Cairngorms National Park

Where?

The park is located in the central Highlands, between the cities of Perth and Inverness.

Size & status

The Cairngorms National Park stretches 4,528 sq km (1,748 sq miles). It officially became a National Park in 2003 and was later extended to include the area of Blair Atholl in 2008.

Key towns

Aviemore, Kingussie, Grantown-on-Spey and Ballater.

Inverness is the closest city to the north of the park, roughly 30 minutes away, and Aberdeen is only an hour away from the east side. The park stretches across a number of regions including parts of Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highlands, Angus, and Perthshire.

Badenoch The Storylands

If you're looking for a true hidden gem, don't miss the beautiful historic region of Badenoch, just south of Aviemore. Head off the beaten-track to discover its engaging scenery with ancient ruins, castles, distilleries, real Highland culture, wildlife and more. Filled to the brim with fascinating stories shaped by the mountains and rivers in the heart of the park, you can learn something new whilst you’re here too. Why not download the app to truly immerse yourself in this magical corner of the Cairngorms?

Make sure you visit in time for the Badenoch Heritage Festival in September, featuring a wide range of events, walking tours, talks, concerts and more for everyone to enjoy.

Explore Badenoch The Storylands

Dark sky parks & experiences

The magic doesn't stop at night. The Cairngorms boasts the perfect conditions for you to try a spot of stargazing. The recognised Tomintoul & Glenlivet - Cairngorms Dark Sky Park, the most northerly Dark Sky Park in the world, and the darkest in the UK - has been awarded an 'International Dark Sky Park' status. There are many amazing vantage points and vast horizons throughout the park, and with such low levels of light pollution, the Cairngorms is easily one of the best places in Scotland to stargaze! There are also a range of stargazing and astronomy events held throughout the year too - so keep an eye out for more information.

You don't always need fancy, expensive equipment to see a wealth of stars, constellations and the Northern Lights, the naked eye or a pair of binoculars work just fine. Sometimes you can even experience the dark sky from your accommodation! Easter Corrie boasts a secluded location in the National Park - creating the perfect conditions for a night of stargazing.

Find out more about dark skies in the Cairngorms

Snowroads Scenic Route

The SnowRoads Scenic Route is an incredible way to experience the Cairngorms. Stretching for 90 miles, the route is a popular adventure for those looking to get outdoors in the Highlands and encompasses some of the highest public roads in Britain. Starting at Blairgowrie and heading north to Grantown-on-Spey, stop off along the way and admire the stunning views that surround you. Make sure you look out for the three scenic route installations placed along the route that will entice you to discover new perspectives - they also make for a great photo opportunity!

Explore more of the Snowroads Scenic Route

Highland Wildlife Park

The Highland Wildlife Park in Kincraig is a popular place for families and those wanting to see Scotland's incredible wildlife up close. As well as some of the world's most endangered species, you can see a variety of well-known animals, from red pandas, Amur tigers, and snow monkeys, to camels and even polar bears. Say hi to Victoria, the only female polar bear in Scotland, as well as the two males, Arktos and Walker, and Hamish, the first polar bear cub to be born in the UK for 25 years.

If you’re looking for more wildlife experiences, visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, RSPB Loch Garten Nature Reserve, embark on a Highland Wildlife and Birdwatch Safari, or organise a bespoke trip with Speyside Wildlife.

Visit the Highland Wildlife Park

Arts, culture & museums

It wouldn't be a trip to Scotland and the Highlands without experiencing some true Scottish culture and art. Although the Cairngorms may be known for its outdoor pursuits, there's still plenty of history, craft and heritage to experience here too.

The Badenoch Shinty Trail boasts an interactive storytelling journey where you can uncover the history of the sport and its ancient ties with the heritage and culture of Badenoch. This sport has been a cultural staple in the Badenoch area of the Cairngorms for hundreds of years, maybe even longer.

Don’t miss out on a chance to witness a true Scottish Highland Games in person. Head to the Braemar Highland Games Centre where you can delve into these ancient games that showcase true strength, a welcoming community, local businesses, age old traditions, a great family day out and more.

Explore more museums and art venues in the Cairngorms.

Food & drink

With an abundance of rich natural landscapes, you can guarantee the food you’ll find in the Cairngorms is just as exquisite. Tuck into fresh local produce, homegrown goods, and freshly caught game and fish all served up in delicious dishes in restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs.

Enjoy hearty pub grub beside a roaring log fire, tuck into delectable fish & chips overlooking magnificent lochside views and stop by quirky farm shops and local shops to take away homemade produce and goodies.

Find more places to eat

Travel

Travelling to the park is very accessible by road, train, plane, or even on foot. Hop on a train direct from Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London where you can choose the Caledonian Sleeper from Euston.

There are many main roads through Aviemore - the A9 stretches from Edinburgh up to Inverness, passing through Perth, Kincraig, Aviemore and Tomatin. From Glasgow, follow the M80 out of the city towards Stirling, where you can join the A9 to Perth and into the park. If you're coming from further afield, there are airports in Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, where you can continue your journey by car, train or coach to the Cairngorms.

Plan your travel to the Cairngorms

1. Snowroads Scenic Route

The Snowroads Scenic Route is an incredible way to experience the Cairngorms. Stretching for 90 miles, the route is a popular adventure for those looking to get outdoors in the Highlands and encompasses some of the highest public roads in Britain. Starting at Blairgowrie and heading north to Grantown-on-Spey, stop off along the way and admire the stunning views that surround you. Make sure you look out for the three scenic route installations placed along the route that will entice you to discover new perspectives - they also make for a great photo opportunity.

2. Lesser-known towns and locations

The Cairngorms National Park is a popular spot for family holidays and adventure weekends away, but the park is also home to many hidden gems, including rural towns, quaint villages and more. Head off the beaten track to explore Badenoch - a historic part of the Cairngorms filled with ancient ruins, castles, distilleries, real Highland culture, wildlife and more to explore. Visit the smaller towns of Kincraig, Kingussie, Newtonmore, Dalwhinnie and Laggan where you'll be met with some of the UK's best attractions and museums.

Explore the stories and more with #BadenochTheStorylands app.

3. Walking

It wouldn't be a trip to the Cairngorms without a spot of walking! With hundreds of walking routes, trails and paths across the park, you won't be lost for places to explore on foot. There are walks for all abilities and ages too, whether you fancy a lochside stroll or an adventurous mountain climb, you'll find something here.

• Glenlivet Estate
• Wildcat Trail, Newtonmore
• Speyside Way
• Munros
• Deeside Way

If you'd rather have the knowledge and experience behind you, why not choose a guided walk or ranger-led guided tour? You'll be in experienced hands, as they know all the top places to soak up amazing views.

When you do head out into the great outdoors, it is essential to come prepared with the right equipment, and leave only footprints. 

4. Dark sky parks and experiences

The magic doesn't stop at night. The Cairngorms is lucky enough to have low levels of light pollution which creates the perfect conditions for you to try a spot of stargazing.

Bless your lucky stars at the recognised Tomintoul & Glenlivet - Cairngorms Dark Sky Park, the most northerly Dark Sky Park in the world, and the darkest in the UK - which has been awarded an 'International Dark Sky Park' status. There are many amazing vantage points and vast horizons throughout the park, and with such low levels of light pollution, the Cairngorms is easily one of the best places in Scotland to star gaze! There is also a range of star gazing and astronomy events held throughout the year too - so keep an eye out for more information.

You don't always need fancy, expensive equipment to see a wealth of stars, constellations and the Northern Lights, the naked eye or a pair of binoculars work just fine too.

Sometimes you can experience the dark sky from your accommodation too! Easter Corrie boasts a secluded location in the National Park - creating the perfect conditions for a night of stargazing.

5. Mountain biking & cycling

A great way to get outdoors and explore the Cairngorms is on two wheels. There are dozens of cycle paths that loop around stunning scenery and past iconic landmarks, that are ideal if you want to cover a lot of ground in one day. The Cairngorms boast a variety of mountain biking centres, cycle trails, and bike hire shops across the park.

• Glenlivet Mountain Bike Trail Centre
• Mountain biking at Laggan Wolftrax
• Rothiemurchus cycle paths and bike hire

Find out more about mountain biking and cycling in the Cairngorms.