Things to do at Muckrach Castle
CASTLES TO VISIT
The area surrounding Muckrach Castle abounds with castles, some inhabited and some the worse for wear, but all rich in Scottish history. Listed below are suggestions of some castles to visit, some within close proximity, others a little further afield, but each with its own character and attraction:
Castle Roy - On the northern edge of Nethybridge, the castle is thought to have been built soon after 1226 by James, son of the Earl of Mar, to whom Alexander II had granted the Lordship of Abernethy. One of the oldest castles in Scotland, it is a simple enclosure with plain curtain walls and tower, protecting those who lived in wooden lean-to buildings within the courtyard.
Cawdor Castle - the most romantic castle in the Highlands, situated north of Grantown-on-Spey on the B9090 between Nairn and Inverness. Romantically linked by Shakespeare with Macbeth, Cawdor Castle is not another cold monument, but a splendid house and home of The Dowager Countess Cawdor.
Ballindalloch Castle - a magnificent 16th century castle and the family home of the Macpherson-Grants, Lairds of Ballindalloch since 1546. Located just off the A95.
THE OSPREY RESERVE
The Loch Garten Osprey Centre near Nethybridge has an osprey viewing hide overlooking nesting birds. Between April and August you can watch these magnificent birds diving for fish in tranquil surroundings before they head south, back to the warmer climes of South Africa. So whether you're an avid ornithologist or just enjoy the splendour of our birds of prey, the osprey centre is certainly worth a visit.
GOLF
Scotland is the home of golf and the whole of the country is dotted with
fine courses: Speyside itself boasts at least two dozen. There are several
courses of championship quality close to the castle. Three of the golf
courses within easy reach of Muckrach are: Grantown on Spey , Kingussie
and Newtonmore golf couses.
MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES
There are numerous opportunites to enjoy the wonderful mountain scenery
that surrounds the Spey valley. The famous Cairngorm range rises to a
height of over 4000ft and provides a fantasic opportunity to experience
some of the best walking, climbing and, in winter, skiing, in Scotland.
Recently completed, the brand new Cairngorm mountain funicular gives the less energetic a chance to experience the wonderful views that can be viewed from the high tops. It is not just skiers who use the funicular; in summer the funicular takes passengers to a height of 3600ft, just below the summit of Cairngorm, from where you can enjoy a drink at the highest cafe in Britain.
In winter Cairngorm is Britain's premier ski resort, with 35 downhill runs and skiing and snowboarding for all standards. Also nearby is the Lecht Ski Centre, where 12 lifts will provide more than enough interest for even the keenest skier.
FISHING
There is an excellent choice of loch fishing or fly-fishing for salmon
and sea trout on the adjacent River Spey.
Muckrach Castle is ideally placed to take advantage of the many activities,
both indoors and outdoors, which help to make a holiday in this part of
Scotland so memorable. You can visit distilleries, castles and visitor
attractions such as the Speyside Cooperage in Craigellachie, the Strathspey
Steam Railway, the Alpine Nursery and Gardens near Aviemore, and Logie
Steading in Forres. There are forest walks on the Rothiemurchus Estate.
You can also visit a Falconry Centre or the famous herd of reindeer on
the Cairngorm mountain. During the summer months there are always local
Highland Games and Gatherings worthy of a visit to watch energetic displays
of dancing and sporting competitions.
EATING OUT
Muckrach Lodge is renowned for the
quality and presentation of its food. This is just a short 5 minute walk
from the castle. The restaurant serves beautiful dishes made from the
best quality local ingredients. Most of there meat and poultry comes from
within thirty miles of the hotel, and the fish and seafood from Scottish
boats working out of Moray and west coast harbours. Some of the most popular
dishes include pressed smoked salmon and sea trout terrine, pigeon ravioli
in a game bird broth, a lamb shank slow roasted for six hours to such
perfect tenderness that the meat just falls off the bone and a tea and
citrus terrine with frozen yoghurt sorbet that is to die for. The wine
list is extensive and broad in scope with many wines available. http://www.muckrach.co.uk/
Other recommendations from Andy Picheta, owner of Muckrach...
The Glasshouse (closed Mondays).
Chef Patron, Steve Robertson, runs this stylish and high quality restaurant
with his wife, Karen. The food is excellent, which is no surprise as Steve
was head chef at Muckrach for several years!
The Glasshouse Restaurant, Grantown on Spey - http://www.theglasshouse-grantown.co.uk/
The Craggan Mill (closed Tuesdays). Owner, Graham, and wife chef, Sheila, have made the Mill their very own with an eclectic menu that draws on the best local ingredients available.
The Craggan Mill, Grantown on Spey - http://www.cragganmill.co.uk/
Andersons Bistro is a brand new and
first time venture by Clare, who runs the front of house, and partner,
Steve, who prepares modern Scottish cooking with a Mediterranean twist.
The decore and design is simple, stylish and classy.
Andersons Bistro, Boat of Garten.
Tigh na Sgiath is a family run hotel
in Dulnain Bridge, full of old fashioned charm and always in-fashion friendliness.
The food is fresh, local, unfussy and very, very good.
Tigh na Sgiath Hotel & Restaurant, Dulnain Bridge - http://www.tigh-na-sgiath.co.uk/
La Taverna offers buffet lunches, dinners, full menu and not bad pizzas. The restaurant is run by Italians. La Teverna, Aviemore.
The Palace Tandoori is one of my top ten Indian restaurants in the whole
of the UK. The flavours come through, the ingredients are high quality
and the service is friendly.
The Palace Tandoori, Aviemore.
In addition to the dinner destinations above, there are several lovely coffee shops, family restaurants, chippies and a Chinese takeaway, all available in Grantown on Spey.
