The Highland Bothy Bar at the Blair Atholl Arms Hotel is in a lovely setting near Blair Atholl Castle. The authentic highland charm, personality and character of this grand hotel make it very special. The Highland Bothy Bar has helpful and friendly staff and offers a reasonable range of bar snacks and food.

The Struan Inn at Struan is a rare Scottish gem, a charming, authentic, traditional and rustic Highland village inn-style hotel. It was built around 1863 as the station master's home when the main Edinburgh to Glasgow railway line was under construction. When the sun is shining this is a great place to have a few cold beers or ciders, and then take a short walk along the river.

When you enter the inn at Dalwhinnie you feel as if you should be in a cool city establishment. This is probably the mellowest and highest pub in the Cairngorms National Park. With a funky jukebox that plays throughout the day and great food, the inn offers something for everyone. They also do a number of club nights called The Dalwhinnie Sessions throughout the year.

The Monadhliath Hotel, pronounced 'Monalia', is the place for a weekend drink and game of pool when in Laggan. There is always a friendly face and the food is tasty. Dogs are also welcome. They have a great outdoor area with tables, which is perfect after a hard day's mountain-biking at the Wolf Trax Mountain-Bike Centre a few miles down the road. There is often something going on in the village hall on weekends.

The Braeriach, known as the Brae by the locals, is situated on Newtonmore main street. The bar is always lively at weekends and is popular with the younger crowd. There is often live music or karaoke and the pool / games room at the back is usually busy. There is always a friendly atmosphere so the bar is well worth a visit. It also allows dogs.

The Spey Bar, one of Kingussie's favourite meeting places, sets an informal tone for locals and visitors. Convivial company in pleasant surroundings, fine beers and wines, and, of course, the vast array of malt whiskies all add to your enjoyment. The bar is also popular for informal bar lunches and suppers.

The Suie bar on Kincraig's main street is warm and friendly. They often have live music and there is always an opponent available for a game of pool. There is a large open fire and a super outside area for the warmer days. Well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Cafe Mambo, Aviemore, is the place to hang out. Open until 1.00am, it is very popular with the younger crowd at the weekends when there is often live music or a DJ. A fine selection of cocktails and shots are on offer. There are two American-style pool tables and video games on the second floor. Wifi internet connections and food are available all day.

The Vault night club on the main street in Aviemore is the place for all styles of music, from dance and techno to cheesy pop. It is underground so the club can get very hot when busy. It's open Thursdays and over the weekend from 10.30pm - 3.00am but there is no entry after 11.45pm. It does attract a younger crowd and can get full by 11.00pm so go early to avoid disappointment.

The Wood Shed Bar, in the grounds of the Hilton Coylumbridge, is a sizeable and beautiful traditional log cabin where you can chill out on the decking or in front of the massive open fire. It has all the activities and entertainment your kids will need, from climbing walls to skateboard ramps in the outdoor centre below the decking. Or you could just sit on the balcony with a drink and watch the world go by...perfect!

The Old Bridge Inn next to the Spey Bridge in Aviemore has recently changed hands and the decor, menu, bar list and events programme have all been given a shot in the arm. With weekly live music, top quality food and a bar list to satisfy the keenest bar-fly, you must drop in to sample the atmosphere.

The Winking Owl prides itself on being the oldest traditional pub in Aviemore. It serves locally-produced real ales from the Cairngorm Brewery. They also have a great new nightclub which opens at the weekends. The Two Hoots Club meets the needs of the slighter older clubbing crowd but it still has an excellent lighting rig and sound system. The best live bands can be heard monthly. It is open until 3.00am.

The Cairn Hotel in Carrbridge is a friendly bar that's popular with locals and tourists alike. It's an ideal place to wind down after an active day in Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park. They are listed in the CAMRA Good Beer guide 2010 and the CAMRA Aviemore & Cairngorms Pub of the Year 2010. They also have a pool table, live music at the weekends, and are pet friendly.

Just off the High Street in Grantown-On-Spey, The Craig Bar is a great place to relax and enjoy a quiet pint. Set in the Cairngorms National Park they are always busy with a mix of locals and tourists. So whether you're after a drink or one of their fabulous pies, you'll always be warmly welcomed. They also have a pool room with a juke box.

At the Glen Avon in Tomintoul you can enjoy a glass of Scotland's finest whisky or a traditional real ale in the warm and friendly atmosphere of the lounge bar. Sit by the bar and exchange stories with some of the local characters, play pool, or relax quietly by the log fire. This is one of the friendliest pubs in Glenlivet and is well worth a visit.

The Malt Room at the Braemar lodge boasts one of the largest collection of malt whiskies in the area. Friendly staff are on hand to share their expertise and assist you with your selection. There is nothing quite like the warmth of a log fire after a day exploring one of the many scenic mountain walks nearby. If you love whisky, you'll love the Malt Room.

The Alexandra Hotel's public bar is a popular place for both locals and visitors in the centre of Ballater village. The bar serves some great snacks and also boasts a wide selection of local single malt whiskies to be enjoyed in comfortable surroundings.

The Spittal of Glenshee is on the site of one of the oldest inns in the UK and the hospitality is as warm today as it was a thousand years ago. Be you king or villain, come in peace. A roaring log fire, good food and friendly welcome await you. Dogs are welcome.