Cairngorms National Park

So you want to get away from it all? Looking for extraordinary things to do that will thrill you? The mighty, majestic Cairngorms National Park is the place for you.

Mother Nature dealt the Cairngorms a hand full of aces. Twice the size of the Lake District, the Cairngorms National Park has more mountains, forest paths, rivers, lochs, wildlife hotspots, friendly villages and distilleries than you can possibly imagine. Five of the UK's six highest mountains also lie inside the park, alongside 55 Munros - mountains over 3,000 ft. 

Reconnect with nature and recharge your energy amongst huge forests of ancient native trees, cascading waterfalls, and more wildlife than you can imagine. You can find helpful advice and tips on how to look after the Scottish countryside as you explore with our Outdoor Access Guidelines during Covid-19 page.

If you're looking for a true hidden gem, don't miss the beautiful historic region of Badenoch just south of Aviemore. Discover its stunning scenery, and some fascinating stories shaped by the mountains and rivers at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Here you will find everything from ancient fortresses, wildlife and distilleries to some of the best attractions and museums.

And the magic doesn't stop at night. Bless your lucky stars at the new Tomintoul & Glenlivet - Cairngorms Dark Sky Park, the most northerly Dark Sky Park in the world, and the darkest in the UK.

The Cairngorms are calling - Make it yours!

More people come to ski in the Cairngorms than at any other resort in the UK. Hillwalkers and rock-climbers will never run out of routes to try here. There are also oodles of top-class mountain-bike trails, cross-country skiing trails, pony treks and orienteering courses to enjoy. And if you're looking for something different, you could even try husky racing!

The Cairngorms National Park is also a great place to enjoy some downtime amid the glorious scenery. Why not browse the bookshops and bars in Aviemore or make your way along the Malt Whisky Trail?

In just one day… 

The Cairngorms National Park is huge, but from the bustling outdoor hub of Aviemore you could have all these adventures in just one day:

• Pretend you're Father Christmas and visit the UK's only free-grazing reindeer herd at Glen More.
• Go windsurfing and have a smoothie at a beach cafe. It might be 40 miles from the sea, but Loch Morlich has its own golden sand beach, complete with watersports centre.
• Travel back in time on a steam train on the Strathspey Railway.
• You might just have time to fit in a reviving dram of single malt whisky at the Glenlivet Distillery at Tomintoul, part of the world renowned Malt Whisky Trail. 

Take a waterside stroll

Where there are mountains there is usually water, and you'll find plenty of crashing waterfalls, rolling streams and hidden lochs to explore. Loch an Eilein is a jewel of a loch with a 13th century island castle. It has been voted Britain's Best Picnic Spot in a nationwide competition by Warburtons and the woodland path around its shores is suitable for motorised wheel chairs and off-road buggies.

Fancy a snowball fight in August?

The Cairngorm plateau is the highest, coldest and snowiest plateau in Britain. You can still see snow patches up here in the heat of summer, and in winter it is a place of savage beauty. The creatures that call this haven home have adapted to the harsh conditions - mountain hares, snow bunting, golden eagles, ptarmigan, capercaillie and wildcats all find shelter here amid the winter snows.

Be inspired by our natural wonders

The Higgs boson has been making science headlines the world over in recent years. The inkling for this revolutionary idea popped into the head of physicist Peter Higgs while he was walking in the Cairngorms in 1964. So if you're looking for inspiration, come and walk through our wonderful hills and see what drops into your head!