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An aerial shot of the town of Aviemore

© Airborne Lens / Liam Anderstrem

  1. Home
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  4. Aviemore

Aviemore

Aviemore is a popular holiday resort located in the northwest corner of the majestic Cairngorms National Park. Towering mountains, sparkling lochs and dense forests surround this bustling town, making it a year-round destination for a huge range of summer and winter activities.

Great things to do in Aviemore

Aviemore is an excellent base for exploring the Cairngorms National Park and trying adventure activities. 

7 Unmissable things to do in and around Aviemore

Aviemore is surrounded by lush Highland scenery in the north west corner of the majestic Cairngorms National Park.

Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms National Park has more mountains, forests, rivers, lochs, wildlife, friendly villages and distilleries than you can possibly imagine.

Snowsports in the Cairngorms

With the Cairngorms National Park home to 3 out of Scotland’s 5 ski resorts, it’s an ideal base for discovering snowsports.

Castles and historic sites in the Cairngorms

From Royal feuds to bloody Jacobite battles, castles in the Cairngorms boast a rich and chequered past.

Wildlife watching in the Cairngorms

Keep your eyes peeled to spot a variety of wildlife that call the Cairngorms their home, or venture on a guided tour of the park.

Watersports around Aviemore

Aviemore is brilliantly placed to enjoy watersports. Try canoeing, river tubing and swimming in the summer.

Top days out ideas

Experience Aviemore in style with these top days out, from breathtaking Highland scenery to thrilling outdoor activities.

Rothiemurchus

Rothiemurchus is a beautiful place at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park which offers a whole host of exciting outdoor activities.

Badenoch The Storylands

Here you will find everything from ancient fortresses and distilleries to some of the UK best attractions and museums.

Strathspey Railway

Step aboard the Strathspey Railway to celebrate forty years of the return of steam travel through the Highlands of Scotland.

Dark Skies Park

Experience the Cairngorms at night with a spot of stargazing in some of the best low light pollution conditions in Scotland.

Cairngorm Reindeer Herd

Follow an experienced herder to see Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer grazing on the sides of the Cairngorm mountain.

In Your Element: Treezone

Travel through the trees getting a squirrel's eye view of the beautiful forest whilst tackling fun and exhilarating challenges.

Inspiring routes, trails & itineraries

Explore Aviemore on foot, by bike, or with a knowledgable tour guide. 

Utsi Bridge

Follow a route

Discover the Aviemore area on a dedicated trail. This area is famous for majestic landscapes and mountains.

  • Aviemore community trails
  • Cycling in the Cairngorms
  • Aviemore and Rothiemurchus walks

What's on in Aviemore

Aviemore hosts a year-round mix of outdoor events and festivals, from mountain sports and trail challenges to food, music, and family-friendly gatherings.

The Braemar Gathering

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

The Storyland Sessions in Badenoch, every month – a year-round series of monthly music and storytelling events in Badenoch, celebrating Highland culture and its vibrant community in intimate Highland settings.

Braemar Gathering, 5 September 2026 – the legendary Braemar Gathering brings a spectacular day of Highland games, massed pipe bands and fierce traditional competition to the heart of the Cairngorms.

Go Swim Loch Morlich, 12 September 2026 – join in an open-water swimming experience. Set in the Cairngorms National Park and surrounded by forest and mountain scenery, it’s an experience you will never forget.

Golden Spurtle World Porridge Championship in Carrbridge, 3 October 2026 – do you have what it takes to create a delicious bowl of porridge and take home the Golden Spurtle crown?

Loch Morlich Running Festival in Glenmore, 3 January 2027 – a scenic winter running event featuring trail routes around Loch Morlich in the Cairngorms National Park, with forest paths, crisp conditions, and mountain views for runners of all levels.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, 28 April – 3 May 2027 – join this world-renowned whisky festival celebrating Speyside’s distilleries with tastings, tours, masterclasses, and exclusive events across Scotland’s whisky country, and enjoy a dram of this famous Scottish tipple.

Thunder in the Glens in Kingussie, 2027 dates TBC – don’t miss Europe’s largest annual motorcycle rally, where Harley-Davidson riders from around the world roar through the Cairngorms on a vibrant and unforgettable ride.

Map of Aviemore

Explore Aviemore

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Travel to Aviemore

Getting to

Bus and coach

Megabus run frequent and affordable bus services that travel to Aviemore from many major Scottish cities.

Find Megabus routes from across the cities

Train

Aviemore train station lies within the centre of Badenoch and Strathspey, with direct links to Inverness, Glasgow, London and Edinburgh.

Book tickets with Trainline

Aviemore can also be reached overnight from London on the Caledonian Sleeper.

Travel overnight on the Caledonian Sleeper

ScotRail provides an express rail service direct to Aviemore from many major Scottish cities.

Check ScotRail timetables

Driving

Aviemore is an accessible place to get to by car, with major roads connecting the town to Scotland’s major cities.

From Inverness – 40 minutes

From Perth – 50 minutes

From Dundee – 1 hour 15 minutes

From Edinburgh – 1 hour 40 minutes

From Glasgow – 1 hour 45 minutes

Plan your visit to Aviemore

Flying

Inverness Airport is situated 36 miles from Aviemore and is a 50-minute drive to the town centre. Airlines including British Airways and EasyJet fly direct to Inverness from various UK destinations.

Find out more about flights to Inverness

Getting around

Walking

Aviemore is a compact town and most of its pubs, restaurants, shops and attractions are all within easy walking distance.

Find walks in and around Aviemore

Bus and coach

Stagecoach is the main bus operator in Aviemore and run frequent services across the town.

Plan your journey within Aviemore with Stagecoach

The Aviemore Adventurer bus operates between Aviemore and Cairngorm Mountain throughout the week.

Check out the Aviemore Adventurer bus timetable | PDF 0.2MB

A new Scottish Government / Transport Scotland 12-month initiative to make bus travel more affordable for both visitors and locals is now available. It applies to short and long-distance routes and all main bus operators (Stagecoach, Ember, CityLink), meaning single bus fares are capped at £2 across the Highlands and Islands. The scheme runs until early 2027.

Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel

© Hostelling Scotland

Places to stay in Aviemore

From luxury spa resorts to budget friendly hostels, stay somewhere special in Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park.

  • Camping and caravanning in Aviemore
  • Accommodation in the Cairngorms National Park
Explore all places to stay in Aviemore

Dalwhinnie Distillery

© Airborne Lens / Liam Anderstrem

Places to eat in Aviemore

Enjoy a dram, try the local beer or tuck into some delicious dishes at cosy pubs, café’s and restaurants.

  • Cairngorm Brewery
  • Dalwhinnie Distillery Visitor Centre & Whisky Shop
  • Glenlivet Distillery
  • Breweries & distilleries in the Cairngorms
Browse food & drink options

Loch Morlich campsite

Find more information on accessible trips

It’s the UK’s biggest national park, and there are plenty of accessible holiday options.

  • Simply Emma - Cairngorms National Park
  • Cairngorms accessibility
  • Euan's Guide - Cairngorms National Park

Explore nearby

Extend your trip around Aviemore and see what the north of Scotland has to offer.

The Scottish Highlands

Head north for a weekend break or longer holiday in the Highlands, and discover ancient castles, peaceful lochs, and unforgettable views.

8 Unbeatable things to do in Moray Speyside

Find great things to do in Moray Speyside. Including towns to explore, towers to climb, castles to discover, and more!

Aberdeenshire

Discover the region of Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire, including holiday ideas, accommodation, travel information, and fantastic things to see and do.

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