Guide to Newtonmore

Nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Newtonmore is a picturesque Highland village surrounded by dramatic mountains, ancient forests, and tranquil lochs. The village and its little community offers visitors a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cultural discovery. Whether you're an avid walker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Newtonmore is an ideal destination.

Whether you're drawn by its rich Highland heritage, stunning natural beauty, or the warm hospitality of its community, Newtonmore offers an authentic taste of Scotland that’s hard to forget. From scenic hikes and wildlife encounters to cultural treasures and cosy local spots, this charming village is the perfect base for adventure or relaxation. It also sits at the heart of Clan Macpherson country, with its own museum telling the stories of this proud Highland clan. 

With its central location, Newtonmore makes an excellent base for exploring the wider Cairngorms region. From scenic walks along the River Spey and the popular Wildcat Trail to skiing in winter or spotting red deer on the moors, there’s something here for every season. This guide will help you uncover the best that Newtonmore has to offer - whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer adventure.

Skip to:

• What is the history of Newtonmore?
• Attractions
• Food and drink
• Walks and outdoor activities
• Events and traditions

What is the history of Newtonmore?

Newtonmore was originally a farming settlement which began to grow in the 19th century with the arrival of the Highland Railway, which connected the village to larger cities and boosted tourism. Newtonmore is deeply rooted in Highland culture and is often considered the heartland of Clan Macpherson. The area has long been associated with traditional Highland life, including shinty, a historic Scottish sport still passionately played here today. 

How many people live in Newtonmore?

Newtonmore is a small Scottish village with a population of around 1,100 people. Despite its modest size, the village perfectly reflects its rural character and scenic location within the Cairngorms National Park, offering a unique and welcoming experience to both residents and visitors alike.

Is Newtonmore worth visiting?

If you are looking for a peaceful base to explore the Cairngorms National Park and the further landscape of the Scottish Highlands, Newtonmore is worth a visit. With a wealth of nature, and outdoor activities on the doorstep, you are never short of things to do when staying here.

Attractions in and around Newtonmore

The area offers a rich mix of attractions for nature lovers and history buffs alike. With an open-air museum, a Wildcat Trail, a museum dedicated to the famous Clan Macpherson and mountain bike routes a plenty, there is so much to discover here. Below, we have compiled our favourite attractions in the area.

Highland Wildlife Park

Just miles from Newtonmore lies the Highland Wildlife Park. This is a unique wildlife attraction located in the Cairngorms National Park. It combines a drive-through safari experience with walk-around enclosures, showcasing native Scottish animals and species from colder climates around the world. This is a fun and educational day out for the whole family, which will leave you with lots of happy memories. 

Highland Folk Museum

The Highland Folk Museum is the UK’s first open-air museum, offering a vivid journey through Highland life from the 1700s to the 1950s. Spanning 80 acres within the Cairngorms National Park, it features over 30 historic buildings, including relocated cottages, shops, a schoolhouse, and a blacksmith's forge, each furnished to reflect its era. It really is one of a kind, and the whole family will love spending the day here.

Where to eat and drink in and around Newtonmore

Food and drink are such a massive part to any holiday, especially those parents who really need a break from all the cooking. This area of the Highlands has a wide array of eateries, which you will love to explore among your full itinerary of activities, but we have cherry-picked some of our favourites today.

Walks around Newtonmore

Getting out into nature is important because it helps reset your mind, reduces stress, and reconnects you with the world beyond screens and schedules. Being settled in the Cairngorms National Park, surrounded by beautiful hills and woodland, this is the perfect location for this. With an abundance of woodland tracks, nature and wildlife on the doorstep, you will just love this peaceful haven. Here are some of our favourite walks around Newtonmore.

Pattack Falls

Pattack Falls is a picturesque waterfall located between Newtonmore and Spean Bridge. The falls cascade through a rocky gorge which is surrounded by a beautiful pine forest - a truly scenic spot. A short walk from the car park takes you to the waterfall where you will come across a few great viewpoints. Just be very careful near the edge. This would be a lovely spot for a picnic, and don’t forget your camera.

Loch Imrich

Loch Imrich is a tranquil, small loch located just a short walk from the main street in Newtonmore. Fascinatingly, this little loch was formed by glacial activity during the last ice age and historically, it served as a curling venue with the locals during colder winters! There is a lovely scenic trail which takes you around the circumference of the loch, which is suitable for hiking, dog walks and mountain biking. It’s a popular spot for fishing and birdwatching also. 

Newtonmore traditions and events

When visiting a new place, it is always interesting to discover traditions of the local culture, and you can get involved in events to truly immerse yourself in the local ways. Here are a few events in Newtonmore which you could attend during your stay.

Newtonmore Highland Games

The Newtonmore Highland Games are held annually on the first Saturday of August. This event features traditional competitions such as the Creag Dhubh Hill Race, caber tossing, pipe bands, and Highland dancing, alongside the Clan Macpherson Rally, where clansfolk from around the world gather in a grand march to the games. This is a highly anticipated event for both locals and visitors alike, and it gives you the chance to experience a Scottish event, try local cuisine and enjoy the lively atmosphere that only true Scots can create.

Shinty Matches

Throughout the year, the Newtonmore Camanachd Club showcases shinty, Scotland's indigenous sport which is very important to the community here. Dating back 2,000 years, this was once a sport where villagers would regularly get together and play in big groups. Now, 12-a-side teams compete here, and this club is a social gem for both young and old members. You can watch regular matches here, but also experience training on the field, and it’s a nice way to taste the spirit of Newtonmore. 

Badenoch Heritage Festival

Another notable event is the Badenoch Heritage Festival, usually held in September in Kingussie, just a few minutes’ drive from Newtonmore. This event offers a series of cultural activities, including storytelling, traditional music, and historical walks that delve into the rich tapestry of the region's past.  

Map of Newtonmore

Discover the best things to do and see in and around Newtonmore with our interactive map.

Stay in Newtonmore

After exploring all that Newtonmore has to offer, there's no better way to unwind than in the comfort of our self-catering cottages. Offering a true home-from-home experience, our cottages give you the freedom to relax at your own pace, cook with local produce, and enjoy the Highlands on your terms. Whether you're here for adventure or tranquillity, our cottages are the perfect base for your Highland escape. We can’t wait to welcome you!