of the Cairngorm range may be observed and wildlife abounds.

The Steading holiday cottage is three miles from Grantown-on-Spey Golf Course:
http://www.grantownonspeygc.co.uk/mainsite/index.html

Check out the area ....

.....on the geograph website.

Want to get a better feel for the countryside surrounding the Steading holiday cottage?

Then why not visit the Geograph website:

http://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=6131301&page=1

The Geograph Britain and Ireland project aims to collect geographically representative photographs and information for every square kilometre of Great Britain and Ireland.

Lochindorb featured above is only a fifteen minute drive from the Steading holiday cottage.

Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms National Park is the largest in Britain, covering 3,800 kilometres of beautiful and unspoilt countryside. Over 16,000 people live and work in the towns and villages throughout the area and every year thousands of visitors travel here to enjoy the fabulous scenery, from wild moorlands and soaring mountain peaks to spectacular rivers and tranquil lochs.

The Park has something for everyone - whether it’s simply admiring the ever changing views of the spectacular mountains, or walking with a Ranger-led group learning about the plants and animals in native pine woods.

For the more energetic there are plenty of opportunities to go mountain biking, canoeing or climbing. The area also has a rich cultural heritage with castle, fortified houses and estates all happy to welcome visitors.

Hundreds of countryside events, outdoor activities, guided walks and talks take place throughout the Park each year. Click here for more details.

The Steading holiday cottage is located at the northern edge of the Cairngorms National Park.

Achagour Fishery

Achagour Fishery is a series of man made lochs extending to some 7 hectares with a depth of between 10 and 14 feet at their deepest points.

They are fed by the Red Burn which flows through them, bringing with it all the nutrients required to provide the perfect habitat for both Brown, Blue and Rainbow Trout, with which they are stocked.

Although relatively new, they are already attracting numerous species of water birds which are taking advantage of the new habitat, and, in time, it is hoped that the lochs will become a wildlife haven.

The area has been extensively landscaped and a continued program of sympathetic planting is planned. The lochs are open all year on a catch and release basis, with a 4-bag per rod/session available at extra cost. The lower lochs are fly only.

The Steading holiday cottage is 15 miles from Achagour Fishery:

http://www.achagourfishingponds.co.uk/

4x4 Off-Road Driving

Venture off-road for an exciting driving experience, in one of Rothiemurchus Estate's 4x4 vehicles.

Learn the tricks of the trade with a friendly, fully qualified and highly experienced instructor.

The session commences with an introduction to off-road driving techniques and a demonstration drive with one of the fully qualified guides. It’s then your turn to take the wheel, with a progression from easy terrain to something a little more testing; climb, descend and tackle side slopes.

The off-roading sites at Rothiemurchus are surrounded by spectacular mountain and moorland scenery; so don't forget your camera!

The Steading holiday cottage is 20 miles from the Rothiemurchus Estate:

http://www.rothiemurchus.net/Pages/Activities/4x4-Driving.html

Tourist Information Centre, Grantown-on-Spey

54 High Street

Grantown-on-Spey

Highland PH26 3EH

E-mail:

grantown@visitscotland.com

The Steading holiday cottage is three miles from the Grantown-on-Spey Tourist Information Centre:

http://www.visithighlands.com/

Grantown Museum

Grantown Museum tells the story of Grantown-on-Spey, a fine example of an 18th century planned town.

The story is brought to life through the museum’s extensive photographic collection.

Visitors can learn the history of the people and buildings that made Grantown what it is today.

Extensive records relating to the founding of Grantown-on-Spey in 1765 form the basis of both traditional and modern, interactive audio visual displays.

Find out about Queen Victoria’s royal visit in the 19th century, the coming of the railways, and how this encouraged Grantown’s development as a holiday destination.

The Steading holiday cottage is three miles from the Grantown Museum:

http://www.grantownmuseum.co.uk/index.asp

Baxters Highland Village

Located on the banks of the beautiful River Spey in the Morayshire village of Fochabers, sits the home of the Baxters experience at the Highland Village. A perfect setting for a great family day out.

Take a step back in time and discover the history of the Baxters story in the old grocery shop, originally opened by George Baxter in 1868.

The Baxters Highland Village offers a variety of speciality shops, stocked with a wide range of Baxters and Audrey Baxter range of food products, as well as wines and whiskies, speciality foods, clothing, cookware and gifts.

A trip to Baxters wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of its restaurants, where a sample of delicious Scottish fayre is served, including Baxters famous soups, pancakes fresh from the griddle and home baked pastries, in a relaxed and friendly environment.

The Steading holiday cottage provides the perfect base to visit attractions like Baxters Highland Village:

http://www.baxters.com/pages/ourstores.html

Speyside Heather Centre

Unique, innovative, quality assured, enjoyable, interesting ...

Just a few words that sum up Speyside Heather Visitor and Garden Centre, an award winning 4-star visitor attraction.

There's lots to see:
• Unique Heather Story Exhibition• Wildlife Viewing Stations• Gift Shop• Boutique• Art Gallery• Antiques shop• Heather trail• Display Garden• Garden Centre• The Clootie Dumpling Restaurant.

The Steading holiday cottage is eight miles from the Speyside Heather Centre:

http://heathercentre.com/Default.html

Ride on pony .........

The Rothiemurchus family run riding centre specialises in the versatile pedigree Highland Pony breed and offers fantastic hacking and trekking.

Riding on Rothiemurchus Estate is an incredibly special experience and friendly and skilled guides make this a superb experience.

With varied hill, moorland, river and pine forest riding, much of it off track, there is the potential to see wildlife and enjoy the peace, space and magnificent scenery.

The Steading holiday cottage is twenty miles from Rothiemurchus Estate:

http://www.rothiemurchus.net/Pages/Activities/Pony-Trekking.html

Fort George - well worth a visit

Fort George sits behind its massive grass-topped artillery defences on an isolated spit of land jutting west into the Moray Firth at Ardersier, 11 miles north east of Inverness.

Conceived in the immediate aftermath of the 1745 uprising and the nearby Battle of Culloden that concluded it, Fort George was intended to be a once and for all solution to the threat posed by the Highlands, and the Jacobites in particular.

Fort George, which is an active British Army base, is the only property in the care of Historic Scotland still serving its original purpose.

The Steading holiday cottage is 30 miles from Fort George.

Loch Insh - the adventure starts here .....

Loch Insh, at the gateway to the Cairngorms National Park. is the ideal holiday destination or simply a great place for a family day out.

A range of watersports are on offer including: sail sports, paddle sports, raft building, fishing, rowing and pedalo’s on the loch. Off the water we have archery, play parks, and a dry ski slope, great team building apparatus. Not forgetting stunning walks and mountain biking.

The Boathouse Restaurant boasts a most spectacular view, looking south west and enjoys amazing sunsets most evenings.

The Steading holiday cottage is 25 miles from Loch Insh Water Sports and Outdoor Activity Centre:

http://www.lochinsh.com/index.asp