About the Area & Things To Do
There is a huge variety of things to do, though soaking up the highland atmosphere and fresh air in itself is paramount.
The Speyside Way goes right past the garden and is one of the premier hiking routes in the Cairngorms. Ben Rinnes, the highest peak in Moray is nearby and is easily climbed on a pathway in good weather. Numerous other routes are waymarked and The Glenlivet Estate Office in Tomintoul has full details of all local outdoor activities and wildlife watching.
Neighbouring us, Glenlivet Hill Trek offers a selection of off-road and whisky themed tours over the 55000 acres of The Glenlivet Estate.
The Glenlivet Bike Trails are very popular. Cycle hire is available there too.
The Glenlivet Distillery, within walking distance of us, is one of the distilleries on The Malt Whisky Trail. Glenfiddich, The Macallan, Aberlour and Glenfarclas are among other distilleries nearby.
There is fishing on The Spey river, The Avon and locally on The Livet, in the season.
There are numerous golf courses in the vicinity, and the sea - The Moray Firth, is less than an hour away, for surfing, coasteering, sailing, fishing etc.
The area abounds with castles and ancient monuments, from the local ruins of Drumin and Blairfindy Castles and the larger lived in Ballindalloch Castle, to Cawdor (Macbeth) and Balmoral - The Queens summer residence, less than an hour away. All are open to visitors seasonally, as is spectacular Fort George on the coast.
In the summer most of the villages and towns host Highland Games - open to all to visit and spectate.
Hogmanay (New Years Eve) is traditionally celebrated, and at this time of year there is often enough snow to ski: nearby The Lecht Ski Centre is 15 mins drive away. The larger Cairngorm Mountain ski area, at Aviemore, is 45 mins drive- an excellent day out.
Eating Out
There is a good variety of local hostelries/restaurants to be found.
The nearest pub: The Croft Inn, which also serves food, is 5 mins drive away. The Delnashaugh Hotel is 10 mins drive, also serving good food. Ring both for opening times though.
There is also a selection of eateries in Tomintoul, as well as in Aberlour, Dufftown and Grantown-on-Spey.