We’re writing this piece in February, when Valentine’s Day cards and gifts adorn the shop shelves, but it got us thinking about romantic things you can do with your nearest and dearest* here in the Cairngorms. Things that will fill your heart with love whatever the time of year. (*And yes, we’re including friends, family and pets in this category.) 

Head for the hills

The Highlands is known for being a romantic place. With wild mountains, beautiful open scenery, picturesque viewpoints, and loads of places to explore – there’s nothing quite like heading for the hills. Even if you get caught in the rain, you’re never far from an open fire (see below) and a welcoming pub. 

Get the fire on

All three of our cosy cottages have a traditional log burner in the living room. We’ll set these up for you so all you have to do it strike a match. There’s nothing quite like the crackling sound and flickering light of a fire, so grab yourself a drink, put on a film and cosy up on the sofa.  

Cook a nice meal

You’ll almost certainly want to head out for a meal while you’re staying in the area, but sometimes it can be just as nice to stay in. With lovely farm shops in Rothiemurchus, Boat of Garten and Nethybridge, you can grab yourself some fresh, local ingredients, and some local Speyside whisky, and spend the evening cooking up a storm in the beautifully renovated kitchens of Springfield House, Railway Cottage or Hillview Cottage.

Head to the cinema

Did you know Aviemore’s Macdonald Resort has a wee cinema? With only two screens, it’s likely to be showing whatever’s the biggest films of the moment, so don’t expect a huge line-up of art house cinema. But that’s what’s charming about this cinema, it’s only small and is the perfect place for a romantic evening. N.b. how ‘romantic’ this is, slightly depends on what’s on (!)

Enjoy some fine dining

Fancy a candlelit meal in a cosy restaurant? We’re lucky to have some great restaurants in the area, including The Old Bridge Inn, The Rowan Tree and Anderson’s in Boat of Garten. They all serve up local Scottish fayre with a modern twist. (They also get booked up quickly in the busy months, so make sure you book ahead.)

Try a new activity together

Research shows that trying new things together, or ‘self-expanding’, brings people closer together. And the good news is there are loads of fun activities you could try while staying here in the Cairngorms. There’s quad biking and zip lining on the Alvie Estate, pony trekking and Land Rover tours on the Rothiemurchus Estate, as well as plenty of places for a round of golf, plenty of loch to try wild swimming, and plenty of hills (of varying gradients) to climb. Check out our Discover Cairngorms pages for some ideas. 

*Banner photo credit: Raini Rowell