Delightful Farmhouse Accommodation 4 Star Bed and Breakfast In beautiful countryside near Forres & Findhorn Bay Tel: +44 (0)1309 676360 / Email: hildamassie@aol.com

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Milton of Grange Farmhouse is ideally situated for day trips north, west, east or south!

We are just 2 minutes drive from Forres and 5 minutes from Findhorn on the Moray coast. RAF Kinloss: 2 miles Nairn: 10 miles Elgin: 10 miles Inverness: 26 miles Aviemore: 38 miles Aberdeen: 75 miles

Here is just a glimpse of what to see and do while in the area.

Forres This Royal Burgh, famous for its floral sculptures in Grant Park (see photos), was winner of the 1999 Britain in Bloom competition. Local sports facilities include golf, swimming pool, tennis courts, horse riding, squash, badminton, bowling, etc. The Forres Footpaths Trust has a useful booklet for walks in the area Frequent bus and train services (Forres is on the Inverness - Aberdeen routes). Good selection of restaurants for evening meals.

Nelson's Tower

Nelson's Tower - standing prominently on Cluny Hill - offers spectacular views of the area. Just as impressive is Sueno's Stone - a 9th century Pictish stone which stands some 23 feet high and is intricately carved with battle scenes. The Falconer Museum has exhibits on the natural history and geology of the area.

Sueno's Stone

Findhorn This lovely village with traditional cottages and sandy beach is just 4 miles from Forres. It is home to the Findhorn Foundation which includes a community shop (organic foodstuffs, crafts, spiritual books, etc.) and ecological houses. Guided tours of the centre and gardens are available. Findhorn has its own Yacht Club (see photo), tennis courts and bowling green where visitors are welcome. Our farm adjoins the Findhorn Nature Reserve which is popular with birdwatchers. Another peaceful spot is the Culbin Forest (forest trails) and Culbin Sands.

Findhorn

Brodie Castle

Castles Brodie Castle, 4.5 miles west of Forres, is open to the public throughout the tourist season. With a famous daffodil collection, the magnificent grounds (open all year for free) include a lake, picnic area and ancient carved Pictish stone. Two other splendidly furnished castles to visit nearby are Ballindalloch (towards Grantown-on-Spey) and Cawdor (near Inverness). Ruined castles include Duffus (near Elgin) and Urquhart (by Loch Ness).

Moray Firth Dolphins The Moray Firth Wildlife Centre at Spey Bay has information about the local wildlife including bottlenose dolphins, otters, seals, ospreys and a huge variety of birds. The centre has a cafe, gift shop and a free exhibition suitable for all the family. There are a variety of boat trips on offer from various places along the Moray coast, and you can sometimes see the dolphins from the shore (click for map). You can also visit the Dolphin & Seal Centre at North Kessock (2 miles north of Inverness across the bridge). If you wish to go walking in this area, take a look at the Moray Firth Trail which is an interesting network of footpaths and trails all around the local coastline.

Coastal Trail Discover the rugged Banffshire coastline visiting the fishing towns of Buckie, Cullen (sandy beach), Banff, MacDuff, Fraserburgh (lighthouse museum) and Peterhead (maritime museum). Picturesque villages such as Gardenstown and Pennan where 'Local Hero' was filmed can also be enjoyed on a day out. Duff House near Banff is a treasure trove set in extensive ground with woodland walks. Distilleries Benromach Distillery on the outskirts of Forres is the smallest working distillery in Speyside. A wide range of single malts and gifts are available at the Malt Whisky Centre (open October to April). Continue on the Whisky Trail at Dallas Dhu just 2 miles from Forres and get a free 'dram'. Other distilleries to visit include Cardhu, Glen Grant, Glenfarclas and Glenfiddich to name but a few. The Speyside Whisky Festival takes place every year in May and in September.

Elgin Known as the Lantern of the North, the cathedral was founded in 1224, but was destroyed by the Wolf of Badenoch in 1390. It is second in size in Scotland only to St Andrews cathedral. Biblical Gardens

Elgin cathedral The pedestrianised town centre has good shops and facilities. The local Farmers' Market is held here on the last Saturday of every month. Other attractions in Elgin include Cooper Park, the unusual Biblical Gardens (pictured here), ice rink, swimming pool, Moray Motor Museum and nearby Millbuies Country Park.

Annual Events There's always lots on including music festivals, Highland Games and much more. Forres Highland Games - first Saturday in July. Inverness Highland Games - mid July. Dufftown Highland Games - last Saturday in July. The Nairn International Jazz Festival is in August Nairn Highland Games - third Saturday in August. Grantown-on-Spey Highland Games - last Saturday in August. Loch Ness Highland Gathering at Fort Augustus

Upcoming Local Events Calendar

Shopping There are lots of opportunities for buying those souvenirs! Logie Steading - arts and crafts, books, antiques, garden shop and tearoom in converted farm buildings, 6 miles south of Forres off the A940. Based at Fochabers, Baxters of Speyside are internationally renowned for their soups and jams. Free guided tours at the visitor centre. Johnstons of Elgin are the famous cashmere specialists and offer tours of their mill. Brodie Countryfayre between Nairn and Forres has alsorts of gifts and clothes, plus a delicatessen and restaurant. James Pringle Weavers of Inverness is handy for those woolly sweaters. Moniack Castle Wineries (near Inverness) produces wines, preserves and sauces. And don't forget Walkers Shortbread (at Aberlour).

Inverness With its pretty bridges across river, the city is the Capital of the Highlands. Why not do some shopping, go to the theatre or take a boat trip to Loch Ness? Nearby historical sites include Culloden Battlefield and Fort George.

Day Trips

Explore the Far North up the east coast through Dornoch, to Thurso, Wick and John o'Groats which overlooks the islands of Orkney. Head westwards to photogenic Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye. Aberdeen, only 2 hours drive away, has historic buildings, museums, art galleries and splendid indoor and outdoor gardens at Duthie Park. Royal Deeside is the summer retreat of the Royal Family. Visit Balmoral Castle & Crathie Church, as well as towns such as Braemar, Banchory and Ballater.

Discover 'Monarch of the Glen' country. Drive south to Boat of Garten to visit the osprey bird sanctuary or take a trip on the Strathspey Steam Railway. There's sailing and canoeing on Loch Morlich, mountain bike trails in the forest and walking in the hills. Aviemore is popular during the winter skiing season. The less energetic can take the new funicular railway up Cairn Gorm mountain (over 4000 feet high). There are several garden centres specialising in heathers, orchids and alpine plants. For kids, there's the Highland Wildlife Park, Reindeer Herd, Landmark Centre and lots more.

Useful Links

Aberdeen Airport First Scotrail train services Stagecoach bus services Local weather Historic Scotland National Trust for Scotland Reciprocal links: Greater Speyside The Bed & Breakfast Directory offers information and contact details for hundreds of B&B's across the UK and further afield. BedandBreakfasts.co.uk - UK Bed and Breakfast accommodation directory Bed And Breakfast - Guest House Bed and Breakfast, Self Catering Cottages Holiday Apartments, Camp Sites, Restaurants, Pubs and Hotels in Britain. ClickBedAndBreakfast.co.uk - The premier online guide to Great British B&Bs. Lodging World UK Hotel and Guest House Directory

CONTACT

Hilda Massie Milton of Grange Farmhouse By Forres - Moray IV36 2TR - Scotland Tel: +44 (0)1309 676360 / Fax: +44 (0)1309 696270 Email: hildamassie@aol.com

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