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  1. Home
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  3. National Parks
  4. Cairngorms National Park

Uath Lochans near Kingussie

Cairngorms National Park

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

The Cairngorms at a glance

  • Active & adventure:

    Walking, cycling, watersports, horse-riding, snowsports

  • History & heritage:

    Balmoral Castle, Braemar Gathering, Highland Folk Museum, Ruthven Barracks 

  • Nature & outdoors:

    Loch Morlich, Loch Insh, Ben Macdui, Cairn Gorm, Glen Clova

  • Wildlife:

    Red deer, ospreys, red squirrels, mountain hare, Scottish wildcat

Map of Scotland

What to expect in the Cairngorms National Park?

From soaring Munros and ancient Caledonian pine forests to sparkling lochs and vast open glens, the Cairngorms National Park is Scotland on a grand scale. Wander through woodland teeming with wildlife, follow trails into the mountains or slow down beside a loch and take in the wide-open views. Keep your eyes peeled for red deer, golden eagles and Britain’s only free-ranging reindeer herd, and you’ll soon see why this wild corner of Scotland is made for adventure, discovery and getting closer to nature. 

Highlights in the Cairngorms National Park

Walking & hiking 

There’s no better way to experience the Cairngorms than on foot. Feel the crunch of pine needles beneath your boots, breathe in the crisp Highland air and follow the trail towards another unforgettable view. From gentle lochside strolls to exhilarating mountain climbs, the Cairngorms National Park is made for exploring. 

  • Follow the Deeside Way through scenic Royal Deeside. 
  • Take in the trails of Glenlivet Estate through rolling hills. 
  • Discover the magical An Lochan Uaine in the forest at Glenmore. 
  • Take on part of the Speyside Way from Newtonmore for a longer adventure. 
  • Walk the Wildcat Trail through Newtonmore, across moorlands and along the River Spey. 
  • Trek part of the East Highland Way through the remote landscapes surrounding Aviemore. 

For a bigger challenge, set your sights on the National Park’s Munros, Corbetts, Glens and Grahams. Start bagging Munro peaks such as Ben Macdui, Cairn Gorm and Lochnagar, or for something a little lower but still rewarding, tackle Corbetts like Meall a’ Bhuachaille, Ben Gulabin or Morrone, with majestic Highland views along the way. 

Want to discover more as you walk? Join a guided hike or ranger-led tour and hear the stories, wildlife and hidden gems that bring the landscape to life. 

However you choose to explore, come prepared for the outdoors, check the conditions and leave only footprints behind. 

Find more walks and hikes in the Cairngorms

An Lochan Uaine (Green Loch)

Horse riding & pony trekking  

Another great way to explore the Cairngorms National Park is on horseback. Feel the steady rhythm of hooves beneath you as you ride through the wild landscapes of the park, while the cool breeze rushes across your face and tangles your hair. From quiet forest trails to open Highland paths, exploring on horseback offers a slower, more immersive way to experience the park. Whether you’re an experienced rider or climbing into the saddle for the first time, there are treks and lessons for all ages and abilities. 

  • Ride with Alvie Stables near Aviemore. 
  • Explore the woodland with Rothiemurchus Pony Trekking. 
  • Discover the Highland countryside with Highland Horse Fun in Kingussie. 

Explore the Cairngorms on horseback

Alvie & Dalraddy Estates

© Alvie & Dalraddy Estates

Dark Sky Park & stargazing 

As daylight fades, the park reveals another side of its wild beauty. Look up and watch the sky come alive with stars, constellations and, if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights. With vast horizons and exceptionally low light pollution, the Tomintoul & Glenlivet area is one of Scotland’s best places to experience the night sky. Recognised as an International Dark Sky Park, it is the world's most northerly of its kind and is home to some of the darkest skies in the UK.  

There are plenty of amazing vantage points, with stargazing and astronomy events held throughout the year. You don’t need specialist equipment – just step outside, find a quiet spot and let your eyes adjust. Or simply settle into your accommodation and watch the stars unfold overhead. 

Find out more about dark skies in the Cairngorms National Park 

Night sky and stars over snowy mountains at Scalan in the Glenlivet Estate

Dark skies at Scalan in the Glenlivet Estate

© Andrew Allan

More ways to experience the National Park

From glistening lochs and winding cycle trails to snow-covered slopes, adventure through the park on water, two wheels and skis. 

Snowsports

Embrace the winter and carve your way through snowy mountain landscapes, with snowsports for all abilities.

Cycling and mountain biking

Pedal into the wild, weaving through pine forests, open glens and dramatic Highland landscapes.

Watersports

Feel the rush of cold water as you paddle and kayak across the park’s lochs and rivers.

Find your way around the National Park

Explore different areas of the Cairngorms National Park, each with its own landscapes, character, wildlife and adventures. 

Aviemore

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

Angus Glens

Roam through Glen Clova and peaceful glens, surrounded by wild landscapes and rugged Highland scenery.

Ballater

Discover the charm of Royal Deeside with meandering rivers and towering mountains, with Balmoral Castle nearby.

Braemar

Feel the spirit of the famous Braemar Gathering with stirring pipe bands amid some of the Cairngorms’ finest mountain scenery.

Blair Atholl

Enjoy fantastic scenery in and around Blair Atholl, with picturesque villages and glens, such as Calvine, Bruar, Killiecrankie and Struan, nearby.

Grantown-on-Spey

Lose yourself in the ancient forests, tumbling rivers and wild landscapes of Strathspey from this welcoming Highland base.

SnowRoads Scenic Route

Take the 90-mile journey from Blairgowrie to Grantown-on-Spey, winding through dramatic Highland landscapes, mountain passes and magnificent viewpoints. 

Explore the Snowroads Scenic Route

See what makes the Cairngorms National Park special

Lose yourself in castle walls steeped in history, linger over the warmth and character of a whisky distillery, and pause at picturesque viewpoints to take in the Cairngorms National Park. 

Malt Whisky Trail

Find out more on the Malt Whisky Trail with information, maps and more.

Nature and wildlife experiences

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.

Castles and historic sites

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

Spectacular viewpoints

Take in the park from a different perspective, with glorious viewpoints revealing sweeping mountain, forest and loch views across the park.

Fun-filled family days out

Feel the thrill of discovering the Cairngorms National Park together, where wild landscapes, playful adventures and unforgettable moments await. From long-loved family favourites to gentle woodland walks and days spent exploring the great outdoors, there’s something here to spark wonder at every age. 

Rothiemurchus

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

Landmark Forest Adventure Park

Enjoy high ropes, water coasters and tropical gardens at one of the UK's top visitor attractions, named by Which?.

Strathspey Railway

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

Loch Morlich Watersports

Find activities, hire and lesson available at Loch Morlich Watersports.

Loch an Eilein

Hidden in the forest of Rothiemurchus, this beautiful place is one of the most loved in the UK.

Glenmore Forest Park

Step into the hush of towering Scots pines, follow the sound of flowing streams and spot red squirrels along forest trails.

Outdoor safety in Scotland

The wild is yours to explore, but Scotland’s mountains, lochs and changing weather deserve respect. Discover our tips for staying safe in Scotland. 

Explore outdoor safety tips

Plan your trip

Getting to the park

Driving

The A9 is the main route into the western side of the park, linking Perth and Pitlochry with Blair Atholl, Aviemore and the north. From the south and east, the A93, A94 and A95 provide scenic approaches towards Braemar, Ballater, Grantown-on-Spey and the wider park. 

Train

ScotRail services run from Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow to Aviemore, with journeys from Inverness taking around 45minutes, from Edinburgh around 2 hours 30 minutes and from Glasgow around 3 hours. Trains also connect with destinations including Blair Atholl and Kingussie.  

From London, you can choose the Caledonian Sleeper from Euston to Inverness, with the overnight journey taking approximately 11 hours 45 minutes. 

Bus and coach

Scottish Citylink services connect Edinburgh and Glasgow with destinations including Aviemore, Kingussie, Newtonmore and Blair Atholl, making it easy to reach the Cairngorms without a car. 

Ember’s electric coach service also runs daily to Aviemore, with stops at Kingussie and Dalwhinnie.

Flying

The nearest major airports are Inverness Airport and Aberdeen Airport, both offering onward road and public transport connections into different parts of the national park. 

Getting around the park

Driving

Driving gives you the freedom to reach remote glens, viewpoints, trailheads and scenic routes at your own pace. Keep an eye out for wildlife and allow extra time on winding and single-track roads. 

Train

The railway runs through the park, with stations including Blair Atholl, Kingussie, Newtonmore, Aviemore and Carrbridge, making it easy to combine rail travel with walking and cycling.

Bus and coach

Local bus services operated by Stagecoach connect many of the park’s towns and villages, including Aviemore, Grantown-on-Spey, Kingussie, Newtonmore, Ballater and Braemar. Services vary by area and season, so check timetables before setting off. 

You can also take the scenic bus from Aviemore to Cairngorm Mountain on the Aviemore Adventurer (Stagecoach Service 30), with stops at Coylumbridge and Glenmore. There’s space for bikes, skis, snowboards and outdoor gear. 

Cycling

Explore quiet country roads, forest tracks and dedicated cycle routes on two wheels. There are routes for leisurely rides as well as more challenging mountain biking adventures. 

Walking

With hundreds of trails, long-distance routes and mountain paths, walking is one of the best ways to experience the park’s landscapes and wildlife up close. 

Respect and protect the Cairngorms National Park

Help care for the places, people and wildlife that make the National Park special. Discover simple ways to travel thoughtfully, enjoy the outdoors responsibly and leave a positive footprint. 

Be a responsible visitor

Learn about 'the right to roam' and how to enjoy the national park whilst protecting and preserving it for others.

Campervanning Guide

Explore tips, tricks, good-to-knows and more before setting off on your campervanning adventure.

Dog-friendly Cairngorms

Take your furry four-legged friend with you as you explore the national park safely.

Wildfires - no flame, no spark

Help protect the Cairngorms National Park from wildfire. Know the risks, follow local guidance and enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

FAQs

Where is the Cairngorms National Park? 

The Cairngorms National Park is in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, stretching across parts of Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland, Angus and Perthshire. 

What is the Cairngorms National Park famous for? 

It’s known for its dramatic mountains, ancient Caledonian pine forests, lochs, wildlife, whisky, castles and outdoor adventures. It’s also home to more Munros than any other national park in Scotland. 

When is the best time to visit the Cairngorms National Park? 

Every season offers something different. Summer is ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures, autumn brings spectacular colours, winter offers snow-covered landscapes and snowsports, while spring is excellent for wildlife and wildflowers.  

How long should I stay in the Cairngorms National Park? 

A 3–4 day stay gives you enough time to explore the park’s mountains, forests, lochs and towns, while a week allows you to slow down and experience more of its walking routes, wildlife, scenic drives, distilleries and outdoor adventures. 

What are the main towns in the Cairngorms National Park? 

The main towns in the Cairngorms National Park are Aviemore, Braemar, Ballater, Grantown-on-Spey, Kingussie and Newtonmore. 

Can you visit the Cairngorms National Park without a car? 

Yes. Train and coach services connect destinations including Aviemore, Kingussie, Newtonmore and Blair Atholl, while local buses and cycling routes can help you explore further. 

Can I camp in the Cairngorms National Park?

Yes. There are many designated campsites in the National Park, as well as opportunities for responsible wild camping in many areas. 

Wild camping should be lightweight, small-scale and leave no trace, in line with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Seasonal restrictions or local guidance may apply, so check before you set up camp.  

Please note that wild camping does not include camping in motorised vehicles. 

Is there mobile phone coverage across the Cairngorms National Park? 

Mobile coverage is available in many towns and populated areas, but it can be limited or unavailable in remote glens, forests and mountain areas. Don’t rely solely on your phone when heading into the hills – download maps in advance and plan for areas with little or no signal. 

What should I know before visiting the Cairngorms National Park? 

Mountain weather can change quickly, even in summer. Check conditions before heading out, carry suitable clothing and equipment, plan your route carefully and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. 

Where can I stay in the park?

From cosy cottages and woodland lodges to campsites, glamping spots and luxurious hotels, the Cairngorms National Park has a stay for every kind of escape. Sleep beneath dark skies, wake to mountain views or settle into a cosy retreat after a day exploring the great outdoors. 

Whether you’re travelling with family, friends or your four-legged companion, find a place to stay that makes the most of the Cairngorms’ wild landscapes. 

Find accommodation in the Cairngorms National Park 

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