Cairngorms National Park
Why we love the Cairngorms National Park
It’s little wonder that Balmoral Castle in the Cairngorms is such an iconic estate. In the heart of the Britain’s largest national park, this Scottish estate has been a regal retreat since the mid-1800s, surrounded by high peaks, thundering rivers and deep glens (valleys) – but this untamed landscape extends far beyond Balmoral’s borders.
In winter, the plateau’s high altitude – above 1,000m (3280ft) on average – near-guarantees snow on the mountains, attracting skiers and snowboarders alike. In summer, those same summits are paradise for cyclists and walkers, while kayakers and rafters splash through the rivers and lochs.
From whisky tasting to wild swimming, here’s how to squeeze maximum adventure into your Cairngorms trip.
Get a fresh perspective
Splash, swim and sail your way through the national park’s untamed corners, discovering the wild lochs and waterways that nourish this land. Options include white water rafting on the River Spey, canoeing at Loch Insh, wild swimming at Loch Morlich, tubing on the River Feshie – and much more.
Walk on the wild side
Love a hike in the hills? Give Munro bagging a go. Any peak over 3,000ft (914.4m) is classed as a ‘Munro’, and the Cairngorms has more than 50 to choose from: when you’ve climbed one, you’ve ‘bagged’ it. For a multi-day hike, hit the 82 mile (132 km) East Highland Way, while the park’s lochs and forests offer gentler paths, and Balmoral’s flower-filled grounds are open to the public too.
Venture out on two wheels
Whether you’re a wobbly beginner or an MTB pro, there are cycling routes for all abilities in the Cairngorms. When the winter ice thaws, road racers love the summertime highs of the ‘Snow Roads’, while mountain bikers use the Cairnwell ski lift to access Glenshee’s white-knuckle descents. Ask your rental company – such as Aviemore Bikes – about their favourite trails too.
Hit the snowy slopes
Believe it or not, Scotland has five ski resorts – and the Cairngorms is home to three of them. Lecht, Glenshee and Cairngorm Mountain Resort have pistes for all abilities, with plentiful ski lifts, tuition and equipment hire. Whether you’re a skier, snowboarder or sledger, the season usually runs from December to April.
Sip a whisky – or two
Toast your trip at one of the national park’s famous whisky distilleries: the likes of Dalwhinnie, Royal Lochnagar and Glenlivet all offer tours and tastings, with a chance to see the stills in action. In Aviemore, Cairngorm Brewery also brews a fine local ale, while Persie and Balmenach distilleries are renowned for their gins.
Spot some animal antics
The Cairngorms is a haven for wildlife, with red squirrels in the forests, golden eagles in its skies, and even free-range reindeer in the mountains. To explore even deeper – and maybe even spot rare wildcats and capercaillie birds – join a guided walk or tour with a park ranger, offered by estates such as Rothiemurchus and Balmoral.
Cairngorms
This vast, untamed National Park in the heart of the Scottish Highlands is home to impressive mountains and castles, ancient forests, rare wildlife, and exciting year-round activities.
Head to Cairngorm Mountain for thrilling snow-capped adventures, including skiing and snowboarding, or the River Spey for white water rafting.
Explore the magnificent wilderness of Rothiemurchus for kayaking, cycling, and wildlife trails, or hike the forest paths of the 82-mile (132km) East Highland Way, looking out for golden eagles and pine martens.
Visit Balmoral Castle, the holiday home of the Royal Family in Scotland, and explore its historic gardens and wildlife-filled grounds, or take a whisky-tasting tour of the historic Glenlivet Distillery.
Fun fact
Fun fact
Cairngorms National Park is home to Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer, which can be spotted grazing happily in the Cairngorms mountains and on the Glenlivet Estate.
Did you know?
Did you know?
The Cairngorms is Britain’s largest national park, covering 1,748 square miles (4,528 square km) – almost half of the land is considered wild and it includes a quarter of Scotland’s native forest.
The Cairngorms is home to three of Scotland’s five ski resorts, with Glenshee, the largest in the UK, known for its varied terrain and challenging black run: ‘The Tiger’.
The Cairngorm Mountain Railway is Scotland’s only funicular (cable-operated) railway and is the highest in the UK, rising almost 3,540 ft (1,097 metres) above sea level on its 1.25-mile (2km) journey.
The Cairngorms National Park is home to four of the UKs five highest mountains, with Ben Macdui the tallest at 4,295ft (1,309 metres).
The Cairngorms is officially recognised as one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, with the Tomintoul and Glenlivet area awarded Dark Sky Park status for its superb stargazing and clear night skies.
Things to do in the Cairngorms National Park
Featured things to do
Homeward bound
Scotland’s magnificent ospreys return from their migration in April. To see them in flight, head to Loch Garten Nature Centre or Aviemore Ospreys’ photography hides.
Learn more about wildlife in the Cairngorms National Park
Get active
Pack your days with adventure! Summer days bring up to 18 hours of sunlight in the Cairngorms, so there’s maximum time for cycling, windsurfing, road tripping and more.
Learn more about outdoor activities in the Cairngorms National Park
The clash
You’ll hear the roars of the rutting red deer long before you see them. This annual battle for dominance is an awe-inspiring sight, so join a wildlife tour for a closer look.
Learn more about the red deer rut
Lucky lights
Not only does the Cairngorms offer superb stargazing, but it’s one of Britain’s top places for spotting the Northern Lights. Look out for special winter events at Glenlivet Estate.
Learn more about the Northern Lights in the CairngormsPlaces to stay in the Cairngorms National Park
Historic estates
For fine dining, fabulous facilities and luxurious bedrooms, treat yourself to a stay in a traditional Scottish manor.
On-the-go campervans
Follow your heart on a campervan trip, exploring all of the national park’s hidden corners and snoozing under the stars.
Self-catering gems
Tuck up in a mountainside log cabin, cottage or glamping retreat, for a far-flung adventure you’ll never forget.
Explore nearby
Getting to the Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park sits between the cities of Inverness (a 30-minute drive to the north-west) and Aberdeen (one hour to the east), both of which have airports with international and domestic connections, as well as good rail and bus links. If you’re travelling from London, take the Caledonian Sleeper train: it departs London Euston at around 9pm, arriving into Aviemore just before 8am.
Getting around
If time is tight, hiring a car is the most convenient way to get around – but it’s also easy to navigate the region by bike, train, bus and foot, with occasional taxis to remote spots. Aviemore is the national park’s main public transport hub, offering a wealth of accommodation options and tour operators; buses and trains depart from Grampian Road, and there are bike-rental companies too.
By electric car
Want your own wheels? Go electric for a lighter carbon footprint: there are EV chargers throughout the Cairngorms, and in some hotel car parks too.
By steam train
Travel back in time on the Strathspey Steam Railway, which chugs between Aviemore and Broomhill – in the picturesque north of the national park.
By bike
From white-knuckle mountain trails at Laggan Wolftrax, to gentle jaunts around Loch an Eilein, the national park is full of invigorating cycling routes.
Want to know more?
Want to know more?
Planning a business event in the Cairngorms?
Planning a business event in the Cairngorms?
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