The perfect blend of cottage charm and thrilling Alvie activities

Amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands lies the enchanting Alvie Estate and Gleann and Beinn Cottage. With its sprawling grounds, dense forests, and serene lochs, Alvie Estate is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing ample opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and wildlife spotting. The estate also boasts a rich history, dating back to the 18th century and Gleann Cottage presents the perfect blend of cottage charm and thrilling Alvie activities.

Here, Ruth shares her experience of an adrenaline filled day spent exploring a few of the estate activities. 

Waking up to stunning views and the peaceful surroundings is such a treat but we have a day filled with adrenaline ahead… After a leisurely breakfast my husband and I head out of the lodge and take the short walk to the G2 Zip Park. We receive a lovely warm welcome from Joe who makes sure we know what to expect and that we have all the gear. We have picked the Zip Trek, which is ‘an adrenaline filled aerial ride on 14 wires totalling over 2km, through a stunning Scottish Pine Forest.’ the last of which Joe tells us is 550m, we might be mad but we can’t wait! 

It’s an unforgettable journey and a breathtaking ride. The zips build up in length and Joe and the team look after our safety and provide expert guidance, with just the right amount of light hearted banter. This allows us to fully immerse ourselves in traversing treetop platforms and soaring through the breathtaking landscapes, witnessing panoramic views and discovering hidden gems from a unique perspective.

Once we have two feet feet back on the ground, we head over to Alvie Forest Food for some yummy lunch, offering a unique spin on traditional street food by incorporating locally sourced ingredients from Alvie and Dalraddy Estates. Their menu features a blend of modern dishes and beloved classics, all crafted with seasonal elements. Before leaving we also grab the creamiest latte from Cabin Coffee to give us a kick needed for the afternoon.

There are so many great experiences on the estate but we decide to experience Clay Pigeon Shooting, something neither of us has done before and so feel a little nervous but we have always wanted to try it. David was amazing, really knowledgeable and experienced and put us at ease straight away. The aim is to break flying clay targets with a shotgun. As the clay targets are launched into the air, we need to quickly track their trajectory, align our sights, and pull the trigger with perfect timing. The adrenaline rush of pulling the trigger and seeing the target explode into pieces is amazing but for the sake of all concerned we will not talk about who hit more overall in such a public forum!

Following our adventures and a brief stroll back to the cottage, we have just enough energy left to grab the perfect cold beer from the local Cairngorm Brewery out of the fridge, along with some well deserved snacks. We then chill out, firepit blazing, views of beautiful farmland and forest for as far as the eye can see and we reminisce about our unforgettable moments from the day.

So whether you’re seeking solace in nature or embarking on thrilling adventures, Gleann Cottage and the Alvie Estate promises an unforgettable escape to rejuvenate your senses and create lifelong memories and the perfect blend of cottage charm and thrilling Alvie activities.