The Cairngorms National Park is a different character from the dramatic west coast. Ancient Caledonian pine forests, wide open moorland, mountain plateaus, quiet lochs and a sense of space. I live in Inverness, 40 minutes up the road, and the Cairngorms are where I go when I want forest, wildlife and calm.
Aviemore
The main hub for the park. Aviemore is a proper wee outdoor town with good shops, gear stores, cafes and restaurants. It sits on the A9 and has its own railway station. The Mountain Cafe is a local favourite for hearty food and cakes. The Old Bridge Inn is the pub to head for after a day in the hills.
Rothiemurchus and Loch an Eilein
Rothiemurchus Estate has ancient Caledonian pine forest, walking trails, clay pigeon shooting, falconry, fly fishing lessons and Land Rover safaris. Loch an Eilein with its ruined castle on an island is one of the most beautiful spots in the park. The circular walk is about three miles and suitable for all abilities.
Loch Morlich and Glenmore
Loch Morlich has a sandy beach surrounded by pine forest and mountains. Watersports, forest trails and excellent red squirrel spotting. The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd at Glenmore offers guided hill visits to meet Britain's only free-ranging reindeer.
Mountain biking and Loch Insh
Forest tracks around Glenmore and Rothiemurchus suit easy to moderate riding. Laggan Wolftrax near Newtonmore has purpose-built red and black graded trails. Loch Insh between Aviemore and Kingussie has watersports, a lovely cafe and the Insh Marshes RSPB reserve for wintering birds.
Beyond Aviemore
Kingussie has the Highland Folk Museum (free, excellent) and The Cross restaurant. Grantown-on-Spey is a handsome Georgian town on the edge of Speyside whisky country. Carrbridge has the old packhorse bridge and Landmark Forest Adventure Park for families.
Dark skies and seasons
The Cairngorms is a designated Dark Sky Park. On a clear night, away from Aviemore's lights, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. Autumn brings spectacular colour. Winter brings skiing on Cairngorm Mountain. Spring is quiet with nesting birds. See our full Cairngorms guide for much more detail, our Cairngorms day tours from Aviemore, and our walks and hikes guide for short routes in the Cairngorms and across Scotland.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Aviemore from Inverness?
About 40 minutes south on the A9. It is an easy day trip or a comfortable base for several days exploring the park.
Can you see reindeer in the Cairngorms?
Yes. The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd at Glenmore is Britain's only free-ranging reindeer herd. Guided hill visits run daily. Book ahead.
Is the Cairngorms good for families?
Excellent. Loch Morlich beach, the reindeer, Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge, and gentle forest walks all suit families.
Is there skiing in the Cairngorms?
Yes. Cairngorm Mountain ski centre operates in winter, typically December to April. Conditions vary year to year.
