Skiing, Canoeing/Kayaking, Tennis and more
Skiing
There are two ski centres within easy driving distance of Cardhu Country House. Cairngorm Mountain near Aviemore and The Lecht near Tomintoul.
Cairngorm Mountain - Suitable for all levels of skier and snowboarder. Open from December until April and longer if conditions permit. Skiing, terrain park, snowboarding and sledging are all available subject to conditions. There are over 30km of ski runs and a fully maintained snowboard fun park, suitable for all levels from beginner to expert. Cross Country, telemark, ski touring and ski mountaineering are also available from specialist operators.
For further info - www.cairngormmountain.co.uk
The Lecht Ski Centre - aimed at all levels of skier and is ideal for all the family, intermediate and beginner skiers. From using a magic carpet lift for your first lesson, so that you don’t have to climb uphill at all to a black run for slalom racing all levels are catered for.
For further info - www.lecht.co.uk/12.html
Canoeing/ Kayaking
River Spey Descent
One of the 'Big 4' rivers that is a must for the touring canoeist in Scotland, and which normally provides a fast current, great scenery and some interesting rapids. The Spey descent is popular by open Canadian canoe or kayak. Nature lovers can see oyster catchers, herons, osprey and leaping salmon and the variety of trees, flowers and mountain views are hard to beat. From the calm waters at Loch Inch the river gains pace through the famous Knockando rapids as it approaches the sea.
River Findhorn
There is a bit of everything on the River Findhorn from mini gorges to open rural stretches. The rapids are exciting and safe with plenty of calm pools between.
The River Findhorn makes for an excellent introduction to canoeing and kayaking.
This striking and colourful valley of the River Findhorn forms a gorge known as Randolph's Leap, some 7 mile south of Forres, which is the best access point if travelling from Knockando
A range of companies offer water based tours down the River Spey and Findhorn. This includes tuition for those who've never paddled before or you can hire boats
Tennis
Knockando village tennis courts are just one hundred metres from the garden – they are not in the best condition but are usable, free and very convenient. Aberlour has a tennis club with two blaes courts and Nairn, Elgin, Grantown on Spey and Forres tennis clubs all host excellent open tournaments during the summer months.
Other locally available activities
Quad biking, Clay shooting, Falconry, Off road driving, Archery, Sailing, Diving, Climbing, Gorge walking, Horse riding, Surfing and Zorbing are all available locally.
