Gardens and Woodland
Challenge fellow guests to a game of croquet on the rear lawn, set in spacious woodland gardens (be mindful of small kids near the garden pond). On dreich days, try table tennis and darts, or borrow the property’s golf clubs for games next door. If you enjoy dining alfresco, then you’ll be thrilled to find a beautiful garden patio terrace outside with two BBQs (gas and charcoal), a chimenea, and a summertime marquee for memorable gatherings.
As the sun sets, gather around for storytelling and laughter under the stars, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Explore the nearby trails for a leisurely stroll or a brisk hike, immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, The Grey House offers the perfect backdrop for your getaway.
Wildlife
For wildlife enthusiasts in the grounds of The Grey House we can boast a good population of red squirrels, a sighting is almost guaranteed. Occasionally, deer visit the garden, prompting us to net our flowers. Their footprints appear after snowfall. We also spot the rare crested tit, pinemartins roam the area, though we’ve yet to see them, they are very elusive, but you might have more luck! Give it a go, try a little wildlife spotting of your own, listen to the delightful birdsong and see if you can catch a glimpse of something special.
The RSPB have found that two golden eagles have taken up residence in Abernethy Forest and white tailed eagles (sea eagles) have now also moved in. Each season brings its own charm, from spring blooms to autumn’s golden hues, making every visit a fresh experience in nature.
Where to Find Wildlife
- Abernethy Forest: A large area of Caledonian pine forest and a key habitat for many of the park’s specialist species.
- RSPB Loch Garten Nature Reserve: Located within Abernethy Forest, this reserve is a fantastic place for spotting ospreys and other forest birds.
- Walking Trails: Trails such as the Nethy Bridge and Loch Garten Circular offer opportunities to see wildlife in a safe and accessible manner.
Outdoor Gallery
Identify birdsong and wildflowers easily with an app!
Popular apps to identify bird songs include the Merlin Bird ID app by Cornell Lab of Ornithology and BirdNET, both of which record sounds to identify bird species in real-time.
For UK wildflower identification, popular apps include Seek by iNaturalist, PlantNet (or Pl@ntNet) and the specific UK-focused Wild Flower Id British Isles app by Sunbird Images.
