Dalrachney Lodge Hotel Restaurant & Cottages

Carrbridge, Inverness-shire, PH23 3AT, Scotland
Telephone: +44 (0)1479 841252
Fax: +44 (0)1479 841383

Tel.:- +44 (0) 1479841252

A Country House Hotel set in the heart of the Scottish Highlands within the Cairngorm National Park boundary

Your ideal location for a memorable holiday or function

We offer accommodation in the Lodge, the Coach House the Garden Houses also Restaurant and Bistro Bar Dining

Click on Specials at bottom of this page. Book directly with us for discounted terms +44 (0)1479 841252

Dalrachney Lodge dates from 1845 and was formerly a Hunting Lodge central to one of Scotland's largest Estates. Additions were made through the turn of the century linking the Victorian and Edwardian periods. The main house as seen above is in fact Edwardian and was completed in 1910. Some earlier Victorian period Lodges which can be found in this area have quite small rooms and were functional rather than spacious. Today we are set in 3 acres of peaceful surroundings bordered on two sides by the Dulnain River. We are situated on the outskirts of the historic village of Carrbridge described by Queen Victoria as "the jewel of the North". Many other members of the Royal Family have stayed here as private guests of the Estate owner including King George V who was a great sportsman. His gun cart as used here can be seen in a local museum.

Our location is at the edge of the village on an elevated plateau about 900 ft asl within the designated Cairngorm Area which has now achieved National Park status. Some nine miles distant the Cairngorm mountain peak can often be seen which is over 4100 ft asl. This area is one of the most important conservation areas in Europe being part of what is often called the last great wilderness of Europe.

In restoring the buildings over the years, the owners have taken great care in re-creating some of the atmosphere of what was formerly a great house. A collection of original oil paintings grace many of the rooms while antique and period furnishings and log fires provide an ambience of quality and comfort characteristic of a bygone age. All modern facilities are here skillfully blended with original woodwork and high corniced ceilings. The resident owners and staff will ensure that your stay is a memorable one.

The main Lodge reception is approached via the riverside driveway which is lined with approximately two hundred mature Scots pine trees.  Another driveway leads off the main road which interlinks with several individual parking areas for about 40 vehicles.

There are 12 well furnished bedrooms in the Lodge with private/en-suite facilities and many have superb views for miles over the grounds, the River Dulnain, Cromdale hills and the Cairngorm mountains.

Sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts have a wide choice of activities including stalking, fishing, sailing, canoeing, swimming, skating and golf. There is a nine hole course adjacent to the hotel. The Cairngorm mountains are within easy reach and the funicular uplift operates in summer. Pony trekking and riding are available locally. We are also experienced in hosting small Weddings and Group residential functions to a maximum of 30 persons. We are only able to handle functions of the size indicated in limited periods of the year.

Furnishings throughout are in keeping with the character and atmosphere of the lodge. In the cooler months log fires provide a welcome at the end of a day when you may enjoy a drink in our well stocked bar or lounge. Lunches and Suppers are also served in the bar from the wide ranging Stalker's bistro menu which is popular with residents and locals alike.

Our comfortable lounge looks south over the Cairngorm mountains. Roe deer and rare birds can often be seen from the window. A beautiful period fireplace features and when the log fire is lit it is just the place to sit in comfort before or after dinner and recall the day's activities over a malt, blended whisky, or wine from a wide choice of over 250, including Chateau bottled and vintage selections.

A traditional full Scottish Breakfast menu is offered including kippers to start your day. The more health conscious will find fresh fruits as required. Special diets can be catered for where we are advised in advance. Dining at Dalrachney for residents and non residents alike augments the Highland experience where our professional staff have acquired an excellent reputation for service and fine foods using the best of fresh local produce. You will not find Rosettes here as we do not seek, or accept, any food awards. Our Guests are our assessors every day of the year.

Our table d'Hote and a la Carte menus offer a wide choice featuring local Game, prime Scottish Beef, Salmon and Trout. Fresh local produce, an often misused term, means just that at Dalrachney. Home made desserts and Scottish Cheeses complement your meal as does a range of specially selected fine wines. Many Vegetarian dishes are always available and individual dietary needs can be met by our professional chefs.

Check out our Menu Page for further details of our food and beverage service - click here

THE GARDEN HOUSE For families who like to be self-contained we have Cairngorm Cottage in the grounds. Secluded with its own gardens and parking and are offered on a self-catering basis. Guests are welcome in the Bistro Bar and Restaurant during meal serving hours and breakfasts can also be provided by arrangement. Lets are on a minimum weekly basis only,  usually Saturday to Saturday. Click on Cairngorm Cottage for more details, interior photos and tariff. E-mail or call us to establish availability and price for your period.

Cairngorm Cottage

CENTRAL LOCATION

We are situated in the midst of unspoiled country and yet with fast trunk road access to so many attractions. There are often "B" road alternatives if one is not in a hurry. A one hour's drive radius takes in Pitlochry to the South, the beautiful and temperate Moray Firth coast, with it's bottle-nosed dolphin colony to the North, the entire Whisky Trail and a large part of Grampian to the east as well as the Loch Ness visitor areas west of us. Why move hotel if touring? Base yourselves here and travel daily. You will find it a lot more convenient and relaxing as do many of our guests. Even some of the Western Isles can be visited on a daily basis.

A PLACE FOR ALL SEASONS Whatever time of year you choose to come to our area you will find things to do and places to visit. The year round image of Strathspey was originally based on Estate sporting activity. Later in the 1960's the Cairngorm Ski Area was commenced, developed and expanded to what it is today. These activities and the Estate areas encompassed have built up a sophisticated, yet discreet, infrastructure which can be found within easy traveling distance of Dalrachney. Many visitor centers and facilities that are open in Summer in fact are open year round particularly those nearer the Cairngorm ski area. Strathspey is the only Highland area that can truly claim to be "a place for all seasons"

FISHING, RIVER AND LOCH Dalrachney is located within a 20 minute drive of some 40 miles of the Rivers Spey, Dulnain and Findhorn. Indeed the Dulnain flows through our West and South borders and 1km of the single bank belongs to the Hotel. Prime fish is of course the Salmon but there are Sea Trout and Brown Trout also. The local fishing Associations are based in Boat of Garten and Grantown-on-Spey a few miles distant where public tickets can easily be obtained. Strathspey Estates control some prime private beats as does Tulchan Estate. We have options from time to time on some of these Beats including on the River Findhorn. We can provide you with detailed and specialist guidance. Click here for more information

Your journey to Dalrachney is easy by road via the A9 trunk route, main line rail or by air to Inverness with its new terminal building. A British Airways subsidiary operates from Gatwick and Easyjet from Luton and Gatwick in addition to others. Ryanair now has a service from Dublin. Check with the airport as new routes are being added all the time. Rental car is available both locally and in Inverness which is only 23 miles distant. At Inverness airport you will find Hertz, Avis and National as well as a taxi service. Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports are a couple of hours drive from us should you find that necessary for better connections.
Dalrachney Lodge is open all year round and we accept American Express, Visa, Access, MasterCard, Maestro and Delta.
Helicopter landing area available. Two full size helicopters (6/12 seaters) can be handled simultaneously Click on Location Page for coordinates and approach details.

Landing area in front of Lodge

Dalrachney Lodge is privately owned and operated now in it's 21st year. We remain completely independent having been invited, and declined, to join many prestigious guides, consortia and groups.

How to find us and other links below

You will find us at the indicated location. A larger version of the map to the right can be found by clicking Location Page More photos of Hotel and grounds? click here Guest Comments click here   lunar phases

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