Temperatures of -8C and a liberal dusting of frost has transformed Anagach Wood and the River Spey into a winter fantasy land.
By the time we reached the Spey mid guided walk, the ice flows were starting to form - not that this put off the hardy pair of divers we spotted - a Dipper and a male Goldeneye - from putting on a great show of busily plunging into the waters in search of the next meal.
Other wildlife was equally forthcoming: Red Squirrels abounded, a Roe Doe was spotted grazing less than 10 metres away and refused to move on, and a supporting cast of Treecreepers, Long-tailed Tits and a Mistle Thrush delighted the party who were nonetheless thankful for the soup and sandwiches on offer back at the Hotel on their return!