Pictures of Scotland showing Loch Alvie - The picturesque Kirk at Loch Alvie near Aviemore . An area full of attractions for all visitors, from the magnificent Cairngorm mountains to the ancient pine forests of Abernethy and Rothiemurchus this is Badenoch and Strathspey. This area offers the holidaymaker everything windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, golf and of course all levels of walking. In winter Aviemore is a mecca for the skier. But to me me the attraction is the Cairngorms, leave Cairngorm and its chair lift machinery behind, drop down to Loch A'an and you are in a different world . Unlike the hills of the West, the Cairngorms are more rolling and do not appear at first sight , to have the character of their westerly sisters, but do not underestimate them.The area is so vast that you can walk for days without meeting up with anyone but then that's the idea of being there.