Sleddog Racing in the Scottish Highlands
Scotland is renowned for its outdoor leisure and sporting opportunities, but for those who want something a little different, the partnership between Ballathie House Hotel and the Scottish Sleddog Academy offers something very special indeed.
The sleddogs were the real stars
My wife, Gilli and I were privileged (the word “guinea-pigs” springs to mind!) to experience at first hand the exciting Sleddog experiences on offer in the beautiful ancient forests of the Ballathie Estate. This is something completely unique in the UK, and we had the most wonderful time, and loved every minute of it. Alan and Fiona Stewart, who set up the Academy in 2001, were fantastic, but the real stars were the dogs, coping with the difficult conditions and the extra pounds they were pulling, having me on board!
This isn’t a watered-down experience with tourists in mind. Alan has raced sleddogs at the highest level all over the world, and the dogs are their life 24/7. It certainly felt like the real thing. This is an opportunity we highly recommend to you and your clients who want a unique and authentic experience in a beautiful highland environment. We will definitely be back and extend our thanks for a fabulous day to all at Ballathie, Linn, Alan, Fiona and not least the wonderful dogs whose names, unfortunately, I can’t remember.
The Cairngorm Sleddog Academy was set up in 2001. Ballathie is a beautiful country house, with award-winning food and roaring log fires, set in a 1500 acre estate where miles of forest track have been specially designed to allow Alaskan Huskies to train and prepare for sprint/middle distance races throughout Europe, while also offering a unique visitor experience.
The thrill and power of a 12-dog team at its peak performance, combined with a unique way of seeing the Scottish countryside make this an experience not to be missed.
Have you ever driven a dogsled team? Can you see yourself racing through the Scottish countryside in charge of your own team of dogs, and then returning for a well-earned supper and a hot toddy by the roaring fires? Gilli and I had a great time. Check out the links for more details and some wonderful photographs.
