OK, this is where it gets seriously indulgent! Nearby are 3 magnificent mountain ranges – the Cairngorms, the Monadliaths and the Nevis range. You are completely spoilt for choice with an excellent selection of Munros, Corbetts and Donalds, all achievable in a comfortable day's outing from here. There are also a host of very fine lower level walks, forest trails and short walks, especially the 7 mile Wildcat Trail around Newtonmore itself.

The Badenoch Way runs nearby, the spectacular Corrieyairack Pass is just a short drive away and the more challenging Speyside Way starts, or finishes if you prefer, just 15 minutes up the road in Aviemore. I should also mention the Lairig Ghru, arguably one of Britains toughest "walks". This is a formidable mountain pass; 28 miles of rugged terrain rising up to 2,700 feet linking Speyside and Deeside . . . definitely not for the faint-hearted and, no, I haven't done it! This is of course much to the aching disappointment of Cuillin, Ciara and Sassie who have only been afforded the very lovely and easy 5 mile forest walk to the start of the pass.

For walks where transport is required we are happy to drop off or pick up and we also have a full range of OS maps and guides for the Cairngorm area. Clothes washing/drying facilities are available to cope with the vagaries of the Scottish weather.

We are members of Walking World and will happily print out walks for our guests. These are comprehensive guides to walks for all levels of competency with pictures and descriptions of each stage plus map references.

• www.walkingwild.com
• www.newtonmore.com
• www.aviemorewalking.com
• www.cairngorms.co.uk

Last but definitely not least, a close friend of ours, Steven Fallon, has a breathtaking passion for the outdoors and in particular Scotland. His website is a valuable resource for those who wish to tackle the Scottish peaks.

• www.stevenfallon.co.uk