Cairngorms National Park
Why we love Cairngorms National Park
It’s little wonder that Balmoral Castle is such an iconic estate. In the heart of Cairngorms 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. The Cairngorms is Britain’s largest national park, and a playground for wildlife lovers, hill climbers, thrill seekers and more.
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.
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 (132km) 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.
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 runs from November 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.
Things to do in 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 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 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 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 Cairngorms National Park
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?
For the latest travel advice, expert tips and more fun-filled things to do, check out the national park’s official website.