Just off the A9 six miles south of Aviemore, the loch lies in the village of Kincraig. Its family-friendly water sports centre, Loch Insh, offers sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, raft building and rowing, while there are pedalos and a wildlife-spotting pleasure-boat for the less energetic. Off the water, the staff run courses in archery, dry skiing and mountain-biking. There's a restaurant, local shop and other amenities. Take in the superb view down the Spey Valley towards the 700-acre loch.

Morlich Loch is at the foot of the CairnGorm itself and a number of sports are enjoyed on its calm waters. As at Loch Insh, instructors are on hand to give lessons in windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking and biking. There are also picnic sites, a café/visitor centre, nature trails and a reindeer park at Glenmore, the highlight of many a visit. It also boasts one of the best fresh water beaches in Scotland, and is just a five-minute drive from Aviemore.

Aviemore Fishing is possible on many of the rainbow-trout-stocked lochs for around £15/day but the rivers are also popular. Boat fishing for brown trout or pike on one of the lochs is usually much cheaper and often free. The Rothiemurchus Estate has trout fishing on Loch Inverdruie and the Alvie Estate hires out rods and tackle.

Active Outdoor Pursuits run several centres on the Spey and Dee rivers in the Cairngorms. They are open all year round so river conditions vary with the season. Why not try duckying, which means blasting down the rapids in a small inflatable two-man canoe? Ace Adventures offer similar year-round thrills and spills on the wild River Findhorn as well as the more tranquil Spey in Aviemore. For those looking for the thrill of a series of grade 4-5 rapids then Craggan Outdoors provides everything you'll need. For a slower pace, why not take a paddle in an open-canoe on the most beautiful Scottish river with Spey Descent?

Keep fit with some laps in the Aviemore Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel's indoor swimming pool. Jump straight into the heated pool and enjoy the waves, flumes and breathtaking mountain views at the Aviemore McDonalds Highland Resort. For younger children the Aviemore Dalfaber Country Club pool is just right.