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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.

Things to do in Cairngorms National Park

This action-packed mountain offers skiing in the winter and epic hiking in the summer – with a thrilling ‘tubing park’ too.

Plan your trip to Cairngorm Mountain

The Cairngorms National Park

A view across the hills and woodlands of the Cairngorms National Park.
Cairngorm Mountain

This beautiful estate sits in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, with a host of adventurous activities in store.

Plan your Rothiemurchus adventure

rothiemurchus

Boy holding an owl at Rothiemurchus Falconry
Rothiemurchus

The Scottish holiday residence of the British Royal Family. Tour the historic gardens and estate of picturesque Balmoral Castle.

Book tickets to Balmoral Castle

@pumpkin_the_pompom

Balmoral Castle and Estate
Balmoral Castle

To see rare Scottish wildlife-up-close, visit Abernethy National Nature Reserve in the Cairngorms National Park.

Go wild at Abernethy National Nature Reserve

VisitBritain/Graham Niven

A man canoeing with two spaniels. Clear blue skies
Abernethy National Nature Reserve

Take a whisky-tasting tour in one of Scotland’s most famous distilleries – the Glenlivet Distillery in the Cairngorms National Park.

Raise a glass at The Glenlivet Distillery

VisitScotland / North East 250 / Damian Shields

Glenlivet Distillery
The Glenlivet Distillery

This action-packed mountain offers skiing in the winter and epic hiking in the summer – with a thrilling ‘tubing park’ too.

Plan your trip to Cairngorm Mountain

The Cairngorms National Park

A view across the hills and woodlands of the Cairngorms National Park.
Cairngorm Mountain

This beautiful estate sits in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, with a host of adventurous activities in store.

Plan your Rothiemurchus adventure

rothiemurchus

Boy holding an owl at Rothiemurchus Falconry
Rothiemurchus

The Scottish holiday residence of the British Royal Family. Tour the historic gardens and estate of picturesque Balmoral Castle.

Book tickets to Balmoral Castle

@pumpkin_the_pompom

Balmoral Castle and Estate
Balmoral Castle

To see rare Scottish wildlife-up-close, visit Abernethy National Nature Reserve in the Cairngorms National Park.

Go wild at Abernethy National Nature Reserve

VisitBritain/Graham Niven

A man canoeing with two spaniels. Clear blue skies
Abernethy National Nature Reserve

Take a whisky-tasting tour in one of Scotland’s most famous distilleries – the Glenlivet Distillery in the Cairngorms National Park.

Raise a glass at The Glenlivet Distillery

VisitScotland / North East 250 / Damian Shields

Glenlivet Distillery
The Glenlivet Distillery

Places 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

From palaces to cobbled alleys, and a dormant volcano, this city is a real show-stopper.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Edinburgh

A young couple taking a selfie of view over historic town

Pushing the boundaries of art and culture and a heart that beats through its people.

VisitBritain/Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

Two men looking at installation of suspended head sculptures

Explore pristine woods, climb mountains and paddle the waters of Scotland's wild landscape.

VisitScotland

A woman sitting and looking out across Loch Lomond

Located in the northern reaches of Scotland, the Highlands are about beauty and adventure.

VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Highlands

Rear view of two men jumping with joy on a country road

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.