Newtonmore

Newtonmore is a traditional Highland village with idyllic streets, houses and atmosphere, with mountains in the background. Many people prefer its quieter pace compared with nearby Aviemore.

The main attraction is the Highland Folk Museum as well as walking and outdoor activities.

Where to visit

HIGHLAND FOLK MUSEUM

This is a busy and popular one mile long open air museum which traces Highland Life from 1700 to the 1950s. It is split into three sections: the croft, the middle village and the township.

The site includes farm areas, woodland and open areas, together with a huge selection of buildings which have been recreated on the site. There are many collections of smaller items including the domestic, sports, agricultural, crafts, trade and textiles collections.

Buildings include a smoke house, school, church, clockmaker's workshop, croft house, post office, railway halt and joiner's shop. There are also regular activities, demonstrations and recreations.

It is recommended you allow three to five hours for your visit. Unfortunately we didn't have that long when we visited but agree that it would probably take that long to see everything.

The museum is 15 minutes' walk from the village.

We had trouble narrowing down the photos as there was so much to see!

Traditional thatched croft houses at Highland Folk Museum Newtonmore

Kirk's Stores and Glenlivet Post Office Highland Folk Museum

Knockbain School Highland Folk Museum Newtonmore

Loom inside Craigdhu Tweed Cottage Highland Folk Museum Newtonmore

Inside a traditional Scottish house at the Highland Folk Museum showing the kitchen and laundry

WILDCAT CENTRE

Find out about the Wildcat Experience - seeking out 132 life-size painted model wildcats around the village. With certificates and prizes on offer it offers fun for children and adults alike.

The models must be well hidden; we wandered around the centre of the village and only saw 4 (including the one at the centre)! We are determined to revisit when we have time to follow the official Trackpack and do better!

Apparently only one or two people a month manage to find them all - could you be one of them?

Their friendly volunteers can also tell you about the Wildcat Trail - a 10k signposted walk around the village passing river banks and a waterfall, and taking in the stunning mountain views.

Model from the Wildcat Experience in Newtonmore

CLAN MACPHERSON MUSEUM

Learn about the clan and their connection to the Jacobite cause. The museum opened in 1952 and was refurbished in 2020.

It has a large collection of artefacts, objects and documents connected with the clan including weapons and the prized Black Chanter. It also tells the story of famous Macphersons and their achievements in science, the military, the arts and sport.

WALKING PATHS

Paths radiate from Newtonmore and are ideal for walking, cycling or mountain biking. Simply buy an ordinance survey map and pick your route, or call in at the Wildcat Centre for advice. There are numerous surrounding hills for those interested in hill walking.

NEWTONMORE CAMANACHD CLUB

Shinty is a traditional team sport which uses sticks and a ball and has been played in the Scottish Highlands for centuries and in Newtonmore since 1877.

If you are interested in seeing a game, Newtonmore is a very successful club, having won the Camanachd Cup 35 times. Details of fixtures can be found here or wonder down to the pitch to perhaps catch a look at a practice session.

Bench in the shape of shinty sticks in Newtonmore

CAIRNGORM ALPACAS

Located at Lochbuie Croft, this working farm offers opportunities for alpaca walks, miniature donkey walks, or to meet and greet pygmy goats, Highland Cows, alpacas and miniature donkeys.