Easter 2018 – Spittal of Glenshee.

This year Easter is quite early with Easter Saturday on March 31st

I have returned to Glenshee and booked Dalnaglar Castle once again. I tried very hard to book the popular “hovel” and the other houses but after a gap of 8 years I wasn’t certain they would have retained their attractiveness!. Instead I’ve found 3 other houses all fairly close-by the castle which I think will match the castle in quality. Though not “West Coast” Glen Shee has lots for everyone to do (walking, cycling and tourism). Cairngorm offers fine walking, both low and high level and there’s sure to be some snow to highlight the hills.

The immediate need is to know whether I have reserved the right amount of accommodation. Essentially we need to fill the available beds to keep the cost reasonable. Less immediate (but important!) is the effect on my personal finances!

So PLEASE let me have a firm commitment very very soon and follow this with a deposit.

I’ve reserved accommodation from Saturday 31^st March to Saturday 7^th April 2018. Please note that this is the traditional Easter week (i.e. it is the week including Easter Sunday). 

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Mountains and other Walks

Mountains

.Low Level Walks etc

The oldest pine tree on the Mar Lodge estate © Copyright Peter Ward and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Pines on a bend in the Lui Water A walk from the Linn of Dee into the Mar Lodge estate takes you into ancient Caledonian Forest . In the area beyond Derry Lodge this often feels like a return to the Jurasic. © Copyright Gwen and James Anderson and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

The Cateran Trail The Cateran Trail is a 103 kilometres (64 mi)[3] circular long distance walking route in central Scotland. The official start and end is at Blairgowrie. The route was established, way-marked and is now maintained by, the Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust. A variety of terrain is covered by the trail including farmland, mountains and forest. The path itself follows old drovers' roads, minor paved roads and farm tracks and can be walked in 4 or 5 days. The walk is divided into sections which can be accessed individually: 1. Blairgowrie to Kirkmichael 2 Kirkmichael to Spittal of Glenshee 3 Spittal of Glenshee to Kirkton of Glenisla 4 Kirkton of Glenisla to Alyth 5 Alyth to Blairgowrie. A walk of the section from Spittral to Kirkmichael is  decribed here

Kindrogan Wood Owned by the Forestry Commision, Kindrogan Wood contains miles of tracks and is renowned for its wildlife which includes red squirrels,  Wigeon, Goosander, Osprey, Black Grouse, Woodcock, Cuckoo, Green Woodpecker, Tree Pipit, Dipper, Redstart, Whinchat, Siskin, Lesser Redpoll and Crossbill.. Many other rarer species of bird can also be found here. The woods are to the east of Kirkmichael acrtoss the A9. The Kindrogan Field centre lies on th edge of the wood and offers pre-booked courses from one day to a week but all include accomodation. A good description of the many possibible excursions and potential wildlife can be found here.

Tourism and Relaxation

Balmoral Castle In 2010 the grounds, gardens and exhibitions will be open daily from April 1st, 10.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m.	Gallery & Coffee Shop Based in Tulloch near to Enochdhu which is just north of Kirkmichael where the 'B' road from Glenshee joins.the A9  The gallery has Fine Art Prints,  Greeting Cards, Notebooks and artworks  'Highland Animal Pencils'	Braemar Castle Open Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m or by arrangement with Braemar Visitor Information Centre 013397 41600
Corgarff Castle On the road North towards Tomintoule, Corgarff Castle consists of a much-altered rectangular 16th-century tower house, white-washed and restored, with later pavilions and star-shaped outworks. The castle was built about 1530. Open daily from April 1st 9:30 to 5:30	Towards Aberdeen, though 60 miles from the houses there are many fascinating castles, often with gardens. Clockwise from left are Craigievar,  Fraser, Drum, (All these are NTS) and Dunnotar.(on the right)
The Explorers Garden and Nursery Scotland has produced some of the world's most successful Plant Hunters. This unique garden celebrates their fascinating lives and their contribution to the way our gardens look today. It is located adjacent to the Pitlochry Festival Theatre. The Explorers Garden tells the stories of some of the men who risked their lives traveling the globe to find new plants and trees for cultivation, commerce and conservation. The garden is separated into glades, representing the areas of the world from where plants originated; so one minute you can be strolling through the North American glade, the next you're trekking through Nepal. Sculptures, artworks, specially commissioned buildings and stunning views appear around every corner. Explorer's Garden was recently awarded the prestigious status of Royal Horticultural Society Partner Garden.

Accommodation

Dalnaglar Castle

 Dalnaglar is a fairytale Castle which was originally an 18th century hunting lodge, commissioned by Lord Clyde, Queen Victoria's banker, and designed by Her Majesty's architect from Balmoral. This beautiful Victorian Castle is positioned on an elevated site in the heart of Glenshee which translates as 'The Valley of Peace' and is known locally as 'the fairy glen'. Its position results in beautiful views from most of the rooms in the castle. The house has been extensively renovated and now offers 10 truly delightful bedrooms 8 of which are en suite. All the rooms have their own character and charm as well as wonderful views. There are beautiful secluded gardens and woodland surrounding the house as well as a small lochan in front of the house.

The spacious and elegant public rooms provide a formal drawing room, a library and a reception area so there is plenty of space to gather and socialize or break out space for when you want a quieter moment. The estate itself extends to thousands of acres where you are free to roam and you have every chance of spotting red and roe deer and a myriad of birdlife.

Bedroom Configuration (20 places)
   Two double en suite bedrooms
   Four bedrooms with zip and link beds (allowing as either double or twin rooms) all en suite
   Two twin bedrooms en suite
   Two twin bedrooms with shared bathroom

Rooms

Ground Floor: Reception hall with seating area and open fire. WC. Library with open fire. Kitchen and breakfast room. Dining room. Drawing room with open fire. WC. Laundry room.

First Floor: 5 double/twin en suite bedrooms and 2 twin bedrooms with shared bathroom. Kitchenette area.

Second Floor: 1 double/twin en suite bedroom and 1 twin with sofa bed en suite bedroom.

Third Floor: A further twin room in the turret  – Last time H&S had decided tyhayt the ascent of a stone spiral staircase was too dangerous but it must now be available to make up the bedrooms to10

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Included

Linen and towels. Logs for fires, heating and electricity.

TV, DVD, CD player.  2 washing machines, 1 dryer, 2 dishwashers, fridge, large freezer.  2 electric hobs, 4 electric ovens, grill and microwave.

Dogs

Are not allowed in the carpeted parts of the main house. Two dogs are allowed in the non- carpeted kitchen & back porch and should be caged overnight.

Blackcraig Castle

If you have ever glimpsed a fantastic castle in the countryside, and wondered what it would be like to stay there then this is your chance. There are two apartments "The Tower" and "The Garden", both set within the truly beautiful Grade A listed  Blackcraig Castle.  Surrounded by beautiful woodland and the river Ardle and situated high up the very pretty Strathardle glen, this is a delight. 

Outside you are free to wander the estate walks, fish for trout on the Ericht  Ardle river and explore the glen. From here you can readily drive to Royal Deeside to see Balmoral the Queen’s Scottish estate or head north to the highlands. The property also has immediate access to Blackcraig forest, and the nearby old drover's Cateran Trail - a lovely trail for walking as well as cycling. 

This is a last-minute replacement for "The Whitehouse" which today (March 22nd) has just been discovered to haver had a disastrous internal flood (burst pipe) leaving many rooms wet through and the kitchen ceiling collapsed.

Apartment - "The Tower"

All rooms are on one level

Bedroom Configuration (4 places)
 Twin bedroom, shower room with WC & WHB.
 Double bedroom with en suite shower room with WC & WHB.
 

Other Rooms

Open plan sitting/dining/kitchen with open fire and starter pack of logs.
Wood lined vestibule/drying space.

External shared utility room.

Outside
Own garden space with access to the Walled Garden
Playing field - with pitch put and where you can enjoy a game of rounders or football.

Equipment

Dishwasher, Domestic fridge with ice box, Electric hob, Electric oven, Flat screen TV/DVD, Microwave, Washing machine
Own garden space with furniture

WiFi

Included

Heating and energy included
Linen and Towels provided

Bed linen, towels

Apartment - "The Garden"

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All rooms are on one level

Bedroom Configuration (4 places)
   Twin bedroom with en suite shower room with WC & WHB.

   Twin bedroom with own bathroom wit WC & WHB.

Other Rooms

Ground Floor: Open plan sitting/dining/kitchen. 

External shared utility room.

Outside
Own garden space with access to the Walled Garden
Playing field - with pitch put and where you can enjoy a game of rounders or football.

Equipment

Dishwasher, Domestic fridge with ice box, Electric hob, Electric oven, Flat screen TV/DVD, Microwave, Washing machine
Own garden space with furniture

WiFi

Included

Heating and energy included
Linen and Towels provided

Bed linen, towels

Rose Cottage

This newly renovated cottage is absolutely immaculately presented with a modern feel that oozes comfort. The kitchen/dining room is more than spacious – a huge area that is perfect for socialising. There is even a sofa in the kitchen which provides an extra TV area for kids. The kitchen is very well equipped and warm throughout the year with its “green” underfloor heating. The sitting room is equally cosy and you have the joy of a wood burning stove as well as Freesat TV and WiFi so there is ample opportunity to relax. The bedrooms are beautiful – simple and fresh with crisp linen – perfect to slide into after a busy day and with 3 bathrooms to four bedrooms the house is perfect for groups. One bedroom with its own bathroom is on the ground floor so perfect for the less mobile.

Bedroom Configuration (8 places)

   One double en suite bedroom

   One double bedroom with separate bathroom /shower shared with twin

   One twin bedroom with separate bathroom /shower shared with double

   One twin bedroom with separate bathroom /shower                 

Rooms

Ground floor: Kitchen/lounge/dining area, twin bedroom, bathroom with bath and shower over, WC & WHB.
First floor: Master superking bedroom with ensuite shower, WC & WHB. Kingsize bedroom. 1 twin bedroom, Bathroom with shower, WC & WHB.

Equipment

Dishwasher, Washing machine, Hot Tub, DVD player, Flat screen TV with freeview

Eco-friendly underfloor heating,  Woodburning stove.

WiFi

Included

Linen and towels provided

Electricity and heating included

Starter pack of logs provided

Dogs

2 Pets only - £30.00 charge per Week per Pet.

Chauffeurs Cottage

The recently renovated Chauffeurs Cottage on Drumfork Estate is wonderfully modern yet comfortable. The large kitchen/dining room is brilliantly spacious – great for socialising. The extra seating in the kitchen provides an additional TV area which is ideal for children. The kitchen is well equipped and is kept warm all year round with its eco-friendly underfloor heating system. The sitting room with woodburning stove is equally cosy – put your feet up, relax and enjoy the Freesat TV and WiFi. Each of the bedrooms are simply beautiful with fresh white linen, the ideal place to retreat to after a long day of exploring. With four bathrooms to the three bedrooms, this cottage is ideal for a group of couples to stay in. One bedroom and bathroom is on the ground level, which is ideal for anyone who is less mobile.

Bedroom Configuration (6 places)
   Two double en suite bedroom

   One twin bedroom

Rooms

Ground Floor: Kitchen/lounge/dining area, twin bedroom, bath with bath and shower over, WC & WHB.

First Floor: Superking master bedroom with ensuite shower, WC & WHB. Superking bedroom with ensuite corner bath, separate shower, WC & WHB.

Equipment

Eco-friendly underfloor heating. Woodburning stove, Hot Tub

Dishwasher, Washing machine, DVD player, Flat screen TV with freeview

WiFi

Included

Electricity and heating included

Starter pack of logs provided

Linen and towels provided

Dogs

2 Pets only - £30.00 charge per Week per Pet.

I hope that Dalnaglar will still seat 40 in a combination of the main dining room and breakfast room (across a corridor). I haven't asked the question!

Cost Estimate

I estimate the cost per head for the week will be: (numbers based on analysis of the 2017 bill)

(in 2017 Accomodation cost was £223

In addition to this there is the cost of transport i.e.:

         Hire cars and their fuel

         Fuel for private cars

         Flights /trains etc to Scotland

Decisions and Deposits Please

I paid a little over £3,300 in deposits. The remainder follows in February so I’m looking for a commitment as soon as you can, and sufficient deposits to mostly cover the house booking.

Please send deposits of £220 per person (children £110) as soon as you feel able so my bank account feels less exposed! (See the email for sort code and account number in case you wish to use e-banking).