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  1. Home
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  3. Aviemore

Lochan Mor

Aviemore

From skiing and white-water rafting to forest walks, reindeer spotting and scenic road trips, Aviemore is a Highland paradise full of adventure.

Aviemore at a glance

  • Active & adventure:

    white-water rafting, gorge walking, canoeing, mountain biking

  • Snowsports:

    skiing, snowboarding, Cairngorm Mountain Resort

  • Wildlife:

    reindeer, red squirrels, ospreys, the Highland Wildlife Park

Map of Scotland

What to expect in Aviemore

Surrounded by the spectacular Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands, Aviemore is Scotland's adventure capital. Explore the hills as you visit Britain's only free-ranging reindeer herd at the Cairngorms Reindeer Centre and revel in the pure forest fragrance among the centuries-old pines at Rothiemurchus. Stroll along the sandy beach of Loch Morlich admiring the tranquil waters and towering peaks, feel a rush of adrenaline as you hit the snowy slopes and discover a town that still retains its Victorian charm.

Loch Morlich

Rothiemurchus Forest, Aviemore

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Skiers at Cairngorm Mountain

Highlights in Aviemore

Soak up beautiful Highland landscapes as you walk among the whispering trees in Glenmore Forest Park and plan adventures on the water for the whole family at Loch Insh. Here are our recommendations for top things to do in and around Aviemore.

Adventure activities

Aviemore is Scotland's adventure capital. Get up close and personal with the River Spey as you try river tubing or white-water rafting. In winter, you can make the most of the mountains around Aviemore and enjoy the crunching snow and invigorating mountain wind as you glide down Cairn Gorm, some of the best slopes for skiing and snowboarding in Scotland.

Find your perfect activity in Aviemore

River tubing on the River Feshie

Fascinating wildlife

Red squirrels, red deer, ospreys and Britain's only free-ranging reindeer herd all live around Aviemore. Hear the rustling of the ancient Caledonian pine forests where red squirrels climb through the trees or keep an eye out for majestic red deer roaming the hills. Plan a trip to the Highland Wildlife Park to meet the Scottish wildcat, one of the rarest inhabitants of this region, or find out more about the elusive local ospreys at the Loch Garten Osprey Centre.

Get to know Aviemore's wildlife

The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, the Highlands

Quality family time

Take a kayak out for a paddle on Loch Morlich or hire a bike and follow the one of the many forest paths that will reward you with unforgettable views and the calming woody scent of trees that have stood here for centuries. Challenge your family high among the treetops at TreeZone Aviemore, have fun on two wheels at the Laggan Wolftrax Mountain Bike Park or try your hand at archery and make memories that will stay with you forever.

Discover attractions for families

Canoeing on Loch Insh

What’s on in Aviemore

From live music to art exhibitions and regular community markets, get involved in events in Aviemore.

See events in Aviemore

See Aviemore through a new lens

Take the kids out for a quad bike ride through the forest, hike to remote lochs in the mountains or stop for a break in a cosy pub with recommendations from recent visitors.

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Trip ideas in and around Aviemore

Plan your trip to Aviemore with these helpful itineraries and get inspired to start your journey around the Scottish Highlands and the Cairngorms National Park.

SnowRoads Scenic Route

Stretching an incredible 90 miles, this route covers some of the most scenic points in Perthshire, Aberdeenshire, Moray Speyside and the Highlands.

The ultimate Scotland itinerary

Venture around some of the most popular attractions and locations in this 14-day Ultimate Scotland Itinerary.

Winter Wonderland in Aviemore

Visit the reindeer herd, see snow-capped peaks reflected in calm lochs and warm up with a hearty stew next to a crackling fire.

Plan your trip

Getting to Aviemore

Train

Aviemore train station is accessible from all Scottish cities. You can even take the Caledonian Sleeper to travel directly from London to Aviemore.

Train from Inverness: 40 minutes

Train from Edinburgh: 3 hours

Train from Aberdeen: 3 hour 20 minutes

Train from London: 10 hours 30 minutes

Plan your journey by train in Scotland

Bus and coach

Aviemore is also accessible by bus and coach with Citylink and Ember. Bus fares for adults are now capped at no more than £2.

  • Bus from Inverness: 45 minutes
  • Bus from Edinburgh: 3 hours

Travel through Scotland by bus

Driving

Aviemore is easy to reach by car. A car is also useful if you are planning to explore the surrounding area and locations across the wider Cairngorms National Park.

Car from Inverness: around 45 minutes

Car from Edinburgh: 2 hour 45 minutes

Car from Aberdeen: 2 hours 20 minutes

Find out more about driving in Scotland

Accessibility

Aviemore is a great destination offering outdoor experiences for everyone. Providers like Able2Adventure offer a variety of accessible activities, such as outdoor and indoor climbing, canoeing and bushcraft.

Find accessible adventures in the Cairngorms with Euan’s Guide

Discover accessible activities in the Cairngorms National Park

FAQs

When is the best time to visit Aviemore?

November to March is the best time for snowsports in Aviemore while April to October is ideal for a variety of outdoor adventures. 

Winter breaks (November–March): Aviemore regularly sees snow this time of year, offering plenty of opportunities for snowsports at Cairngorm Mountain. While it’s a fun experience all year round, visiting the reindeer herd in the snow makes this day trip even more special. 

Adventure holidays (April–October): There is a wide variety of outdoor fun on offer, from quieter pursuits like walks and fishing to exciting experiences like gorge walking, white water rafting and quad biking at Rothiemurchus that will get your adrenaline pumping. The summer months can get very busy in Aviemore so if you prefer visiting at a quieter time, late spring and early autumn are a great choice. 

How long should I stay in Aviemore?

Thanks to the variety of activities on offer, you can easily spend 4-5 days or even longer in Aviemore. If you’re planning to use the town as a base for exploring the wider area of the Cairngorms National Park, make sure you have enough time to visit places that are further afield, as driving through the national park can take longer than you might expect, especially if you want to have enough time to stop and admire the views!

Where can I stay in Aviemore?

There’s a wide variety of accommodation on offer in Aviemore. Choose from cosy log cabins, affordable hostels, campsites with beach access, hotels and more.

Find accommodation in Aviemore

Where can I eat in Aviemore?

Aviemore has a thriving culinary scene. Choose from traditional Scottish pub fare by a roaring fire, award-winning dining, family-friendly restaurants and a variety of cafés offering warm drinks and delicious food.

Find restaurants in Aviemore

Explore nearby

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

The Scottish Highlands

Green valleys, vibrant culture, towering mountains, historic castles and peaceful lochs: the Highlands is the Scotland of your imagination.

Cairngorms National Park

Big skies, wild landscapes and endless adventures – discover the untamed beauty of the Cairngorms National Park.

Aberdeenshire

Spanning mountain to sea, discover a region of forest trails, historic castles, lively towns, harbour villages and outdoor adventure.

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