The Magnificent Mountains of the Highlands

The Commando Memorial, sculpted by Scott Sutherland, was created to honour the men of the original British Commando Forces who fought during the Second World War. The memorial's site was chosen due to its closeness to Achnacarry Castle, on whose estate the Commandos trained. The site also offers stunning views of Ben Nevis and Aonach Mòr.

The River Spean is straddled by the distinctive Laggan Dam. Built in 1934, this dam channels the power of Loch Laggan. Take a moment to inspect the dam and take in the beautiful scenery that surrounds it.

Turn back time and visit the Highland Folk Museum, an outdoor museum that presents Highland life from the 1700s to the 1950s.
Immerse yourself in their collections, which are focused on agriculture; domestic objects; crafts, trades & industries; applied arts; textiles & costumes; sports & pastimes; as well as over 35 historical buildings. The buildings include a blackhouse from the Hebrides Islands, a sawmill, and a shepherd's bothy.
Opening Hours: April – August: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. September – October: 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. November – March: Closed

Discover Scotland's wildlife – some common species and others endangered –, such as the Scottish wildcat, red squirrel, and red deer. The park also has a wide variety of animals and birds from the world's mountain and tundra regions, such as the Amur tiger, polar bear, and Arctic fox.
There are areas of the park that can be investigated on foot, and there is also a reserve that can be driven through.
Opening Hours: April – October: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. July – August: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. November – March: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Ticket Booking

"The warm and cosy atmosphere of this well-loved inn welcomes visitors with a menu of Scottish favourites and popular contemporary dishes. Enjoy your meal while the famous River Spey flows by.
Opening Hours: Thursday – Tuesday: 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Wednesday: no food served during lunchtime
Table Booking

Nestled beside the Glenmore Forest, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Loch Garten has two famous visitors each year – a pair of breeding ospreys.
The centre allows you to view the nest, via video link, and describes the lives of a series of ospreys, who have been nesting and rearing their chicks at Loch Garten since the 1950s.
A goshawk nest has also recently been identified around the loch and can be viewed via CCTV.
Note that the nature centre is open between the beginning of April and end of September.
Opening Hours: April – September: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. October – March: Closed

Make a stop at the “Still” art sculpture, which perfectly frames the majestic scenery that surrounds the highest village in the Highlands, Tomintoul.

Park your car and prepare to visit the world-famous Whisky Castle.

For over a century, the Whisky Castle has been a purveyor of the very best Scottish whisky. With over 600 different types of single malts on sale, the Whisky Castle is an absolute Aladdin's Cave for enthusiasts of Scotland's unique spirit.
If you’re looking for souvenirs from your Highland journey, then the Highland Market next door is sure to offer up a variety of inspirational gifts.
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Pick up your car and prepare to carry on your trip through the Cairngorm Mountain Range, one of the most scenic areas of the Highlands.

Enjoy a seat in one of The Watchers, four sculptures created by the artist John Kennedy, and experience the stunning scenery of the Lecht.
Also inspect the large standing stone sculpture titled “A Moment in Time”, which has been designed by artist Louise Gardiner to frame telescopic views of medieval Corgarff Castle, stronghold of the Forbes Clan.

Take a moment along the Old Military Road to soak up the beautiful landscape of the Cairngorms National Park, which you’re driving through.
Also, contemplate the backbreaking work carried out to engineer these roads around the Highlands, which were built by army engineers in response to the Jacobite Rebellions of 1715 and 1745. These roads were built in an effort to open up the Highlands, making it easier for the British Army to be transported around this troublesome area, to quell any uprisings.

The Ringing Stone (or Ringing Stane in the Scottish dialect) is famous locally for making a strange hollow sound if you drop a stone on it. Give it a try and see what you think!

Take a walk around the handsome Crathie Kirk, which faces the royal castle at Balmoral, just across River Dee.
Although the church will most likely be closed, you can still examine the exteriors of this fine house of worship, which was completed in 1895 after Queen Victoria had laid the foundation stone two years previously.
Christianity has been practised on this site since the 6th century and, today, members of the royal family will often attend the church when residing in Balmoral.

Check in at the Fife Arms and prepare to be awed by the extravagant interiors, which sometimes feel more art gallery than hotel. With 46 guestrooms and suites that have been individually decorated, the Fife Arms will be your perfect stop on your Highland odyssey.
For your evening meal at the hotel, reserve a table at their Clunie Dining Room, which boasts truly excellent wood-fire cooking, serving the very best local produce. As you eat your mouth-watering meal, take note of Clunie's striking decor, painted by the artist Guillermo Kuitca.
Clunie Dining Room
Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Alternatively, if visiting on a Sunday or Monday, a table at the Flying Stag, also within the hotel, can be booked.
Flying Stag
Opening hours: Daily: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., 5:45 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Book Now
If you are a TCS member and would like to book a hotel with 3% cashback, please follow the instructions via this link.