Highpoints Of A Highland Break

Sep 14 2008 By Lesley Roberts

Aviemore A Trip North Has More Ups Than Downs For The Kids

Taking a break in the Highlands seemed like a bit of a risk.

With two boisterous boys to entertain - two-year-old Oliver and Tom, five - we tend to rely on the availability of a beach or a warm outdoor pool to keep them occupied.

The prospect of being trapped in a poky hotel room with nothing to do while the rain lashed our windows didn't fill us with great optimism.

"We might be better just booking up for Majorca," hubby had observed as we packed yet more toys into the back of the car.

But after a scenic - and stress-free-two-and-a-half-hour drive from Glasgow we arrived at our destination: Aviemore.

We would still be battling our way through security at the airport had we chosen to fly off somewhere.

First point to Scotland then as a holiday location.

Aviemore and the Cairngorms are well known for winter pursuits but we arrived in glorious sunshine and pottered around in the gift and coffee shops before heading along a winding road to our hotel.

Bathed in golden light, mountains rising majestically all around, you just can't help but be knocked out by our country's charms on a sunny day. Even the kids were enjoying it, after being taught how to take a deep breath of mountain air and sigh: "Aaahh, Scotland."

Second point to Scotland for its breathless beauty.

We stayed at the Hilton Coylumbridge, which offers specially-designed toddler breaks.

I was sceptical about what this would entail. Kids don't respond to token gestures, like the occasional board game left lying around or some chicken nuggets on the adult menu. But I have to say, Hilton get it right.

It's a smart, stylish hotel, trendy enough for adults but accommodating enough for the sproglets.

Early evening dinner is buffet style for youngsters, with an impressive selection on offer including pastas, fish, chilli and casserole. I didn't see one chicken nugget - though there were plenty of chips.

The adults get to order from the a la carte menu which meant dining was easy on everyone.

And the hotel also lays on crazy golf, an outdoor adventure playground and 10-pin bowling. Our discerning duo particularly enjoyed the indoor soft play centre - Cyril's Tree House - where they bounced around quite happily for ages.

There's a winter sports centre with dry ski slope and climbing wall - though our boys were a bit young - and a couple of indoor pools for wet weather fun.

And nobody tut-tutted at the kids playing with toys at the coffee table of the swish foyer bar while their parents had a wee G&T.

Third point to our Scottish break for its appropriate accommodation.

Driving up to the foot of the Cairn Gorm mountain itself was something of a revelation. The car park is about nine miles from Aviemore, through the Glenmore Forest, then a low emission bus whisks you to the funicular railway. We hadn't twigged we'd step into winter at the top, despite skiers in the glass-roofed carriage. The boys clung to us as the train set off and the mountainside dropped from under our feet. The trip was worth the journey north in itself.

And at the top station - 1097m above sea level - we had lunch at the Ptarmigan cafe and gazed out across the mountain range, before freeing the kids to dig in some snowdrifts for a while.

After all the activities and excitement of the day the kids were asleep by 8pm and we chilled in our family suite watching a movie and sharing a bottle of vino. Fourth point to the Hielans for some utterly unforgettable experiences.

We also spent a day at the Highland Wildlife Park, seven miles south of Aviemore. It is like a small safari park with mountain animals. And though the boys were a bit scared of the bison, they enjoyed trying to spot the red pandas in the trees overhead.

By the time we were packing to leave, Tom and Oliver didn't want to go.

All in, Scotland's Highlands earned five out of five from us as a family holiday destination.

We'll think twice before booking Puerto Pollensa next time.

MAIL FILE

For information on toddler breaks call Hilton Coylumbridge on 01479 810661. Prices start from £420 for a family of four for five nights and includes dinner, bed and breakfast. www.coylumbridge.hilton.com

Other attractions: www.cairngormmountain.org www.highlandwildlifepark.org www.visitaviemore.com