From lowering blood pressure to boosting creativity, forest bathing has benefits aplenty for both body and mind. Join Highland Quietlife for a festive take on these nature immersion sessions.
Led by a local pipe band, join in the festive annual march with Santa from ‘The Triangle’ above the Craiglynne Hotel to The Square. Here, join the community for an evening of carol singing and merrymaking.
Join jolly old Saint Nick and his reindeer on a march from the school to the Cairngorm Hotel. Under a blanket of fireworks, sing out the evening with carols while feasting on mince pies and mulled wine.
Eat, drink and be merry at one of the Highland’s largest Hogmanay parties – featuring local music and vendors.
Kick off the new year with a 5k or 10k race in the heart of the Cairngorms. Running or walking, all abilities are welcome.
Champion Highland culture and community with tunes and tales at these monthly live events.
In this quaint setting, celebrate iconic Scottish poet Rabbie Burns with an evening of traditional food and festivities.
Challenge yourself with one of the UK’s most scenic half-marathon routes. For seasoned runners, this course provides excellent PB potential.
Lace up and lap the stunning Glenlivet Estate, touring ancient castles and glorious glens. Proceeds go to Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.
From beach yoga to wildlife watching, soak up the awe-inspiring nature and landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park. Choose from 80+ events across ten days in May.
Saddle up for Bikemore, the annual multi-day festival championing life on two wheels, featuring film screenings, inspirational talks and more.
Time for a dram: sample Speyside’s world-famous whisky heritage at this annual festival. Choose from 500+ events with local whisky distilleries, industry experts and fellow lovers of this legendary Scottish spirit.
Head to the Dell of Abernethy, situated in a magical woodland location, to enjoy the artistry of esteemed singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Siobhan Wilson. Her album ‘There Are No Saints’ was shortlisted for Scottish album of the year.
There’s no need to let your fitness slip while you’re on holiday – join the hordes of other runners every Saturday morning as they pound their way out and back along the Speyside Way.
Ready for your next challenge? Swim 500m, cycle 18k and run 10k in the next Speyside Triathlon, which starts and finishes in the charming Cairngorms village of Kincraig. Open to all levels.
Head to the heart of the Highlands for a celebration of music and art at the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival. Deacon Blue, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Sugarbabes are among the many artists set to take the stage. Day tickets available.
Don’t miss this electrifying event: the largest annual motorcycle rally in Europe. Watch Harley Davidson motorbike riders from across the globe roar through the colourful roads of the Cairngorms.
Fun for all the family, you’ll want to sculpt out time for this one. Goggle at the show-stopping works that carvers can create in just four hours, and enjoy local stalls and the tea and beer tents.
Fill your lodge’s fridge and cupboards with local produce. Every Wednesday throughout the summer, the Winking Owl pub and restaurant in Aviemore hosts an outdoor food and craft festival, and roughly once per month on a Sunday, Grantown-on-Spey hosts the Cairngorms Farmers Market. Check their Facebook page for the next date.
Something to whet your appetite: indulge in a weekend learning about Speyside’s rich food and drink scene. Sample world-famous whiskies, beers, gins and vodkas, hear from master distillers and indulge in the region’s finest produce.
How many times can you run four miles in 12 or 24 hours? Find out at Glenmore 24, the annual endurance challenge that sends runners on this very challenge around ancient forest trails near Loch Morlich.
Mark your calendars for one of the most iconic events on the Scottish calendar: the Braemar Gathering. From sports to falconry, experience centuries-old Scottish traditions at these Highland games, which have seen royals attend since 1848.
Found 300m above sea level, surrounded by mountains, Loch Morlich is an unbeatable location for an open water swim. There are distances to suit all levels and a skins option for those with experience.
This mini-festival celebrates the tunes and dances of Strathspey, with competitions for young and old, a concert and a ceilidh where you can join in with local country dance pros.
Spend your day saluting Scotland’s breakfast of champions as contestants from around the world compete in two porridge-making categories: traditional and speciality. Topped with whisky tastings, raffle prizes, and a pipe band parade, you’re in for a treat.
Discover the fascinating stories of Strathspey’s lesser-known neighbour, Badenoch. Walks, talks and online events.