Top Things to do in Aviemore and the Cairngorms
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Aviemore and the Cairngorms, Scotland
Discover the best top things to do in Aviemore and the Cairngorms, United Kingdom including Cairngorms National Park, Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Morlich, Highland Wildlife Park, Loch an Eilein, Aviemore Circular, Cairngorm Mountain, Rothiemurchus, Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, RSPB Loch Garten.
Restaurants in Aviemore and the Cairngorms
1. Cairngorms National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 223 reviews
Welcome to the Cairngorms National Park in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. The Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK and is one of the country's most special and cared for landscapes with a wide variety of traditional and unique villages and communities.
Reviewed By Ennie123 - Scotland, United Kingdom
The Cairngorms National Park is a truly breathtaking national park that encapsulates the true essence and outstanding beauty of Scotland with the spectaculor Cairngorm mountain range and the surrounding area with the park radius. The national park itself, is in North East Scotland and was established in 2003. It is the second National Park in Scotland. Weather you visit in the winter to take in the snow covered mountains, to do some ski-ing or snowboarding or visit during the other seasons you can see that this park is something truly special and unique. The park has something for everyone. The Scottish highlands will captivate your heart from walking through the many trails, visiting the little towns and villages along the way, taking in the diverse wildlife but most of all you will see that away from the major towns and cities of Scotland, just how beautiful the wilds of Scotland is and how it will take you on a mystical journey from past to present. Maybe I am biased because I am Scottish but there is no disputing the beauty of the Cairngorms National Park and that if you can visit, then do so.
2. Glenmore Forest Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By PortPie - Inverurie, United Kingdom
Beautiful area of Scotland, with a fantastic walk up to the green lake. I have never seen anything quite like it, car park at Glenmore is quite small so make sure you get there early. On return went into the cafe for a takeaway coffee and cake, staff very friendly and all COVID measures adhered to. Defiantly be back.
3. Loch Morlich
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 593 reviews
Reviewed By andytM4330OL - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
We had a great weeks weather in Aviemore and Loch Morlich was visited nearly every day.There is so much to do and the girls enjoyed Paddle boarding,Kayaking and swimming in the Loch.We had a lovely beach BBQ one evening as well several picnics
4. Highland Wildlife Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,157 reviews
Discover Scottish wildlife and endangered animals of the world's mountains and tundra in our spectacular setting. Drive around the Main Reserve in your own car and then investigate the walk-round area on foot. With everything from wildcats to polar bears don't miss the Highlands' wildest day out!
Reviewed By Z2586KMhelenw
We went here for my 30th birthday and it was amazing, there were so many animals to see and such a large area to cover that we were there all day, also loved the combination of the walk round zones and the drive round safari (you can go on a park vehicle if you prefer). The polar bears and wolves were particular highlights. There were plenty of spaces for a picnic both under cover or out in the sunshine. Would definitely go back!
5. Loch an Eilein
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,348 reviews
Hidden in the forest of Rothiemurchus, this beautiful place is one of the most loved in the UK. Loch an Eilein (loch of the island) with its 13th century island castle, was voted Britain's Best Picnic Spot. Step back in time and retrace the steps of the Highland cattle raiders as you enjoy views of the dramatic and mysterious Highland castle and enjoy the exceptional wildlife of this forest particularly the Red Squirrels and Scottish Crossbills. You can enjoy some of the best low level walking in Scotland. Sheltered by ancient pine trees with views of the mountains, the path around the loch is suitable for motorised wheel chairs, off road buggies and is part of the Rothiemurchus way marked network of paths.
Reviewed By njani2017 - Liberec, Czech Republic
I have visited Loch an Eilein duering visit Highland and stay days in Aviemore. And I was been realy exciting. Beautiful romantic walk round Loch an Eilein is in the centrum of the Rothiemurchus Forest with the view of a ruined castle on a little island in the loch. I’ll never forget time spent there.
6. Aviemore Circular
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By PR53 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
This is a pleasant walk around the outskirts of Aviemore. it takes about 30 minutes on well laid out paths. The only downside is the lack of signage at some places.
7. Cairngorm Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,527 reviews
Cairngorm Mountain not only offers phenomenal panoramic views at over 2000 feet, we also have a cafe, mountain shop, snowsports in the winter time and in the summer we offer free family activities. There is also the chance to join our ranger every Thursday for a guided walk. Family Free Activities We have 7 geocaches in our ski area to be found, Angus the Yeti is keen to direct you to the lower cas loop (about a kilometer long), pick up Cairngorm Wild Things Quiz & find Torquil the Ptarmigan + more in our mountain garden. Cairngorm Cafe & Cas Bar offer mouth-watering treats at the foot of the mountain whilst taking in the phenomenal views down to Loch Morlich from over 2,000ft. Our cafe also boasts a variety of home-made dishes, daily specials and freshly made cakes and pastries made in our in-house bakery. The Cairngorm Mountain Shop Home to a wide selection of fantastic mountain clothing & accessories,
Reviewed By 50cab50 - Bracknell, United Kingdom
We wanted to take our teens to the tubing run, but not being familiar with the area, had no idea where to find it, other than the Cairngorm Ski Area which our sat nav refused to find. For the benefit of other non-locals, follow the Old Logging Way past Loch Morlich and the Reindeer Centre, beyond the Sugar Bowl car park and on a short distance to Coire Cas car park. This is the base station of the ski area and we found that putting Cairngorm Mountain Railway in the sat nav (even though it’s not been running a while) got us there. Tubing is in the base station area, opposite the Ranger Station. It is open from 10am and costs £6 per tube for a 45 minute session. It is £20 for a family of four - buy your tickets in the shop. What fantastic fun. The two guys pushing you off at the top were so nice - they must have been exhausted giving everyone a push off and all the time with such enthusiasm. It really came over that they wanted every single rider to have a fantastic and memorable time. Our 16,14 and 9 year olds loved it (9 year old moaned a bit about having to lug her tube up a few flights of steps back to the top each time). We were all pretty tired after 45 minutes. Up to the cafe for a nice lunch (mac n cheese, burger, chilli beef wrap and fish pie), open fire, and live ceilidh music. Can’t beat it! To check that things are running, keep up to speed with the Cairngorm Mountain Facebook page.
8. Rothiemurchus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 979 reviews
Rothiemurchus welcomes you every day of the year to enjoy and help care for " truly the most beautiful place in my world. A place with so many activities available for old and young but also a place to find complete peace". Be inspired by the scenery of this much loved family run 'duchus', enjoy relaxing or adventurous outdoor activities, share our passion for delicious estate, local produce, craftwork and different gifts and stay on the edge of the ancient forest. Rothiemurchus has been owned, managed and treasured by the Grants of Rothiemurchus for nearly 500 years and is at the forefront of wildlife and cultural conservation, a living place where wildlife and people have thrived together for nearly four thousand years, now one of Scotland’s leading tourist attractions. We are at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, just outside Aviemore, somewhere quite different and special and a much loved jewel of the Highlands of Scotland. Rothiemurchus welcomes you every day of the year. Be inspired by the scenery, enjoy relaxing or adventurous outdoor activities, share our passion for delicious estate produce and caravan or camp on the edge of the ancient forest. At the forefront of nature conservation and one of Scotland’s leading tourist attractions, Rothiemurchus Estate is a much loved community asset. We are at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, just outside Aviemore, somewhere quite different and special – a jewel of the Highlands of Scotland.
Reviewed By ChloeKibblewhite - West Wickham, United Kingdom
Rothiemurchus estate is unbelievably well-kept with many great paths to walk and a fab visitor centre with the option to participate in countless numbers of outdoor activities including quad biking, Land Rover trips, clay pigeon shooting, cycling... just to name a few. Would definitely recommend a visit.
9. Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,233 reviews
The hills are turning green, the sun is mostly shining and spring is here to stay! Take a visit to see Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer in their natural habitat. May is an exciting time for us reindeer herders as antlers are beginning to grow and it is calving season! From May, Trips go daily at 11am and 2.30pm - follow a reindeer herder as you make your way up to the mountain enclosure & walk amongst reindeer as the herder tells you more about them. Situated in the Centre of the Cairngorms National Park, you will also enjoy beautiful views of the mountains. The walk takes around 20 mins each way & will cross some rough and muddy ground on the mountainside so make sure you’ve got sturdy footwear & nice cosy layers, plus waterproofs! Please make sure you book online via our website (up to 30 days ahead) and arrive in good time for your chosen visit. For those less able, from Easter, you can visit a small group of reindeer in the Paddock & Exhibition at the Centre.
Reviewed By Kennybax - Swindon, United Kingdom
Had a fantastic visit taking the hill walk up to see and feed the reindeer - it’s well worth the effort to climb up the hill and it was truly remarkable and I’d recommend it to anyone able.
10. RSPB Loch Garten
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 599 reviews
RSPB Loch Garten Nature Centre is currently closed for the off-season. We are under-going an exciting redevelopment & wil re-open in April 2020. Loch Garten is part of RSPB Abernethy reserve & the centre is in stunning Caledonian pineforest, a short walk from the shores of beautiful Loch Garten. Open every day from April 1 to the end of October - the rest of the reserve opens all year round. With binoculars & telescopes to view the ospreys & other wildlife; hi-def CCTV giving close up views of the ospreys; red squirrels & small birds at our feeders; outdoor & indoor nature activites for children; updated interpretation & an enthusiastic team to help you make the most of your visit. The shop sells binoculars & telescopes, books, toys, hot & cold drinks, sandwiches,ice creams & snacks. Two beautiful woodland walks take you through magnificent pine forest to tranquil Loch Garten & Loch Mallachie - accessed from the Nature Centre car park & from the nearby Loch Mallachie car park.
Reviewed By 689MikeD - Worksop, United Kingdom
We have visited Loch Garten and the RSPB reserve many time when holidaying and can never get enough of the place. Even in winter you can still walk to the closed RSPB centre and whilst the ospreys are long gone there is much to see. Entrance is free at this time of year. Apart from the beauty of the landscape, some seeds and nuts will have coal tits feeding from your hand, greater spotted woodpeckers, chaffinch, blue tit, great tit, the elusive crested tit and the fantastic red squirrels. There's even several places to see Back Voles. The loch had goldeneye on too. A must for wildlife walkers and bird watchers.
