Balsporran has a central location and there are an incredible number of places to visit and things to do. It is impossible to list them all

Places to visit

Castles & Monuments

Ruthven Barracks -  Located just outside Kingussie is Ruthven Barracks.   An infantry barracks erected in 1719 following the Jacobite rising of 1715, with two ranges of quarters and a stable block. Captured and burnt by Prince Charles Edward Stuart’s army in 1746 Free admission and open access. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Blair Castle and Gardens - the magnificent ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl, Scotland’s most visited historic house and the home of the Atholl Highlanders, Europe’s only remaining private army.
www.blair-castle.co.uk

Commando Memorial - A few miles north of Spean Bridge is the Commando Memorial in memory of the Commandos who trained in the Highlands during World War 2. The stunning views make this a very beautiful place to commemorate the fallen.

Cawdor Castle Historic Castle and Gardens. May to October only. Cawdor. A magical name, romantically linked by Shakespeare with Macbeth. A superb fairy-tale Castle, and just what every visitor is looking for ... www.cawdorcastle.com

Culloden Battlefield - Visiting Culloden the last hand-to-hand battle fought on British soil takes on a whole new meaning with the opening of an exciting new visitor centre and interactive exhibition. The battlefield itself is now restored to as close as possible that marched on by the two sides on that fateful day. An excellent half day visit to the battlefield and new visitor Centre. www.nts.org.uk

 Clava Cairns -  is the site of an exceptionally well preserved group of prehistoric burial cairns that were built about 4,000 years ago. The Bronze Age cemetery complex comprises of passage graves, ring cairns, kerb cairn, standing stones in a beautiful setting and the remains of a chapel of unknown date. www.historicscotland.gov.uk

Distilleries

Dalwhinnie Distillery - An opportunity to sample the 'Gentle Spirit' of the glen at one of the highest distilleries in the land, Dalwhinnie is a wonderfully full-bodied, smooth and warming malt whisky. Tours available Open all year – times vary.  www.discovering-distilleries.com/dalwhinnie

Tomatin Distillery Visitor Centre - Tours available. Open all year – times vary. www.tomatin.com

 Bells Distillery, Pitlochry -  Established in 1798 in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, Blair Athol is one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland. The Distillery produces a 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky with a strong fruity flavour and a smooth finish. www.discovering-distilleries.com

Ben Nevis - The distillery is nestled at the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, which has a summit elevation of 4'406 feet above sea level. www.bennevisdistillery.com

Edradour - Edradour is Scotland's smallest distillery - and the whisky is hand made today as it was over 150 years ago by just three men who are devoted to the time-honoured methods of whisky making. www.edradour.co.uk

Aberfeldy - Dewars World of Whisky - www.dewarswow.com

Places of interest

Pitlochry Fish Ladder - Situated in the Hydro dam at Pitlochry . A pleasant walk around Loch Faskally. See if you can spot any fish swimming through the fish ladder bypass.

Killiekrankie - Located 3 miles north of Pitlochry the site is owned and managed by The National Trust for Scotland. The east side of The Pass of Killiecrankie, a magnificent wooded gorge with the River Garry flowing along its base. The Battle of Killiecrankie, the major event in the first of the Jacobite uprisings, was fought nearby. The Visitor Centre tells the story of both the Passes rich natural history and the story of the battle. www.nts.org.uk

Pitlochry Festival Theatre -  An excellent selection of afternoon and evening performances if you want a night out. Pre booking required.
www.pitlochry.org.uk

Scottish Crannog Centre -  The Scottish Crannog Centre features a unique reconstruction of an early Iron Age loch-dwelling, built by the Scottish Trust for Underwater Archaeology . See how the ancient Scots lived – all the comforts of home over water. On the banks of Loch Tay near Aberfeldy.. March to October. www.crannog.co.uk

Heather Centre, Dulnain Bridge Garden Located in the Cairngorms National Park between Grantown on Spey and Aviemore, the Centre is a must for every visitor to the Highlands. It's a real feast for your senses with so much more than white and purple Heather! www.heathercentre.com

Waltzing Waters, Newtonmore -  A lights and water display. www.waltzingwaters.co.uk

Inshriach Nursery -  on the back road south of Aviemore. Selection of highland plants and a good stop to see Scottish woodland birds at the bird table also for tea and cakes,

Strathspey Steam Railway - Whether you remember the days of steam from yesteryear, or your era is "Thomas the Tank", or you simply want a relaxing day in the Highlands, come and enjoy a train journey with a difference in spectacular Strathspey. www.strathspeyrailway.com

Fort William to Mallaig steam Railway -  Travel over the historic Glenfinnan Viaduct (shown in Harry Potter film) and enjoy some fantastic scenery. It is regarded as one of the Great Railway Journeys of the World and was voted Top Railway Journey in the World 2009 by Wanderlust Magazine, due mainly to the stunning scenery through which you will be travelling. The 84 mile round trip will take you past Britain's highest mountain, deepest loch, shortest river and most westerly station. www.westcoastrailways.co.uk

Cairngorm Mountain Railway - Climb the mountain the easy way in the comfort and style of the enclosed carriages, travelling 1.8km on the longest funicular railway in Britain, rising 462m. Once at the Ptarmigan Station there is a viewing station, alpine garden, mountain exhibition gift shop and the UK’s highest restaurant. Open all year – weather dependant. www.cairngormmountain.com

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre - The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is Britain's only herd of reindeer, found free ranging in the Cairngorm Mountains in Scotland because reindeer are not just for Christmas. These extremely tame and friendly animals are a joy to all who come and see them. There are currently around 150 reindeer, approximately 50 of them ranging the Cairngorm Mountains and the remainder on the Glenlivet Estate; the locations being some 30 miles apart. There is a daily visit to the reindeer, weather permitting, departing from the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre at 11.00 am. There is an additional visit at 2.30 pm during the summer months. During the winter months, the visit may be dependent on whether we can find them. Under the supervision of our trained guides, visitors can feed and stroke the reindeer. www.reindeer-company.demon.co.uk

Clan Macpherson Museum, Newtonmore -  Local clan centre. Open April to October 10.00 to 5.00, 12.00 to 5.00 on Sundays. No admission charge. The local museum open to the public from April till the end of October underwent a refurbishment over winter 04/05. This represents the history past and present of the clan and is the focal point for the annual gathering in August. Laggan and its lands was the seat of the MacPhersons and many monuments around the area reflect the influence of the clan. Open 1st April to 31 October. www.clan-macpherson.org

Fort George  - lying to the east of Inverness Following the 1746 defeat at Culloden of Bonnie Prince Charlie, George II created the ultimate defence against further Jacobite unrest. The result, Fort George, is the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain, if not Europe.  Its garrison buildings, artillery defences bristling with cannon, and superb collection of arms – including bayoneted muskets, pikes, swords and ammunition pouches – provide a fascinating insight into 18th century military life.                        www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Castle Urquhart -  the ruins of one of Scotland’s largest castles set on the mysterious banks of Loch ness. The picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle are situated 2 miles from Drumnadrochit on a rocky peninsula on the banks of Loch Ness. After a chequered history, the building was blown up in 1692 to prevent it becoming a Jacobite stronghold. The castle was purchased by a Mr Chewett in the 1930s and in 2003 was gifted by his widow to The National Trust for Scotland. www.castles.org

Boat trips on Loch Ness - For the finest way to see Loch Ness, nothing compares to cruising with Jacobite - Experience Loch Ness, Scotland. Enjoy the splendour of a bright summer's day, or thrill to the crisp exhilaration of a winter cruise! and when it’s a little too crisp! Enjoy it with a hot drink from the warmth of the centrally heated cabin. www.jacobite.co.uk

The Royal Scot is moored on the canal below the locks, in the centre of Fort Augustus. Tickets can be purchased from the booking office adjacent to the jetty.

Dolphin watching trips on Moray Firth.

Walking

There are many walks in the area around Balsporran. Several Munros can be bagged from the door with many more just a short drive away. Whether you want low level, high level, forest, loch side or riverside walks there are routes to suit everyone from the most enthusiastic explorer to the sedate rambler...

  Golf

Newtomore -The golf course, which mostly lies along the banks of the River Spey in the heart of Monarch of the Glen country is surrounded by some of the most dramatic and beautiful highland scenery, a definite hazard for those trying to concentrate on their golf. The golf course plays to 6041 yds, with a premium on keeping the ball in play. Only one par five is complemented by a clutch of tight par fours and challenging par threes. Play to your handicap and you will have played well. www.newtonmoregolf.com

Kingussie golf course  -  moderately easy walking on upland terrain, with a few short climbs at the 4th and 8th holes. In general the fairways are of a generous nature, but the course is deceptive and position off the tee is an important consideration, a factor often the key to low scoring. The course is kept in immaculate order and offers excellent greens and fairways. Overall, the course provides an excellent test of shot making, and is suited to all levels of ability. www.kingussie-golf.co.uk

Grantown on Spey - It is an easy-walking course set part in woodland and part in parkland; this is an eighteen-hole course with varied challenges.

Boat of Garten - This is an eighteen-hole course .The sixth hole at this course is renowned as one of the finest in Scotland. Set amongst woods below the Cairngorms with the River Spey visible and the Strathspey Steam Railway running through trees alongside the outer half, this is a most attractive setting. The course is open all year with the club house open April-October. www.boatgolf.com

Carrbridge - A nine-hole course in a mix of heathland and parkland with wonderful views of the Cairngorms and surrounding countryside, the course is moulded around the natural contours of the land, so there are lots of water hazards on this course. www.carrbridgegolf.com

Nethy bridge - A traditional Highland golf course with small fast greens that are believed to be amongst the best in the Spey Valley.
www.abernethygolfclub.com

Several Badenoch & Strathspey Golf Courses have grouped together and developed a Golf Pass that allows the holder to play a round at all the member courses. The courses (9 & 18 hole) vary from parkland to heathland and at each the scenery is breathtaking.  www.golfhighland.com

Active days out

Ice Factor - As well as being the biggest indoor ice climbing facility in the world, The Ice Factor features the UK's largest articulated rock climbing wall and a competition-standard bouldering hall, making it the perfect place to practise, train and learn every conceivable mountaineering skill. There are even things to do for people who have never set foot on a mountain! www.ice-factor.co.uk

Cairngorm Range - Cairngorm has excellent facilities for all the family including Snow Boarding and the Cairngorm Mountain Railway, the 1.8km funicular railway which is the longest in Britain.
www.cairngormmountain.com

Nevis Range - Let Britain's only mountain gondola transport you effortlessly to 650m.  Meander along the mountain trails to the panoramic viewpoints, then relax in the restaurant & bar.  Visit the shop whilst the children play in the outdoor play park. There are 35 ski runs to choose from ranging from easy, intermediate, and difficult to very difficult. www.nevis-range.co.uk

Snowgoose Mountain Centre near Fort William, in the Highlands of Scotland - offers adventure activity holidays & courses with instruction in canoeing, kayaking, sailing and mountain walking holidays. Winter climbing courses, mountain guides for Ben Nevis and wilderness expeditions are highly acclaimed by our students through our inspirational outdoor skills training, outdoor education or environmental education. www.highland-mountain-guides.co.uk

 Highland Activities  -  a modern outdoor adventure centre offering quality outdoor activities including quad biking, white water rafting, canyoning & gorge walking, clay pigeon shooting, off road driving, paintballing, archery and mountain biking. www.highlandactivities.co.uk

Nae Limits' Ballinulig -  White water rafting and lots of other challenging activities. www.naelimits.co.uk

Newtonmore Folk Museum -  just off the A9 at Newtonmore. Well worth a visit from anyone staying in the area wanting a relaxed and enjoyable day and you will learn about the history and people of the area. Fascinating day out. Play area for kids. Café. Summer opening only. Free entry! www.highlandfolk.com

Highland Wildlife Park -  just off the A9 between Aviemore and Kingussie. Experience Scottish wildlife as well as international endangered animals of mountains and tundra in the spectacular setting of the Highland Wildlife Park. Drive around the Main Reserve in your own car and then investigate the walk-round area by foot, looking out for the snow monkeys being fed and Amur tigers! This was opened in 1972 and, along with Edinburgh Zoo, is run by the Royal Zoological Society . Open daily - opening times are from 10am - 4pm (last entry 3pm) and extended in summer. www.highlandwildlifepark.org 

Landmark Centre, Carrbridge - A great range of outdoor active outdoor play activities for bigger kids. Café. Open all year.
www.landmark-centre.co.uk

Hilton Coylumbridge Funhouse - 4 miles out of Aviemore on Glenmore Road great covered play area for small kids. Located at Hilton Hotel. There is also a swimming pool here open to non residents.

Pitlochry Children’s Amusement park - Highland Perthshire's N°1 Kids Action Zone! Have a fun day out in Pitlochry for all the family, young and old. Pirate Ship, Cups & Saucers, Magic Roundabout, Bumper Cars, Boats & Orbiter Shuttles, Water Blasters, Kiddies Track Ride, Family Amusement Arcade, Carousel and Snack Bar. Open Daily Easter to the End of October

Rothiemurchus Shooting School, Aviemore - Set in absolutely breathtaking scenery and established for over 20 years, Rothiemurchus is one of the best clay shooting facilities in the UK. Our exceptional facilities and top class tuition ensure that whether you are a complete beginner (12 years+) or a crack shot you’ll have a sensational  time. www.rothiemurchus.net/Pages/Activities/Clay-Shooting.html

Swimming pool at Aviemore Highland Resort.

Cairngorm Mountain and Glenmore Forest Park - Funicular railway and ski tows in winter. Funicular is available in the summer but not allowed to walk from the top. Great location for biking walks, picnics and hill treks in summer. Take the Glenmore road out of Aviemore.). Ski hire, mountain bike hire all available. www.cairngormmountain.co.uk

Loch Morlich Water Sports - Situated at the foot of the Cairngorm, Loch Morlich is situated right at the heart of the National Park. This beautiful location provides an ideal site for you to enjoy a wide range of activities. From watersports to walking, mountain biking to fishing, you'll find activities to give many fun filled days! Beautiful sandy beach. www.lochmorlich.com

Loch Insh Water Sports Kincraig , - Home of the Cairngorm Canoe and Sailing school or try some snow board or ski instruction on their 60m dry slope.  www.lochinsh.com

Bowling , Newtonmore -   an excellent outdoor flat green which is open from early May until September. Both visitors and new members are most welcome. Tuition for beginners is available on request and there is also a junior section supervised by Club members. Visitors and new members may use club bowls, but must provide their own flat shoes. Further information from the Secretary - Mary Laidlaw tel +44 (0)1540 673615

Fishing

Loch Ericht - situated just south of Dalwhinnie. The fishing is by way of bank and boat for brown trout. The season is from the 15th of March till the 6th of October. For further information and permits contact: Dalwhinnie Garage .

Loch Insh, Alvie & Beag - Situated between Kingussie and Kincraig, Loch Insh offers fishing for Brown Trout, Salmon, Pike and Arctic Char.  Fishing & Permits available from February to September from Loch Insh Watersports,

River Feshie - There is river bank fishing for 1300 yards on the south west bank, upstream from confluence with the Spey. Fish for Salmon, Sea Trout and Brown Trout

River Spey - can be fished for Salmon, Brown Trout & Sea Trout. On the North bank from downstream end of Eilean Dubh to the east end of the forestry plantation at Dalraddy Moor (east). On the South bank - from Kincraig to confluence with the River Feshie.

www.anglingintayside.co.uk
In addition there is plenty of other rivers and lochs you may wish to fish for salmon and trout.
Season for trout fishing on the Lochs is March to September.

 RSPB Osprey Centre at Loch Garten - you can see the Osprey nests from the centre and with live pictures of the action in the nest being relayed you can gain a real experience of their life. Staff is on hand to explain the action. Many of our guests have visited the centre and really enjoyed the experience. When ospreys returned to breed in Scotland, this is where they chose to come. Now you can watch them close-up, thanks to non-invasive CCTV. The reserve also has some excellent walks, with the chance to see red squirrels, dragonflies and crested tits. www.rspb.org.uk/scotland

Insh Marshes National Nature Reserve - this one of the most important wetlands in Europe. Enjoy a springtime stroll and look out for nesting lapwings, redshanks and curlews, or visit in the wintertime when the marsh floods. www.rspb.org.uk/scotland