Tullochwood Lodges

Speyside’s whisky region is well within reach… the nine whisky distilleries on The Malt Whisky Trail (around 20 minutes’ drive) run tours and tastings to introduce you to the boozy Scottish speciality. You might want to plan your cruise on Loch Ness (from an hour) on a different day, as well as any fishing, horse-riding, skiing, birdwatching or watersports in Findhorn (15 minutes). Another spot that will raise your heartrate is the Landmark Forest Adventure Park (45 minutes), which has a climbing wall, maze and rollercoaster. Tick off Inverness (50 minutes) and Aviemore (an hour) while you’re here, along with a host of historical attractions such as Brodie Castle (15 minutes), Cawdor Castle (half an hour), Elgin Cathedral (25 minutes), Culloden Battlefield (45 minutes) and Fort George (40 minutes). Wildlife fans can get their fix at the Highland Wildlife Park (an hour and five minutes) or the RSPB Scotland Loch Garten Nature Centre (55 minutes). As for other adventures, trace the fishing villages along the Moray coast (from 15 minutes) or continue your expeditions over in the west of Scotland and Skye (three hours or so).