The blanket of snow over Tomatin lifts around April and with open arms we welcome the rain and the wind as this opens up new prospects for us to enjoy more walks in the local area. Join us as we stride through the daffodils rising through the green grass.
As the days grow longer, we have been taking to the local area and rediscovering many local routes that we love but haven't been able to access for a while. Pop across to www.melfortestate.com/tomatinwalks and using the interactive maps, you can discover some of our preferred paths.
The health benefits of going out walking cannot be questioned and there is something very therapeutic about seeing and watching wildlife and taking in the stunning scenery around us.
The first route takes you from the heart of the village up into Distillery Wood, which is a commercial forest named after the distillery which you can see as you walk around the north edge. This short walk gets your heart going as its quite an incline up to the top of the hill - however its worth it as you will enjoy far reaching views over the Strath before heading back down past the Tomatin Viaduct
If you are staying at Turin Nurin, we have also mapped out a walk which takes you from the Allt Neacrath valley and circles the hill where you will almost certainly see a diverse range of wildlife. Look out for rabbits and birds of prey on the first half and red deer on the second as you follow the track alongside the ancient 'hill of juniper' reportedly where Tomatin gets its name (Its Gaelic derivative Tom Aitinn translating into hill of juniper).
Our featured walk is one that is loved by locals and visitors and follows the main road through the village before crossing the River Findhorn on Findhorn Bridge. As you climb the hill and pass Raigbeg you will have panoramic views of the valley and as you continue round, you can enjoy views from the mighty Findhorn Viaduct which carries the Highland Railway Line over the river and valley.
A dram will tempt you if you take a walk through the Tomatin Distillery on a route which begins at the Tomatin Viaduct and continues past the old Tomatin Railway Station. This route is on quiet paths and roads and perfect for walkers of all abilities. We have also listed an extended route of this walk which also takes in the sites of the grand Tomatin House and with the Raigbeg loop added in, bags you a lengthy 10k.
Here is our featured walk, the Findhorn Valley Loop. Please do share pictures and your routes with us during your stay so we can share with our guests.
We hope to welcome you to our valley, Strathdearn, in the near future.
Angus | Team Melfort