Ballin Dhu Speyside lodge

15/06/2024

Lovely morning in Speyside once the early blanket of mist lifted ☀️

You never know…if the puddles dry up and the sun stays out, the birds might make use of their new bath!

10/06/2024

Another activity I can highly recommend to Ballin Dhu guests…The Highland Falconry Centre at Rothiemurchus.

We got to fly 5 birds, including Glen the barn owl, Fiddich the great grey owl (can you see what they were going for!?? 😂), and the absolutely majestic Stiorra the white tailed sea eagle. For scale, here she is coming in to grab a snack from yours truly.

We also got to meet the Maremma dogs that are used as livestock guardians.

All in all, a fantastic experience with Jonny the falconer.

18/05/2024

I never ask for reviews, but I’m gratified to have received my 100th 5-star review this week, from Olivia.

Guest feedback is always taken on board, positive or otherwise. And whilst I know that it’s highly unlikely I’ll continue pleasing everyone all of the time, I’m delighted that my guests to date appreciate Ballin Dhu as I do.

Thank you all 😌

14/05/2024

A new book for Ballin Dhu.
Kirsten and her team run the amazing Kj's Bothy Bakery on the way in to Grantown.
I highly recommend dropping in for great bread, savouries, cakes and coffee.
Alternatively, give some of the recipes a go…the Anzacs are great and easy to make. The only issue is that they disappear fast!

19/04/2024

A real treat on the way home from Ballin Dhu yesterday. Delicious fresh pizza from Spruce and Stag Woodfired Pizza. Well worth hunting down - can be found at locations throughout Moray Speyside.

Even Skye appreciated a wee sample before sleeping off her exciting and tiring day 🐾🐾

17/04/2024

Walking your way through the Speyside Way? 🥾🥾

Why not use Cragganmore as a welcome respite? We have a selection of delicious drams available for you. Or if you don't fancy a dram, we also have a selection of soft drinks and coffees available 🥃☕🧃

We hope to see you soon!

07/04/2024

Tanya Wicks and family stayed at Ballin Dhu for Hogmanay 2023.

Thankfully the weather was calm enough for Tanya's hubby to fly his drone.

I just love the simplicity and symmetry of this drone photo of the 1863 railway bridge crossing the Spey, now part of the Speyside Way walking route. Thank you for sharing Mr Wicks 😊

Just to get your bearings...Ballin Dhu is a 30 second stroll along the path leaving the bottom right of the image.

30/03/2024

My beloved Edwardian tweed armchair had seen better days. Those of you that had sat on it will recall that, although comfortable, you could be in there for some time as the seat springs had all given up.

Enter the very skilled Raymond Mackenzie Upholstery. Raymond has brought the chair back to springy life and finished the seat with some lovely Johnstons of Elgin tweed. All done using traditional methods. Thank you Raymond.

Armchair ready to receive many more derrières for years to come 😁

17/03/2024

Night time BBQ lighting sorted 🔥🌙
Also just pretty to look at 😁

08/03/2024

Skye’s Friday out 🐾 ….starting with way too much choice at Kj's Bothy Bakery (she scored a dog biccie from Karen!). You’ll not beat this place for everything baked and great coffee.

Then on to Rothiemurchus farm shop to collect some local heather honey.

Homewards via the Carrbridge packhorse bridge, and on past some controlled heather burning above Lochindorb. Skye had a paddle.

These are just a few of the local food outlets and landscapes I recommend to guests staying at the lodge.

Have a great weekend folks 😊

01/03/2024

As promised, a return to happier posts.

A little bit of tree pruning today with some ‘help’ from the lovely, stick-obsessed, Skye.

All had fun 😁

25/02/2024

A very belated Happy New Year to followers.

My apologies for being MIA on the posting front…as reported, I had a bit of an oopsie daisy just before Christmas.

A big thank you to those who have helped to keep Ballin Dhu ticking over these past 2 months, you know who you are 😘

I’m up and going now and semi-bionic with the help of surgical metalwork! Recovery is going well and I’m looking forward to welcoming new and returning guests through 2024.

Less traumatic facebook posts will now resume 😁

02/12/2023

Lovely drive over to the lodge this morning in the company of the moon and snow to ready things for weekend guests. Hovering around -10 C all the way despite full sun. Beautiful.

26/11/2023

Drum. Roll. Please.

Before and after shots.

Whilst I had a soft spot for the old kitchen it was long overdue some attention.

Nothing too modern looking for my timber shack, but all bang up to date in terms of function. I'm delighted with the results.

Job done!

24/11/2023

My favourite little birds (long tailed t**s) were here feasting in good numbers today, entertaining me whilst I washed the dishes 😊

17/11/2023

It’s always a great day when your ducks line up 😉

Loch Morlich was as serene as I’ve ever witnessed. A unique place where you can walk on a frozen lochside beach beneath the sun rising over a snow-capped Cairngorm Mountain.

Meanwhile, a short distance and time away, the sun over Loch Pityoulish never quite won the battle to break free of the freezing fog.

Back at the lodge, grafting away…job will be revealed next weekend 😎

11/11/2023

A fine wee run out to Nairn via Dulsie Bridge yesterday. The 18th century bridge carries an old military road high over a deep gorge channeling the River Findhorn.

Meanwhile, in other news, work continues at the lodge 🛠️ 😁

06/11/2023

The mist and low cloud never fully lifted from the Spey valley last night, but it was still special to see nature’s great light show from the Ballin Dhu balcony. No fireworks required 😊

05/11/2023

Had great fun playing courier today. I can’t recommend Herd Hire Aberdeen highly enough for such an easy and friendly service.

Other than that…watch this space 😎

31/10/2023

As if generous helpings of fantastic food in a dog-friendly bar weren’t enough! I always recommend the Mash Tun to guests 🥃🥃

Our beautiful Cigar and Whisky shop is open 7 days a week! Why not come and have a look at our hand picked selection of premium hand rolled ci**rs and enjoy one in our Cigar pavilion out back?

**rsociety

27/10/2023

Feast at Tulchan is back!

We have worked some magic and the School House is now a cosy Bar and Dining Room, so winter weather needn't come between you and the Feast you've been enjoying over the summer.

Enjoy a seasonal, Estate sourced Feast for £40 per person with doggy bags in case you can't finish! We will also have a 'Cocktail of the Week' and other surprises!

Sign up to our Feast mailing list to ensure you're the first to hear about all our festive plans (link in bio).

To book your table please call 07765 077435 or email [email protected]

23/10/2023

What a difference a day makes, post Storm Babet.
It was a stunning frosty morning at the lodge. Then friends sent me photos on the road up to Cairngorm Mountain. It’s coming!! ⛄️⛄️⛄️

16/10/2023

The very best of luck to my guest Ruth Marrison this coming weekend. Those drams after the run will be very welcome I’m sure 🏃‍♀️🥃🥃

04/10/2023

Fantastic to see this unique dining experience on the local Tulchan Estate doing so well 🔥🔥🔥

03/10/2023

When in Speyside …. 🥃🥃
Left in the lodge this week by guests.
I’ve not sampled the contents, but I love the branding on this whisky packaging! 🐶

21/08/2023

It’s that time of year again - the Thunder in the Glens mass ride out this Saturday promises to be an incredible sight, as always 🏍️🏍️🏍️

19/08/2023

Summer 2023 is flying by with a series of week-long bookings at the lodge. It’s been a pleasure to host summer holidays for so many friends and families.
I took time out this week to go to Lochindorb for sunrise, as the heather is at its peak right now. A beautiful Scottish summer sight.

17/06/2023

Yesssss!! Go Rob Cleaver! I’m seriously impressed and can’t even begin to understand the training and the effort that this takes. Enjoy your time at Ballin Dhu 💤🍻 ☀️

16/06/2023

The very best of luck to my friend and Ballin Dhu guest, Rob, for even attempting this crazy feat tomorrow!! The lodge will be ready and waiting to revive you 😎

21/05/2023

Electric vehicle drivers - come and holiday without the excess baggage. EV charging is now available at Ballin Dhu Speyside lodge