THINGS TO DO

The immediate area is great for walking, running, cycling, canoeing and fishing. Venturing slightly further afield you're within easy reach of The Lecht and Aviemore for winter sports, the Glenlivet Estate for mountain bike trails, or Loch Insh for water sports and much more. If you fancy a trip to the seaside, you'll find miles of beautiful sandy beaches at Nairn and Lossiemouth.

There are quality golf courses dotted throughout Speyside and all along the Moray coast, including classic championship links courses such as Castle Stuart, The Nairn and Moray golf course (Lossiemouth). In addition to the well-known courses, the local Ballindalloch Castle golf course is described as 'a hidden gem' and I challenge any golfer to get round under handicap!

For wildlife enthusiasts there is also plenty to see, from the reindeer on Cairngorm Mountain, the Highland Wildlife Park, or the birds, red squirrels and unique habitat of Abernethy forest. The wildlife photographs displayed in Ballin Dhu were taken by your host at some of the locations listed below.

If whisky is your thing, then you're at the heart of the Speyside malt whisky trail, with many distilleries and visitor centres. Ballin Dhu is also on the doorstep of the North East 250 route, described as 'The ultimate road trip to the heart of Scotland'.

The following links give some ideas of things to do,