Fancy some retail therapy ?

The name Johnstons is synonymous with the finest quality luxury cashmere in the world. The Mill in Elgin is the only mill in Scotland to transform cashmere from fibre to finished article. You can take a free guided tour of the entire process with one of the Johnstons expert guides.

The Heritage Centre and Shop in Elgin is open 7 days and Mill Tours are available during factory working hours:

http://www.johnstonscashmere.com/index.php/heritage-centre

Elgin is a 45 minute drive from the Steading holiday cottage and is one of the main centres for shopping in the north east - it also has many other attractions including its cathedral, biblical gardens and motor museum.

Enjoy the Highland wildlife?

Discover Scottish wildlife and endangered animals of the world's mountains and tundra in the spectacular setting of the Highland Wildlife Park.

Drive around the Main Reserve in your own car and then investigate the walk-round area, looking out for one of of the park's latest additions, Mercedes, the polar bear.

The Highland Wildlife Park was opened in 1972 and, along with Edinburgh Zoo, is run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.

Only a 30 minute drive from the Steading holiday cottage, it's worth checking out:

http://www.highlandwildlifepark.org/index.html

At Craggan Outdoors there's no shortage of things to do ...........

Craggan Outdoors is one of the UK's leading outdoor activity centres, based in beautiful Speyside in the Cairngorms National Park.

Offering one of the widest ranges of outdoor activities available in the Scottish Highlands, Craggan Outdoors serves groups from two to sixty-plus people, either as day visitors for activities, or residential packages with bunkhouse accommodation. Bunkhouse and bothy are also available for group hire, separate to the activities. Our licensed Clubhouse Cafe welcomes all visitors, whether doing activities or just stopping in for a meal or a drink.

Craggan Outdoors is AALA licensed, and ended 2009 as TripAdvisor.com's top-rated 'thing to do' in Scotland, and also their top-rated outdoor centre for the UK as a whole. Craggan Outdoors was also the only activity centre to be shortlisted for 'Best Visitor Experience' in the prestigious Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards 2009

Craggan Outdoors is just a ten minute drive from the Steading holiday cottage, offering you the ideal opportunity to sample some of its many attractions:

http://cragganoutdoors.co.uk/index.html

Culloden - the final battle

The course of British, European and world history was changed at Culloden on 16 April 1746. It was here that the Jacobite army fought to reclaim the throne of Britain from the Hanoverians for a Stuart king. The British army was equally determined to stop this happening. The ferocious European war had come to Scotland - dividing families and setting clan against clan.

Now, 250 years on, Culloden is still a site that connects us intimately with our past.

The exciting new Culloden Battlefield visitor centre and exhibition opened in December 2007. This fascinating facility allows the whole Culloden story to be told in an innovative and interactive way which appeals to all the family.

Culloden is only a 25 mile drive from the Steading holiday cottage, through the beautiful Morayshire countryside.

For more information visit the National Trust website at:

http://www.nts.org.uk/Culloden/Home/

The Pearl of the North .......

Ballindalloch Castle is one of the most beautiful and renowned castles in Scotland.

Known as the Pearl of the North, it is located in the heart of Speyside, near to the famed local whisky distilleries of Cragganmore, Glenlivet, Glenfarclas and Glenfiddich.

Surrounded by majestic hills, and with the tumbling waters of the Rivers Spey and Avon flowing through the grounds, the setting is truly magnificent.

The Steading holiday cottage is an ideal base to visit attractions throughout the North East Highlands.

Check out what you're missing at:

http://www.ballindallochcastle.co.uk/speyside/homepage.htm

Gone fishing ...........

.....and that was some catch !!

The River Spey is the home of speycasting and one of Scotland's big four salmon rivers.

Anyone who has read any salmon fishing literature cannot fail to be impressed by some of the beat names on the Spey, including Wester Elchies, Delfur, Knockando, and Tulchan, not to mention Castle Grant and Arndilly. Every stretch is steeped in history and has seen thousands of anglers come and go.

The season opens on the 11th February and runs until 30th September. Anglers can expect to catch fish from the opening day onwards throughout the river, depending on the temperature and river heights.

If you're looking for the perfect base for a fishing holiday on the River Spey then look no further than the Steading holiday cottage.

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

If you go down to the woods today .........

.......you never know what you might see !!!

Three generations of Scots pine trees grow in Anagach Woods. These woods date back to 1766 when Grantown was established as a new Highland industrial town. Today the woods still produce valuable timber, and are of high conservation value.

An extensive network of way-marked paths and tracks provides access for walking, running, orienteering, cycling, and even skiing - when snow allows, whilst others may wish to linger to enjoy the wealth of wildlife that inhabits the woodland.

The community of Grantown-on-Spey owns the Anagach Woods through the Anagach Woods Trust, a charitable company.

If you choose to stay at the Steading holiday cottage then a visit to Anagach woods is a must:

http://www.anagachwoods.org.uk/index.htm

The Dava Way ...walk the walk ...........

The Dava Way path links the historic towns of Forres and Grantown-on-Spey. The total distance from the centres is 24 miles (38km), of which 22 miles (35 km) are in open countryside.

Almost all of the route follows the old Highland Railway line and is off road and safe from traffic. From the Moray Firth this unusually varied railway walk winds its way from sea level up to Dava summit at 1050 feet (320 metres) before descending into Strathspey. Along its length it passes through a pleasant mix of farmland, woodland and moorland.

This variety makes the Dava Way path one of the best long distance walking paths or off road cycling routes in Scotland.

The Steading holiday cottage is only a few hundred yards from the Dava Way and provides the perfect base for a walking holiday in the area.

Check it out at:

http://www.davaway.org.uk/

Get into the swing of things .......

........... and there's no better place to stay for a golf holiday than the Steading - where you'll be spoiled for choice.

The local course at Grantown-on-Spey is only a five minute drive from the cottage and if you fancy something less challenging - the short course at Craggan is ideal.

A bit further afield you can enjoy awaydays to the courses in Aviemore, Carrbridge, Nethy Bridge, Ballindalloch, Forres, Nairn, Kinloss, Hopeman, Elgin and the list goes on ..................

Check out Grantown golf at:

http://www.grantownonspeygc.co.uk/mainsite/index.html

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/

For walkers in Scotland ...........

.........look no further than the WalkHighlands website.

Packed full of information any walker could ever possibly need including news, walks, routes, 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/

On the whisky trail ...........

................. it's certainly worth following !!


Whisky, Uisghe Beatha, The Water of Life, has evolved over more than 500 years to give the range of rich single malts, complex pure malts and distinctive Scotch blends we know today.

The Steading holiday cottage is close to the trail giving you the chance to experience this unique product for yourself.

Come in May, or in September for the whisky festivals, when distilleries, whisky shops, bars, pubs and whole villages welcome visitors with drams, special nosings, ceilidhs and other parties. Come at any time to enjoy famous names and share well-kept secrets with knowledgeable locals in well-stocked bars and friendly pubs.

Check out the trail at:

http://www.maltwhiskytrail.com/

Get your free WiFi connection at the Steading

Book early for 2011 to avoid disappointment !!

With only one week (Sat 10 - Sat 17 July) still available for summer 2010, don't miss out for next year.

You can check our current availability at:

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

There's plenty to see and do at the Steading ....

Grantown-on-Spey, the capital of Strathspey, is a traditional Highland town situated 14 miles from Aviemore at the northern edge of the Cairngorms National Park.
The River Spey, famed for its salmon fishing, is only a short walk from the town centre and there are numerous easy walking routes along the river.
There is a wide variety of quality shops, hotels, pubs, restaurants and coffee shops both in the town and surrounding area.
Grantown is bordered by ancient woodlands including Anagach Woods which has marked trails and paths providing access for walking, running, orienteering or cycling.
Golf, bird and nature watching, skiing, pony trekking, off-road driving and water sports are just some of the other activities available throughout the year.
Ballieward Steading is the perfect base to explore the local Speyside area and visit tourist attractions throughout the Highlands and North East Scotland.
These include:
Scotland’s Malt Whisky Trail
Loch Ness
Craggan Outdoor Activity Centre
Highland Folk Museum
Logie Steading Visitor Centre
Strathspey Steam Railway
Loch Garten Osprey Centre
Loch Insh Watersports
Cairngorm Funicular Railway
Landmark Forest Theme Park
Highland Wildlife Park
Rothiemurchus Estate
Glenlivet Estate
Dolphin Watching
You are also ideally placed to visit the many castles, rivers, lochs, distilleries, gardens and historic towns and villages throughout the Scottish Highlands.
The VisitHighlands.com website provides more information on ‘what to see and do’ in the area.
You can also see a selection of photographs taken in the area surrounding the Steading by visiting the Geograph website.

A fabulous holiday cottage in a fabulous location

Set in the Cairngorms National Park, the Steading holiday cottage is only 1 ½ miles from the Highland town of Grantown-on-Spey.

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.

Grantown-on-Spey, the Capital of Strathspey is in the centre of the Scottish Highlands and only 14 miles from Aviemore. A traditional Highland town on the River Spey, it is a fine example of a Georgian planned town – one of the first to be set out in this fashion in the 1760s. It has many historic buildings, a tree lined Square and striking Georgian and Victorian architecture.

The town is surrounded by ancient woodlands, much of which is community owned and which offer a unique habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. These Anagach Woods have way marked trails and there is walking for all abilities. There are also numerous other walks and trails around the town which offer wonderful views over the surrounding hills and mountains.

The town has an award-winning Museum which tells the story of Grantown’s beginnings, brought to life by an extensive photographic collections and audio visual display. Here you can find out about Queen Victoria’s royal visit of 1860, the coming of the railways and Grantown’s development as a popular holiday destination.

The town’s Square and High Street are lined with unique, independent and interesting shops and businesses selling everything from children’s clothes to whisky, fishing line to pottery. There are numerous cafes, bars and restaurants offering a wide range of meals, drinks and snacks to suit all tastes and pockets.

All in all it is a beautiful, charming town with plenty to do for the day visitor and which offers a unique opportunity to experience a traditional Highland town, dating from 1760s.

Satisfaction guaranteed ..........

............or your money back !!

Just check out some of the comments left by our visitors who have stayed at the Steading holiday cottage during the past year:

Five star cottage - week was great – wildlife was fantastic – great hosts – will be back. JASJL, Lanarkshire

Wonderful accommodation in an idyllic setting. Warm welcome, great hospitality and the superb weather all made for a great holiday. TCGP, Cheshire.

A wonderful stay again. Lovely accommodation with excellent facilities and friendly advice on what to see and do. Thank you. MAADK, York

Beautiful area, fantastic bird watching. The cottage is superb. Even the weather was great. Many thanks. P&N, Essex

A lovely comfortable cottage – a real home from home. This is really a beautiful spot in Scotland which we have enjoyed exploring. We hope to return soon. PSR, Cambridgeshire

Back in this wonderful cottage. We’ve had a fantastic stay. We’ve seen a lot and had great weather most of the time. Hope to come back again someday. RKWD, The Netherlands

Check out the Geograph website !!

If you want to get a better feel for the area surrounding the Steading holiday cottage then why not check out some of the impressive photographs on the Geograph website.

Just click on the following link for an interesting snapshot of Ballieward and its surrounds:

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

Happy April Fools Day! ...but this isnt a joke!

Winter continues at the Steading! Just when we had hoped that Spring was on its way....another dumping of snow! Snow has been falling steadily now for 48hours over the Northern Cairngorms. Weather expected to ease through Thursday setting us up for a fantastic white Easter Weekend, Friday is looking fantastic!

For any of you skiers or boarders out looking for ski accommodation in the Scottish Highlands, and want to take advantage of more fantastic conditions on the Cairngorms or Lecht, please see our website: http://www.ballieward-steading.co.uk/.

Our immaculately presented holiday cottage near Grantown-on-Spey in the Scottish Highlands, is a great base for those looking to hit the local slopes!

Our highly recommended holiday rental accommodation in Grantown-on-Spey is fully equipped and presented to the highest of standards. Book now to take advantage of the fantastic Highland conditions.