The locals believe the welcoming village of Newtonmore between Laggan and Aviemore marks the southern gateway to the Cairngorms National Park. The area was originally settled by the Picts but there was no village as such until traffic through the Spey Valley increased after the building of a bridge across the river in 1756. By the time the railways arrived in the mid-19th century, it was fashionable to 'Holiday in the Highlands' and the new town on the moor became the bustling village it is today. Newtonmore has its own web site www.newtonmore.com

The Highland Folk Museum and Wild Cat Trail & Wildcat Experience is perhaps the best-known tourist attraction. See how the ancient Scottish peoples lived and worked by exploring the mile-long outdoor site with its living history museum and working farm. Walking the 10km Wildcat Trail through the woods, moorland and rolling hills around the village is popular all year round. A new attraction was launched in 2010  The Wildcat Experience, Newtonmore, with scores of painted wildcat models sited round the village for you to find. The Ormiston family run a pony trekking centre if you'd like to explore the area on horseback.

The village's two best pubs, the Glen Hotel and the Braeriach Hotel, both serve food and often lay on entertainment in the evenings. The 'jewel in the crown' with regards to food in Newtonmore is the Letter Box Restaurant. For the perfect morning fry up at low prices, try the Newtonmore Grill. Situated on the main road just south of the village this is a secret truck stop, and they know their fry ups. There is also a good range of coffee shops, including the Garden Cafe and Tuck Shop, on the high street. For other places to eat, check out our fine dine and wine pages.

Many people when they think of Scotland think of its fantastic golf courses. Lying on the banks of the River Spey amongst some of the most dramatic Highland scenery in the UK, Newtonmore's golf course is no exception. Golf has been played at Newtonmore for well over a hundred years, the club having celebrated its centenary in 1993. Its other ball sport, shinty, is also popular, with the annual match against the Kingussie Shinty Team attracting a sizeable crowd.

The Newtonmore Highland Games and Clan Macpherson gathering take place on the first Saturday in August and are not to be missed. Heavy and light events are included on the programme while marching pipe bands also compete. New Year's Eve and the Hogmanay celebrations are also a major event in the village. Torch-lit processions start at either end of the main street and meet in the middle. Then it's time to sample the Stag's Breath while fireworks light up the night.

There are several shops in Newtonmore. The two largest stores are the Newtonmore co-op - stocked with the usual supermarket range - and the Newtonmore Craft Centre and Gallery. The Harris Tweed Shop Newtonmore offer a selection of some of the finest tweeds in the world. There's also a post office and filling station with a Spar grocery shop. Gifts and souvenirs are available at Waltzing Waters. The Wildcat Centre - the village's walking information centre - also sells maps, and a small range of Wildcat souvenirs. The t-shirts, in particular, are fantastic.