Things to See and Do
One of the great things about Rathmhor is that there is so much to do within only a few minutes’ drive. Here is a small selection of the many possibilities. The numbers in brackets indicate approximately how long it takes to drive to each place from Rathmhor.
This is one of the best places for hillwalking in Britain, with 20 Munros (mountains over 3,000’) within 15 miles. These range from straightforward and grassy to challenging, rocky and magnificent, including the second and third highest mountains in the British Isles, Ben Macdui and Braeriach. Lots of great routes at the Walkhighlands website. In winter only venture into the hills if you have ice axe and crampons and know how to use them.
Highland Wildlife Park Kincraig (5 mins)
Run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, featuring native Scottish species such as capercaillie and wildcat as well as those from further afield such as Amur tiger and polar bear.
Ruthven Barracks Kingussie (5 mins)
Ruined military stronghold built by the British government after the 1715 Jacobite rising.
A wide range of local bike routes varying in length and difficulty from short family rides on quiet roads to longer more challenging trips on tracks through the hills.
Iona Gallery Kingussie (5 mins)
The only public art gallery in the Cairngorms, run by community group Society of Badenoch and Strathspey Artists to promote art and access to art for both residents and visitors.
Highland Folk Museum Newtonmore (10 mins)
Wonderful open-air museum which gives fascinating glimpses into past ways of life in the Highlands.
Insh Marshes National Nature Reserve Kingussie (10 mins)
Internationally important RSPB wetland reserve, famous for wintering geese and swans and for breeding lapwings, curlews and redshanks. Great waymarked woodland trails and bird hides.
Speyside Way (10 mins)
Well-signed long-distance trail which follows the River Spey for 85 miles from Newtonmore through Kingussie, Kincraig and Aviemore to Grantown and ultimately to the sea at Buckie. You don’t have to do the whole thing, there are lots of short walks along parts of it. The section from Kingussie to Kincraig is very enjoyable - start at Ruthven Barracks.
Loch Insh Outdoor Centre Kincraig (10 mins)
Friendly and well-equipped watersports centre offering loads of activities including sailing, canoeing and windsurfing instruction and hire. Café and restaurant on site.
Rothiemurchus Estate Aviemore (20 mins)
Lots of activities including Land Rover safaris, pony trekking and segway adventures. High-quality farm shop and restaurant.
Strathspey Railway Aviemore (20 mins)
Take a steam train along a 10-mile restored stretch of the original Highland Railway from Aviemore to Boat of Garten and Broomhill. Shops at all three stations.
Dalwhinnie Distillery (20 mins)
The highest whisky distillery in Scotland and the nearest to Rathmhor. A variety of tours and tastings available.
Laggan Wolftrax (25 mins)
20 miles of green, blue, red and black mountain bike trails as well as bike park with berms and jumps. Bike hire and café on site.
Glenmore Forest Park (25 mins)
Many great trails through Scots Pine forests with lovely views of hills and lochs and even a sandy beach. Visitor Centre, café and Britain’s only herd of reindeer.
Cairngorm Mountain (30 mins)
Snowsports resort – the season can last from December to April, but you are most likely to find decent snow between January and March. Ski and snowboard hire, café and shop.
Places to Eat
Another great thing about Rathmhor is that there are lots of good places to eat nearby. Here are a few of our favourites.
Cafe Bistro Kingussie (5 mins)
Excellent reasonably-priced restaurant highly recommended by previous guests.
McInnes House Hotel Kingussie (5 mins)
Pleasant hotel restaurant with tasty good value food and friendly service. Check website before visiting, as at some times of year evening meals are only served Friday - Sunday.
Sugar Bowl Kingussie (5 mins)
Great range of hot lunches and sweet snacks in a bustling and welcoming atmosphere.
Joe’s Chippy Kingussie (5 mins)
First rate fish and chip shop with friendly staff and wide range of food to eat in or take away. By the traffic lights in the middle of town.
The Cross at Kingussie (5 mins)
The best restaurant in the area - superb food and friendly relaxed service in a converted mill building just up the hill from the town centre.
The Cheese Neuk Kingussie (5 mins)
Kingussie's very own Independent cheesemonger, specialising in Scottish farmhouse cheeses along with wine, artisan bread and a range of other delicatessen products.
Old Post Office Cafe Gallery Kincraig (10 mins)
Great selection of lunches, coffees, teas and exceptionally good cakes, in comfortable surroundings with great service.
Boathouse Restaurant Kincraig (10 mins)
Part of Loch Insh Outdoor Centre; good range of food in a log cabin setting overlooking the loch.
Rowan Tree Country Hotel Alvie (10 mins)
Standard pub/restaurant fare in a modernised coaching inn on the old A9 between Kincraig and Aviemore.