What To Bring

We have put together a list of things that you should bring to make the most of your stay with us:

If you are hoping to experience amazing wildlife you've come to the right place! The great thing about wildlife is that it's free and there to be enjoyed by everyone, but just so that you can enhance your encounters and get the most from your time with us, we've compiled a basic list of things you might want to consider bringing to make the most of your experiences...

Clothing

Even if you are staying with us in Summer, it's wise to bring a combination of warm and casual clothing. As well as all your normal clothes which you would wear for most occasions, we recommend:

• Pair of sturdy but comfortable walking boots/trainers.
• At least one pair of proper walking/hiking socks
• At least one pair of spare shoes/trainers
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm Fleece
• Hat
• Gloves
• Sunglasses for very sunny periods or time spent on snow-covered mountains on bright days
• Clothes which can be layered (taking off or added depending on the temperature)
• Clothes that don't rustle! 

Equipment

Some equipment will make walking more enjoyable or will mean that you get better views of wildlife:

• Good Binoculars
• Bird watching Telescope (necessary for a small number of sites only)
• Walking sticks/poles for hill walking
• Suncream
• Aftersun
• Rucksack
• Flask
• Mat/Waterproof cover to sit on
• Midge repellant (for the summer months)

Travelling

• Up-to-date Road Atlas
• Sat Nav (if you're lucky enough to own one)
• Ordinance Survey maps of the area (available from the Book Shop in the Club Room of the TIC in Grantown/Aviemore)
• Mobile phone
• Mobile phone charger  

Additional Items

The following is a list of non-essential items but which nonetheless may add considerably to your stay:

• Camera (keen wildlife and landscape photographers must not forget this one - opportunities abound!)
• Battery charger for re-chargeable batteries
• Walking and Wildlife Books including Field Guides (invaluable in helping to identify and understand wildlife you may come across)
• Diary/Sightings log-book (to record what you have seen and to remind yourself about how good your stay was!)

The above is intended as a guideline of useful items to bring with you but is not intended to be exhaustive!

VALENTINE'S BREAK

If you fancy a winter wildlife getaway, why not treat that someone special on our Valentine's Break?  Enjoy some Scottish nature and scenery, with a romantic Valentine's Dinner at the Grant Arms Hotel - see our Special Events page for more details.

Register for our free monthly newspaper

"The Watcher"