Newtonmore has its own, excellent Golf Course, as does Kingussie just a few minutes away. The two are very different in their design and the challenges that they offer, each very enjoyable and amply rewarding in its own way.
Further afield but within easy drives, there are numerous courses, all offering different levels of challenge and all surrounded by magnificent scenery. Whether it is championship standard golf or a more leisurely recreational round that you are looking for, there’s bound to be something to suit you.
The Cairngorms National Park is Britain's largest, some 40% larger than the Lake District and twice the size of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs.
The Park was formed in 2003 with the aim of ensuring that its unique aspects - the natural environment, the cultural heritage and the local communities - are cared for, sustained and enhanced for current and future generations to enjoy
Within this wonderful Park, with its many picturesque towns & villages, numerous different activities & attractions and with its outstanding, varied scenery, there is just too much to see and to do for us to cover it all here.
That said, Newtonmore is perfectly situated at the Southern Gateway to the Park. Using the village as a base, you'll be very well placed to explore the wide variety of things on offer in this, the western (and best) side.
Map courtesy of www.cairngorms.co.uk. View a larger map.
© Ashworth Maps and Interpretation Ltd 2009
© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Cairngorms National Park Authority 1000040965, 2009
We are surrounded by thousands of acres of moorland and forest, teeming with wild creatures. For information visit our Wildlife in detail page.A short drive north of the village takes you to the splendid Highland Wildlife Park. With its Polar bear, wolves & bison to name but three of its residents, it is really well worth a visit.
You can also get "up close & personal" with The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd near Aviemore and, if you wish, book a sled-dog ride through the forests. Both are great fun!!
The RSPB owns the nearby Insh Marshes Nature Reserve and just 30 minutes up the road, the Loch Garten Nature Reserve, home of the world famous Ospreys.
Further afield but still within easy reach, sightings of Golden Eagles, Ptarmigan, Dotterel, Ospreys, Buzzards, Capercaillie, Black Grouse & Snow Bunting await you.
We're sure that this list is not comprehensive but we promise to keep it accurate and up to date for you.
If you are interested in photographing our native wild animals & birds, Neil McIntyre, based near Aviemore, conducts excellent Wildlife Photography Courses and Workshops.
Watersports abound close at hand.
You are spoilt for choice with 3 local companies offering a variety of water based activities to suit all tastes and abilities.
You can choose from half or full day courses, right through to a 4 day canoe trek that’ll really put you through your paces. All safe in the knowledge that you’re in the hands of experienced Instructors, using the very best equipment – and it doesn’t cost as much as you might think, either as all 3 companies offer great value for money.
If you prefer to do your own thing, Loch Insh just 20 minutes away, offering equipment hire and tuition for sailing, canoeing & windsurfing, together with kayak safaris on the River Spey. Loch Morlich is a little further, offering similar facilities, again in stunning surroundings.
Skiers & boarders who decide to base themselves in Newtonmore enjoy the luxury of being able to choose between 2 excellent ski areas, doubling your opportunities to get on to the snow and with different challenges, runs & routes.
Just about 45 mins away, the Cairngorms are Scotland's premier ski area, with Downhill, Snowboarding, Telemark and Nordic all well catered for.
A little further away, just over an hour or so, is the smaller, more intimate Nevis Range near Fort William, for a change of scenery.
You can also hire your equipment in the village, saving you having to queue when you get to the slopes.
Within easy reach of Newtonmore are 4 magnificent mountain ranges – the Cairngorms, the Monadliaths, the Drumochter Mountains and the Nevis range. You are spoilt for choice with an excellent selection of Munros, Corbetts & Donalds, all achievable in a comfortable day's outing from here.
Most accommodation providers are more than happy to provide you with maps, routes and guidance.
There is also excellent & challenging climbing – winter & summer – in the Cairngorms.
You can also arrange for the services of an experienced guide for the more adventurous walks and for small group or individual tuition in Mountaineering, Winter Skills, Climbing & Ice Climbing.
If the weather is against you, as it can be from time to time, you can still hone those climbing skills – indoors.
Extreme Dream, just up the road in Aviemore, is an excellent facility with climbs for all ages & skill levels.
Literature for Mountain Walkers.
Cameron McNeish: The Munros, Scotland's Highest Mountains, Lomond Books 1996
Rob Milne and Hamish Brown: SMC Hillwalker's Guide, The Corbetts & other Scottish Hills 1996
SMC Hillwalker's Guide: The Munros 2008
Donald Bennet and Cliff Stone: Scottish Hill Tracks
Brian Conduit: Cairngorms Pathfinder Guide 1996
Ernest Cross: Short Walks in the Cairngorms: Luath Press Ltd.
Ralph Storer: 50 Best Routes on Scottish Mountains: David and Charles 1998
For Further information, click on the links below.
Walkingworld - online walking guide
With such a challenging and varied landscape right on our doorstep, the area just lends itself to all manner of adventure activities.
Locally, you are again spoilt for choice, with two of the very best companies located in the vicinity.
Active Outdoor Pursuits have their HQ in the village and Highland Activities are based at Ardverikie Estate, better known as Glenbogle Estate from the BBC Series, Monarch of the Glen.
Quad Biking, 4x4 Driving & Tours, canoeing, white water rafting, gorge walking, indoor climbing, cycling, mountain biking, clay pigeon shooting and archery – all these things and more are on their menus of things to do.
Take a look at what they have to offer to see what suits you best.
Lots to do and see! Find out more information about what Newtonmore has to offer. Go...
For local village walks you can download the Newtonmore Paths Leaflet
