While looking for an unusual way to celebrate the wife's birthday, I came across the Cairngorm Sled Dogs.

This is a visitor centre situated in Aviemore, at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountain Range, one of the most beautiful areas in the country.

Very remote, yet easily accessible via Perth, Aberdeen or Inverness the CSD offer activities ranging from a tour of the kennels and a visit to the small museum, sled dog safaris on the twenty odd miles of hand cut specialist trails, daytime and evening experience trips right through to a full two-day training course approved by ESDRA (Euro Sled- dog Fed.) & SSF (Scottish Sled- dog Fed.)

This is the only daily working sled dog centre in the UK and one of only five in Europe.

The centre is based at the house once inhabited by Mikel Utsi, who was responsible for re-introducing reindeer into the Cairngorm Mountains back in 1950s.

On arrival we were met by the owners, the Stewart family. It soon became apparent that Alan and Fiona have a great love and respect for the dogs. The atmosphere is friendly and informal and the initial induction is more of a conversation that a lecture. The information and anecdotes is of tremendous value in understanding the history of sledding, its purpose and the use of the dogs.

It must be remembered that this is not a dog zoo or a petting emporium for kids, these are working dogs in a working environment, that is not to say the dogs don't appreciate a stroke or a scratch of the ear from time to time.

Also, you need to be flexible, the dogs will not be run if conditions are too hot so be prepared for an early start, or having to wait till evening when the temperature falls.

If you are lucky, there may be puppies when you visit.

These puppies are kept in a run overlooking the end of the trail so they see what will be expected of them when older, and become familiar with the sleds, routines and excitement involved.

The 30 or so dogs all have names that suit their unique characters, and are housed in individual pens and sleep in traditional Scottish whisky barrels, lucky devils!

Occasionally a ruck will get up, this is just dogs being dogs!

Often the dogs look bored and fed-up –

Don't be fooled these dogs know how to conserve their energy for the long trail ahead. Just rattle a harness and you will be met with twitching ears and an eager beady eye. These dogs come from long lines of sled dogs and are just 'Born to Run'.

When the dogs realise there is a run about to start the excitement builds. The howls and yelps reach a fantastic volume as the dogs seem to shout 'Choose me, choose me!.

Several breeds are used and while some look like traditional husky types, pointers and other breeds are often used to balance the teams for stamina and speed.

The course consisted of forest trips including a night ride - an awesome experience that shows the tremendous trust between man and dog, dog and man.

After a certain amount of dogless sled training, to gain balance and confidence, and if (and only if) the Stewarts agree that you will not harm yourself, or more importantly the dogs, a solo run is prepared.

The sled is attached to a suitable anchorage, in this case the van. Believe me the power of these dogs is unbelievable and the van was shaking as the dogs were harnessed up.

Their excitement builds as the safety lines are checked, rechecked and checked again. The dogs get very impatient!

Once released, your on your own and are soon speeding through the beautiful countryside, at one with your team.

The feeling of their power, your control, and the surrounding countryside is a unique combination.

The final leg, and the dogs know they will soon be home for tea, and the wife has earned her certificate!

All in all a wonderful and unique experience in a lovely part of the country where this is lots to do for everyone, recommended.