Activities
Activities
On arrival at Dallas Lodge you will find a folder containing information on many sporting and other activities available in the area, as well as details of shops, beaches, restaurants, plus local visitor centres and tourist attractions. Here is a brief précis:
Beaches
There are good sandy beaches, ideal for picnics/ swimming/windsurfing, all along the Moray Firth coastline from Nairn to Buckie and beyond. Many of these are within half an hour of Dallas Lodge.
The Moray Firth has its own resident dolphin population which
has featured on several nature programmes. There are regular boat trips from Inverness and Cromarty to their pre-found locations. There is also a nature interpretation centre at SpeyBay from where dolphins, seals, ospreys and otters can often be seen.
Sailing
Findhorn Bay (20 minutes by car) has a highly regarded sheltered anchorage and is home to the famous Findhorn Yacht Club.
Skiing
The ski slopes of the Cairngorms are within one hour’s drive of Dallas and the more gentle slopes of the Lecht Ski Centre are the same distance away. The latter is suitable for children and beginners.
Golf
Nairn Golf Club (30 minutes) is deservedly regarded as one of Scotland’s very best links courses. Other nearby courses are at Elgin, Forres, Lossiemouth, Fochabers, Boat of Garten, Nethybridge, Grantown-on-Spey, Castle Stuart and elsewhere. Royal Dornoch is one and half hours away by car. Further details are contained within the information file at the Lodge.
Walking//Pony trekking
There is a map of recommended walks on the Estate with suitable picnic sites. There are various pony trekking centres located nearby where tuition can also be obtained. Details of these can be supplied.
Birdwatching
Dallas Estate is home to many species of less common birds — such as the Capercaillie, the Black Grouse, Peregrine and Merlin Falcons, Hen Harriers, and smaller varieties such as the Siskin, Crossbill and Longtail Tits. In the spring and summer Swallows, Swifts, Housemartins, Wagtails and Oystercatchers all nest around the house and gardens.
The RSPB Reserve at Abernethy including the famous Osprey
nesting site at Loch Garten are 40 minutes away by car.
Flora/Fauna
Dallas Gardens are open regularly to the public through Scotland’s Gardens Scheme and are accordingly regarded as one of the great gardens of Moray. As well as many rare specimen trees there is a fine collection of azaleas, rhododendrons and a large water garden.
The Estate is home to roe deer, badgers, foxes, red squirrels, as well as otter and mink along the riverbanks.
Other activities
Hillwalking, bicycling (these can be hired locally), pony-trekking or visits to one of the Malt Whisky distilleries or cooperages on Speyside are all available.
Baxters of Fochabers (Scottish foods) and Johnstons of Elgin (Scottish Woollens) all have visitor centres and shopping facilities.
Brodie Castle (National Trust) is situated just outside Forres; Cawdor Castle, Ballindalloch Castle and Culloden Battlefield are half an hour further on. The National Galleries for Scotland have recently opened a branch at Duff House in Huntly. Brochures with details of these and many other activities are contained within the information folder.