Explore
Explore Badenoch – Highland Adventures Near The Crossing & The Braeriach
From the awe-inspiring views of Ruthven Barracks to the enchanting wildlife at the Highland Wildlife Park, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor activities, scenic hikes, or a peaceful retreat, the Cairngorms offer an unforgettable experience. Explore, discover, and create lasting memories in this stunning Scottish landscape.
01.
Kingussie and Newtonmore
Nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Kingussie and Newtonmore offer a perfect blend of Highland charm and outdoor adventure. Kingussie boasts historic sites like Ruthven Barracks and scenic riverside walks, while Newtonmore is home to the Highland Folk Museum and Clan Macpherson Museum. Both towns provide access to hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting in the surrounding hills and glens, making them ideal bases for exploring the natural beauty and heritage of Badenoch.
02.
Badenoch The Storylands
Badenoch is a historic region of the Cairngorms National Park at the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Here you will find everything from ancient fortresses and distilleries to some of the UK’s best attractions and museums. Experience real Highland culture and wildlife. Explore stories and hidden gems in this special place. With wildlife watching, traditional sports and culture, as well as great walks and cycling routes, there is something for everyone.
03.
Ruthven Barracks
Just a short walk from The Crossing to visit Ruthven Barracks, which offers panoramic views of Kingussie and a fascinating insight into Scottish History. Ruthven Barracks were built by George I’s government in the early 1700s after the failed Jacobite uprising of 1715. The troops stationed there were to maintain law and order and enforce the Disarming Act of 1716. The barracks saw action twice. A 300-strong Jacobite attack failed to take the barracks in 1745, but a more heavily armed attack the next year forced the barracks’ surrender. The Jacobite’s rallied here after their defeat at Culloden before conceding.
04.
Highland Folk Museum
Another five minute drive from The Crossing at the start of Newtonmore is The Highland Folk Museum, Britian’s first open air museum. Delve into the past and discover the real, living Highland Folk Museum. Visitors to this living history Museum can learn how our Scottish Highland ancestors lived, how they built their homes, how they tilled the soil and how they dressed, in a friendly and welcoming environment. And it’s been a filming location for Outlander!
05.
Highland Wildlife Park
Just a five minute drive from The Crossing, Highland Wildlife Park is a gateway to the natural world, where people can experience nature, learn about the challenges facing wildlife in Scotland and beyond. From cheeky monkeys and elusive wildcats to Scotland’s only polar bears – there’s something for the whole family to explore! With one of the largest park-based conservation and science programs in the country, the RZSS fund, support, and lead research projects locally and globally. Find out more about some of the animals you might meet on your visit.
06.
Loch Insh Outdoor Centre
Just a ten minute drive from The Crossing, Loch Insh Outdoor Centre, Kincraig offers a wide range of multi-sport activities, focusing on water sports with ice skating and skiing available in the winter months. Enjoy open canoeing on Loch Insh or take a river trip on the River Spey.
07.
Laggan Wolftrax
An exciting, purpose-built, singletrack mountain bike centre with over 20 miles of purpose-built trails wind through Laggan Forest, with superb views of the Monadhliath hills on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. There are routes from an easy-going green trail to a black run that’s probably the most technical bit of single-track in Scotland. In the bike park you can ride big berms and tabletop jumps. You don’t have to ride a bike to enjoy Laggan: the route to Dun da Lamh hill fort makes a great walk as well as a cycle ride. It’s one of the best-preserved hill forts in the Highlands, with impressive walls and superb views of the countryside around.
08.
G2 Outdoors
Based in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park G2 Outdoors has been providing awesome outdoor activities in some of Scotland’s best places for over 20 years, from canyoning and rafting to gorge walking and ziplining throughout the Cairngorms National Park and just 8 miles from The Crossing. Check out their Night Zip Adventure in the winter months!
09.
Cairngorm Alpacas
Just a five minute drive from The Crossing, you will find Lochbuie Croft, a family run farm with a twist. This is a fun and engaging experience for all ages, giving you the opportunity to say hello to the animals at the farm and enjoy vast views of the Cairngorms along the way. With alpacas, miniature donkeys, highland cows and pygmy goats there are many characters to meet.
10.
Landmark Adventure Park
Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbidge has been voted by TripAdvisor as one of the Top 10 Adventure Parks in the UK! Where else can you walk amongst real-life sized dinosaurs, take the plunge down one of three water coasters, challenge yourself on one of three ropes-courses and get the chance to walk through an amazing tropical hot-house with hundreds of stunningly beautiful butterflies!? Carrbidge is also home to the World Porridge making championships and Carve Carrbridge the chainsaw carving competition both held annually.
11.
Cairngorm Quadtreks
Just 7 miles from The Crossing, Quad bike with Cairngorm Quadtreks on the magical Alvie Highland Estate near Aviemore. Trek along the banks of the River Spey, cross the open heather moorland with stunning 360° Cairngorm mountain views, take on the fun filled water crossing and the winding woodland trails. Adult treks start at the age of 12 years, and they also offer Private treks or Family treks starting from age 9 years. For the Family and Private treks, you have a private instructor for your own group which means young and old can trek together.
12.
Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer found in the Cairngorm mountains in Scotland. These tame and friendly animals are a joy to all who come and see them. Reindeer are not just for Christmas! There are currently around 150 reindeer in the herd, mostly ranging on the Cairngorm Mountains with the remainder on the Glenlivet Estate, the locations being some 30 miles apart.
13.
Cairngorm Mountain
Near Aviemore and with fun things to do for families and visitors of all ages, Cairngorm Mountain is open all year round and transforms into Scotland’s top ski resort in winter. During spring and summer, the unique range of outdoor attractions includes exhilarating mountain biking, tubing slides, and guided walks around Aviemore’s wild landscape. With a motorhome site and mountain garden, visitors can enjoy the Cairngorms’ stunning views during their stay at Aviemore.
14.
Shinty
Why not take in a game of shinty at The Dell—home to Kingussie Camanachd or The Eilean where deadly rivals Newtonmore play their home games. Both these teams have long and proud histories and are two of the sport’s most successful teams. Shinty is Scotland’s historic sport and is a spectacular, fast paced and skilful game with similarities to Irish hurling. The shinty season runs from early March until September / October and you’ll find games taking place locally most weeks.
