I try Scotland’s first dizzying aerial net challenge on a family break in Aviemore

Stepping into the garden suite, we were instantly charmed. The expansive, open-plan living area was the heart of the home, a masterpiece of contemporary design blending style with functionality. The huge smart TV was immediately commandeered by our son, Reuben, for his PlayStation sessions, while Sine and I gravitated towards the incredibly cosy wood-burning stove - a welcome beacon on such a damp day. It truly transformed the atmosphere, turning a dreary afternoon into a snug retreat.

The apartment was perfectly laid out for a family, featuring two impeccably appointed bedrooms: a comfortable double for Sine and me, and a twin with its own en-suite, which the children happily claimed. The four of us quickly settled onto the huge corner sofa, collectively mesmerized by the hypnotic flicker of the fire, while the sound of the children’s laughter filled the air as they began to play.

For our first evening meal, we didn’t have to venture far. Delaney’s, the small-plates restaurant integrated into the Sweeney Two complex, was both family-friendly and importantly for many guests in this region, dog-friendly. The concept of small, flavourful global dishes using excellent local ingredients was a huge success.

We sampled a delightful array of dishes - tender venison, perfectly cooked cod, spiced carrot parcels bursting with flavour and the undeniably delicious crispy Korean chicken bao buns. For dessert, Sine’s chocolate and rum torte was the perfect indulgent finale. After a leisurely meal we enjoyed a final digestif by the wood-burning stove back in our suite before retiring early, the promise of a full day of adventure hanging in the crisp Cairngorms air.

The next morning we were fully fuelled for adventure by a hearty breakfast at Delaney’s. For me nothing beats a glorious full Scottish breakfast to set the tone, while the rest of the family opted for the fluffy pancakes. Our destination for the day was Landmark Forest Adventure Park, a mere 15-minute drive away in Carrbridge. We bundled up in hats, scarves and thick coats, bracing ourselves for the frosty, yet intermittently sunny, day ahead. Having visited before we knew the park offered fantastic entertainment, even with certain attractions closed for the winter season when we visited in January. The benefit of travelling off-season, we soon discovered, was the blissful absence of queues.

The children immediately raced to conquer the multi-level challenge of the Ant City play area, a classic Landmark favourite. From there, we moved on to the park’s newest and most exciting addition: NetworX, which proudly boasts the title of Scotland’s first aerial net challenge. This enormous network of bouncy webbing, suspended a dizzying 30 feet in the air, was the highlight of the day. It was a completely hilarious, must-do experience for the entire family. Even Sine, who is a part-time wheelchair user, found the aerial bouncing worth every ounce of effort - a testament to the inclusive fun the attraction offered.

After an hour of joyous, gravity-defying bouncing and laughter we sought warmth and a change of pace. We explored the tranquil heat of the tropical hothouse before delving into the delightfully bonkers world of the Wonderwood. Next the climb up the fire tower rewarded us with spectacular views, including the majestic, snowcapped Ben McDui dominating the horizon.

Lunch was a simple, warming affair at the park’s cafe, made all the cosier by a welcoming log fire. The afternoon’s entertainment continued in the Bamboozeleum, where our minds were thoroughly melted by the array of optical illusions. This was followed by a tranquil stroll along the Ancient Forest Adventure trail.

Sine was particularly pleased to note the path is now fully wheelchair accessible, mirroring the commitment to accessibility improvements we observed across the park. The Red Squirrel Trail - another series of bouncy nets - was a massive hit with the children, and on our drive back to Aviemore, we were thrilled to catch a glimpse of a real red squirrel darting across the road.

Dinner that evening was at the hugely popular Cairngorm Hotel. After a quick, pre-dinner snifter in the lively bar, I indulged in a truly magnificent Highland burger, piled high with rich haggis, cheese, and a generous drizzle of whisky sauce. The girls both opted for the hotel’s famous three-cheese macaroni, a dish they declared even better than they remembered, while Reuben happily devoured his own burger. Despite the genuinely huge portion sizes, Sine somehow managed to find room for a decadent Butterscotch Sundae.

Following another night of excellent, peaceful sleep, our final adventure awaited: a trip up to the Cairngorm Mountain base station. The temperature had plummeted overnight, and the biting wind made the air feel Arctic, yet the place was buzzing with the energy of snow-sport enthusiasts.

The Mountain Railway was initially delayed by fresh snow, so we joined other hopefuls warming our hands around cups of rich hot chocolate in the bustling cafe. We managed to squeeze onto the very first ascending train and the snowy views that unfolded as we climbed were simply breathtaking. At the summit, the Ptarmigan restaurant, which holds the title of the UK’s highest, 1097 metres, was almost completely buried under deep drifts of snow.

We ventured onto the terrace, immediately hit by a minor blizzard and were greeted by banks of snow that stood metres deep. After securing a few obligatory snow-selfies, we retreated inside for a warming lunch—venison chilli for me, a hotdog for Reuben, and mac and cheese (again!) for the girls - all consumed 4,000 metres up. Driving home shortly after, our minds were full of exciting memories and a firm resolution to return to this magical part of Scotland very soon.

Factfile

Sweeney Aviemore, Sweeney Two, 131 Grampian Road, Aviemore PH22 1RP. www.sweeneyaviemoreone.co.uk; Landmark, www.landmarkpark.co.uk; Cairngorm, www.cairngorm.com; www.cairngormmountain.co.uk