Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SKIING IN GLEN SHEE
For information on skiing in Glen Shee contact
Ski Glenshee
(
T
013397 41320,
W
ski-glenshee
.co.uk), which also offers ski rental and lessons, as does
the Gulabin Lodge Outdoor Centre
(see below), at the Spittal of Glenshee. For the latest snow and weather conditions, phone Ski
Glenshee or check out the
Ski Scotland website
(
W
ski.visitscotland.com).
10
Glen Shee and around
he upper reaches of
Glen Shee
, the most dramatic and best known of the Angus
glens, are dominated by its
ski fields
, ranged over four mountains above the
Cairnwell mountain pass. he resorts here may not amount to much more than
gentle training slopes in comparison with those of the Alps or North America, but
they all make for a fun day out for everyone from beginners to experienced skiers.
During the season (Dec-March), ski lifts and tows give access to gentle beginners'
slopes, while experienced skiers can try the more intimidating Tiger run. In summer
it's all a bit sad, although there are some excellent hiking and mountain-biking
routes. Active types tend to overnight in Spittal of Glenshee, or twenty miles further
south along the A93 in Blairgowrie (see p.362), a small town at the southern end of
the glen.
Spittal of Glenshee
he small settlement of
SPITTAL OF GLENSHEE
(the name derives from the same root as
“hospital”, indicating a refuge), though ideally situated for skiing, has little else to
commend it other than the busy
Gulabin Lodge Outdoor Centre.
From Spittal the road
climbs another five miles or so to the ski centre at the crest of the Cairnwell Pass.
ACCOMMODATION AND ACTIVITIES
SPITTAL OF GLENSHEE
Dalmunzie Castle
Spittal of Glenshee; the entrance is
just south of
Gulabin Lodge Outdoor Centre, across the
bridge
T
01250 885224,
W
dalmunzie.com.
A lovely
Highland retreat in a magnificent turreted mansion, with
first-class di
ning
and over sixty malt whiskies to enjoy by
the fireside.
£135
Gulabin Lodge Outdoor Centre
Spittal of Glenshee,
just off the A93 15 miles south of Braemar
T
01250
885255,
W
gulabinoutdoors.co.uk.
Snow sports are the
big draw here in winter, of course, but staff here can also
arrange summer activities like archery and rock climbing.
Pre-booking advised. There is also clean, basic
accommodation in a nineteenth-century m
anse
, with
singles, doubles and family rooms all available.
£50
Blairgowrie
Travelling to Glen Shee from the south you'll pass through the well-heeled little town
of
BLAIRGOWRIE
, set among raspberry fields on the glen's southernmost tip, and a good
place to pick up information and plan your activities. Strictly two communities -
Blairgowrie and
Rattray
, set on either side of the River Ericht - the town's modest
claim to fame is that St Ninian once camped at Wellmeadow, a pleasant grassy triangle
in the town centre.
Cateran Trail
he
Cateran Trail
is an ambitious, long-distance footpath that starts in Blairgowrie then
heads off on a long loop into the glens to the north following some of the drove roads
used by caterans, or cattle thieves. It's a four- to five-day tramp, though of course it's
possible to walk shorter sections of the way (see the website
W
caterantrail.org for
more information).
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
BLAIRGOWRIE
By bus
Blairgowrie is well linked by hourly bus #57 to both Perth and Dundee.
