Exploring The Cairngorms with Kinto

By Pete | Mar 21

Coming from a coastal town, it doesn’t take long before we start missing the beach life while away.
On a recent trip around Scotland, we stumbled across Loch Morlich in the Cairngorms national park.
The freshwater loch sits 300 meters above sea level, it boasts its own sandy beach, with fantastic trails. It was a perfect location for a spot of lunch before an afternoon of activities.

Travelling in our van, our home from home, we’re able to enjoy the luxuries of cooking where we want. At home we love to use our KINTO FOG tableware , it felt right to pack our set before we left.

We decided on a tapas style menu of;
Fried potatoes, with a spicy tomato sauce (Patatas Bravas)

Chorizo in Red Wine (Chorizo al Vino Tino)

Prawns with Garlic (Gambas al Ajillo)

Mushrooms with Garlic (Champinones Con Ajo)

Green Olives, and skewered Olives

Anchovies and Guindilla Peppers (Gilda Pintxo).

Unforgettable Moments

Sitting on the edge of the loch, we are reminded of how fortunate we are to be only a days drive from spectacular scenery.

As the dishes started coming together, the air was filled with the aroma of fresh garlic, herbs and smoked paprika. We knew this would be an unforgettable moment.

A stones throw from the edge of Loch Morlich, is the wonderful Cairngorm Reindeer Centre. Our next adventure was to be a magical one, high up on the hill side, surrounded by majestic creatures.

The centre was formed nearly seventy years ago, over the years Reindeer were introduced in to the perfect sub-arctic conditions. The shy, graceful deer, having thousands of acres of moorland to graze on, are now thriving with over 150 individuals. If you only have a few days to spare in the area, the daily hill walk with the herd is a definite must!

To top off our time at the Cairngorms, our trip would not be complete without a visit to the Balmoral estate. As a summer home to the Royal family for generations, the charm of the grounds, stone built cottages, the rushing river Dee and of course the castle itself, it’s truly a remarkable place. The large estate was purchased in 1842 for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert, and they immediately set to making it a happy home for their growing family.

The estate is kept beautifully, and with the price of the visitor ticket, you are given free rein to wander around the surrounding grounds and gardens.

From the kitchen garden, it was a perfect starting point to make the small hike up to the top of the hill overlooking Balmoral Castle.

From the kitchen garden, it was a perfect starting point to make the small hike up to the top of the hill overlooking Balmoral Castle. On the ascent you can find some of the cairns Queen Victoria had erected in honour of momentous occasions in her lifetime. Including the tragic loss of her beloved Albert. The giant stone pyramid sits at the peak, and is a breath taking sight to behold. Walking around the 42 ft square cenotaph, 42 marking the age that he passed, it is a touching memorial, as well as a peaceful place to take in the views and nature around you.

It was a perfect few days in the Cairngorms National Park, and an unforgettable memory from our Scottish Adventure.