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