From Kingussie there are walks for all abilities and Newtonmore, three miles to the south is an excellent walking centre including access to five Munros from Glen Banchor. The Wildcat Trail is a 10km circular path surrounding Newtonmore with associated radial walks of varied length and difficulty, all clearly marked.

For more experienced walkers, longer and higher treks to Creag Meagaidh, The Cairngorms, Monadhliath, Glen Feshie, Glen Tromie or through the Lairig Ghru can be made.

At Loch Garten (about 12 miles north) is the RSPB Osprey Centre. Visitors can view the birds via TV screens in the hide. Closer to Rowan House is the RSPB reserve at Insh Marshes, well known for many varieties of water fowl and winter quarters for whooper swans from Iceland.

The River Spey is one of the finest rivers in Scotland for salmon and trout fishing. There are also many lochs and smaller rivers to fish close by. Advice and permits are available locally.

Highland ponies are loved the world over. The nearest trekking centre is at Alvie  or The Hafflinger Centre is at Laggan. Have a ride on one of these beautiful good natured and sure footed Austrian horses recognised by their flaxen manes and tails. Soe featured in an episode of 'Monarch of the Glen'.

The area is ideal for golfers with seven courses within half an hour's drive (including 18 hole courses at both Kingussie and Newtonmore) and many more within a couple of hours including the championship course at Nairn and Royal Dornoch. 

The Cairngorm ski area is 18 miles north. Snow permitting, the Cairngorms can provide varied and challenging runs to suit all enthusiasts - skiers, snowboarders, winter walkers and ice climbers alike. If conditions are bad on Cairngorm, Aonach Mor, to the west, near Fort William is about an hour's drive away, and the Lecht ski area, near Tomintoul to the north east is also within an hour's drive.

For water sports enthusiasts, there's sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and rowing at Loch Insh about 5 miles north and more boating on Loch Morlich at the foot of the Cairngorms. Both bases provide boat hire and full instruction packages for beginners.

Three generations of our family enjoying the Spring sunshine by Loch Morlich. A few moments earlier they were enjoying the snow on Cairngorm!

If walking is not your favourite past-time, then explore some of the local trails and tracks whilst taking in the Highland air and unique environment. The purpose built mountain bike centre at Laggan is under half an hour's drive from Rowan House. The Centre includes a choice of trials to suit all abilities, has bike hire and trail guiding (www.basecampmtb.com)