Things To Do

Fishing

We are ideally situated for Salmon & Sea Trout fishing on the River Avon. The Avon is a major tributary of the world famous river Spey and offers excellent opportunity for your fly fishing holiday. Permits are available through the Tomintoul Angling Association at Tomintoul Post Office on a first come first served basis. Free fishing for Brown Trout on the Conglass Water is only a short walk from Benavon. A deep freeze facility is provided for the fish you wish to take back home. The Lochy Brown Trout Fishery is only 10 minutes drive from us and set in the beautiful River Avon valley.

Golfing

We are surrounded by golf courses at Grantown-On-Spey, Nethy Bridge, Dufftown & Ballindalloch. These courses are within 30 minutes drive from Tomintoul and Boat of Garten being a little further at 45 minutes.

Whisky Distilleries

We are very well placed for visiting the local distilleries or joining the Malt Whisky Trial. Before, regulation, the secluded hills provided many secret sites for producing illicit whisky, the hill tracks provided routes out of the hills and these smugglers supplied an ever increasing demand. The first distillery to be licensed was Glenlivet distillery. A local farmer called George Smith set up the distillery in 1823 on his farm at Minmore. It is the only distillery which has the sole rights to call its product ‘ The Glenlivet’.
The two nearest distilleries which offer excellent guided tours are Glenlivet and Glenfiddich in Dufftown. The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is held during May each year in Dufftown.

Walking

The Glenlivet Estate lies between the Ladder and Cromdale hills in the Cairngorms National Park and is part of the Crown Estate. Here amidst open expanses of heather covered hills, clear rushing burns and rivers, straths, glens and woodlands you will find some of the finest scenery in the Grampian Highlands. The Cairngorm mountains to the southwest intercept much of the rain and the area is surprisingly drier than many other parts of Scotland making it ideal for walking. The estate offers an extensive network of waymarked trials.

Bird Watching

The varied nature of the countryside provides good opportunities for enjoying birdwatching or viewing other upland animals. Crossbills, Siskins, redpolls, Goldcrest and Long-tailed tits can be seen across many areas. Heather, heath and woodlands provide good habitat for Black Grouse & Short Eared Owls while peat bogs and rough grass allow for waders including Snipe, Redshank, Curlew and Golden Plover. The banks of the Rivers Avon and Livet are very attractive, Goosanders can be seen in the summer and Dippers and Oystercatchers are commonly seen amongst the rocky burns. The mixed countryside and open moorland provides good habitat for a variety of different birds of prey including Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Hen Harriers, Merlins and Buzzards.

Skiing

The Lecht is an all year fun & action outdoor centre:
Tubing, Mountain Biking Tracks, Deval Karts, Quad Bikes, Fun Karts and Chairlift Rides available when snow free.

Pony Trekking

Pony Trekking is available nearby (5 minutes from Benavon) at St. Bridget Farm.
Beginner treks and rides for the more experienced rider are on offer on well schooled ponies .Exhilarating rides in outstanding scenery with exceptional wildlife. Established in 1992, 1hr, 1/2 day or day long trial rides. BHS & TRSS Approved. CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Castles

The Castle Trial can be easily joined from Tomintoul; we are only a short drive away from Ballindalloch, Corgarff and Balmoral castles.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

The Glenlivet Estate has many trials and “off road” sections for cycling and mountain biking. Forrest roads, farm roads and hill tracks are linked by quiet public roads and are all waymarked with a small “G” together with a cycling symbol. Further information and details are available from the Discovery Centre in Tomintoul.
(Tel no: 01807580358) Email: info@tgdt.org.uk

Glenlivet Mountain Bike Trial Centre

We are only 2.5 miles from Tomintoul. Facilities; Enjoy this purpose built trial at the heart of the Glenlivet Estate. The Blue Trial is a great introduction to cross country riding while the Red Trial provides challenges for the experienced. Open 11am- 5.00pm. Telephone number 01479870070.