Aviemore / Cairngorms
Discussion
Driving up for the Edinburgh fringe at the start of August (staying with friends) but beforehand thought about visiting a bit more of Scotland. Thinking Aviemore as there looks to be a choice of accommodation and enough bars and restaurants for 3/4 nights to keep it interesting.
Days will be sightseeing/walking. Any reason not to stay there or any other recommendations in the area?
Days will be sightseeing/walking. Any reason not to stay there or any other recommendations in the area?
I'd suggest Pitlochry.
Small town but has accommodation in or around, pubs, restaurants etc.
Quite central, giving you access to Cairngorms to the North, Braemar/Balmoral to the North East/East, also Loch Tay area and even Glencoe heading West, and lots of nice walking nearby around Pitlochry itself or nearby Dunkeld and Blair Atholl.
Get yourself on the walkhighlands website for lots of good walking ideas.
Small town but has accommodation in or around, pubs, restaurants etc.
Quite central, giving you access to Cairngorms to the North, Braemar/Balmoral to the North East/East, also Loch Tay area and even Glencoe heading West, and lots of nice walking nearby around Pitlochry itself or nearby Dunkeld and Blair Atholl.
Get yourself on the walkhighlands website for lots of good walking ideas.
The area surrounding Aviemore and Speyside more generally is beautiful with absolutely loads to see - are you outdoorsy/into walking/watersports etc?
There are also plenty of places in Aviemore to eat and enjoy live music in the evenings if you want something a bit more lively.
For nightlife there's usually everything from traditional Scottish music in the Cairngorm Hotel, to open mic in the Doo Below or various bands playing in the Winking Owl's bothy bar. If you time it right the Old Bridge runs events including the odd night with various DJs and a bonfire beside the Spey. There's even The Vault - a pretty terrible but fun if you're drunk enough nightclub if you really want a big night!
For food there's plenty of choice but the Old Bridge is probably the favourite - chilled gastropub style but very good food, we've never had a bad meal.
Pitlochry is like a morgue in the evenings by comparison.
There are also plenty of places in Aviemore to eat and enjoy live music in the evenings if you want something a bit more lively.
For nightlife there's usually everything from traditional Scottish music in the Cairngorm Hotel, to open mic in the Doo Below or various bands playing in the Winking Owl's bothy bar. If you time it right the Old Bridge runs events including the odd night with various DJs and a bonfire beside the Spey. There's even The Vault - a pretty terrible but fun if you're drunk enough nightclub if you really want a big night!
For food there's plenty of choice but the Old Bridge is probably the favourite - chilled gastropub style but very good food, we've never had a bad meal.
Pitlochry is like a morgue in the evenings by comparison.
Edited by Snow and Rocks on Monday 3rd June 22:03
ecsrobin said:
Driving up for the Edinburgh fringe at the start of August (staying with friends) but beforehand thought about visiting a bit more of Scotland. Thinking Aviemore as there looks to be a choice of accommodation and enough bars and restaurants for 3/4 nights to keep it interesting.
Days will be sightseeing/walking. Any reason not to stay there or any other recommendations in the area?
Depends what you want to do of course.Days will be sightseeing/walking. Any reason not to stay there or any other recommendations in the area?
I like Inverness (30miles north of Aviemore) as a small friendly city
Second the Inverness suggestion. More options. Dolphin watching. Walks on west coast Torridon etc within easy day trip. Also Cairngorms going east. Go south to Nevis Range etc.
Sometimes there is an easy/west weather split. In Inverness you can choose the dry side.
Look at Glen Affric for a nice Glen walk. Or Glen Feshie. The best rewilding in Scotland in the upper Glen. Park at Achlean and have a low level walk p the glen or go on the tops
https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/environm...
Sometimes there is an easy/west weather split. In Inverness you can choose the dry side.
Look at Glen Affric for a nice Glen walk. Or Glen Feshie. The best rewilding in Scotland in the upper Glen. Park at Achlean and have a low level walk p the glen or go on the tops
https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/environm...
Edited by irc on Tuesday 11th June 04:52
Aviemore is a fine base to explore. I'd recommend staying in one of the Macdonald hotels (Highland, Morlich etc) or somewhere along that main drag.
Absolutely do not stay in the Coylumbridge Hotel. It was a lovely place back when it was a Hilton, now owned by Britannia group and a complete dump.
Absolutely do not stay in the Coylumbridge Hotel. It was a lovely place back when it was a Hilton, now owned by Britannia group and a complete dump.
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