The U.K.’s largest national park has a Royal favorite Castle, Whisky Distilleries and a scenic drive of 90 miles.

You don’t enter Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park through a gate—and you don’t need a pass to visit its protected lands. When I first drove through the Cairngorms National Park, I did not even realize I was there. As I drove north from Edinburgh, my landscape changed to rolling moorland and rounded peaks. The pastoral scenery was so beautiful that I had to stop every few miles to take photos.

Lotti Papastavrou Brooks is a herder in the area. She says, “The tops of our mountain ranges may not be as spectacular as the peaks of the west coast of Scotland but I find the recesses to be magical.” Cairngorm Reindeer HerdThe lochs are referred to as. coires (glacial basins) and glens in the park. Annie Armstrong was the founder and leader of Wild Braemar, who holds similar views, says that the Cairngorms is a “juxtaposition” between something eternal, stoic, old and dynamic and something always changing, alive and dynamic.

While the park’s natural beauty is the main draw to the area—especially for adventure seekers—this is a destination with activities for everyone. Like the national parks in the U.S., The Cairngorms is a national park that has more than 18,000 people living in the small towns and villages. The Cairngorms is a populated national park, with more than 18,000 residents living in its small towns and charming villages. There are also whisky distilleries on site, as well as water sports, ski resorts, and even a five-star luxury hotel that’s a museum. Balmoral Castle, the former summer home of late Queen Elizabeth II is located off one of Scotland’s main roads.

Yellowstone is only half the size. Cairngorms National Park It is the largest park in the United Kingdom. Armstrong claims that many travelers rush to get to the area. In 2021, I also made this mistake. She says that the temptation is to see Scotland all at once, which results in just one or two Cairngorms nights. “I suggest a slower pace of travel. Spend some time in the area to get to know it better.

On my second trip to this part of the Scottish Highlands, I took that advice to heart—opting to spend a week wild swimming in the park’s crystal-clear rivers, hiking across its heather-covered hills, driving the winding, narrow roads that lead to some of the most breathtaking views in Scotland, and discovering the best ways to see this part of the country.

You can plan your visit to Cairngorms by following this guide.

How to get There

You may want to consider traveling to Scotland If you are flying from the U.S. to Edinburgh. You can rent a vehicle at the airport to head straight for the Cairngorms. Pitlochry is considered the gateway to the park and can be reached in an hour-and-a-half. If you are driving from Inverness south or east, you will likely pass through Newtonmore.

Aviemore has a reputation as an outdoor activity and resort area. It is often the base camp for those who travel to the park on a bus or train. You can also find public transport schedules and routes at Traveline Scotland. You can also use Caledonian Sleeper train The train runs from London to Inverness via Aviemore.

Before you go, know what to expect

It’s essential to plan your trip in advance. Research the activities and locations you are interested in, and then map them out using Google Maps. You’ll need to plan your trip as a loop, since there are no roads in the middle of this mountain range. Most of the towns, villages, and points of interest on the west side of the park are connected by the A9; if you’re traveling through the east side of the park—through Glenshee and Braemar and up to Grantown-on-Spey—you can take the 90-mile scenic route known as the SnowRoads.

You’ll want to know the rules behind Scotland’s right to roam if camping in the Cairngorms is on your wish list. Thanks to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, anyone can access the outdoors—forests, hills, moorland, etc.—but Brooks stresses that visitors should keep in mind the “leave no trace” principle included in the code. She says it’s also best to keep your campsite far away from roads and buildings. “You often see people setting up their camp near their vehicles. This is not appropriate, and you could be asked to leave by local rangers,” says she. If you’re an experienced backpacker—and familiarize yourself with any restrictions in the area—you can even camp on or around some of the highest mountains (or нлиские муннIn the U.K., you can find Ben Macdui (also known as the Cairn Goorm), Braeriach (also called Cairn Toul), and Sgor an Lochain Uaine.

When is the best time to visit?

Armstrong and Brooks suggest visiting Cairngorms either in the spring, or in the fall. Armstrong says that in the spring you will see beautiful flowers. This is also the time when new animals are born. In September, she says, the pink heather will bloom. This gorgeous color is only one of many colors that fall has to offer. The colors of the woods, with their yellowing Scots Pine and birch trees, and the low-light of autumn make this one of the most beautiful times of year.

You’ll want your trip to coincide with any U.K. holidays, including bank holidays and summer breaks. Brooks says that the summer months are also not recommended because of “Scotland’s common biting fly.” She says midges are most prevalent between June and September. They can be a problem if you go camping.

Brooks says that you can experience all four seasons on a single day.

What to Do in Best Things to See

Feed Britain’s only reindeer herd that roams free. 

Book a hillwalk with the if you’ve always wanted to see a reindeer in person. Cairngorm Reindeer Herd. Led by one of the expert herders, your group will head out on a 30- to 40-minute walk across relatively rough ground to find the herd—so you must wear supportive boots or other appropriate footwear. You can feed the reindeer directly from your hands (and take some pictures, too) when you reach the herd. Brooks explains that the Cairngorms, as the only subarctic eco-system in Scotland is the only place reindeer are allowed to roam free in their natural environment.

Hike.

There’s only one thing you must do in the Cairngorms: go on a long walk or for a stroll. Brooks says that Scotland has some of the most beautiful forest and hill paths. “There’s something to suit everyone here, from easy woodland walks to more challenging mountain trails.” It’s possible to go alone—just pre-download your trail map beforehand—but following a guide may be more beneficial. Armstrong says that if you take a guide along, they will be able to teach you about the different trees and plants as well as show you where the forest has returned thanks to conservation efforts. Trek Scotland, Cairngorm Adventure Guides, AP Mountaineering. Hillgoers There are many different walks and hikes through the parks.

Wild swimming is a great way to brave the cold water.

Brooks says that “we are fortunate to have so many beautiful rivers and lochs perfect for swimming” in. She recommends hiring a guide or joining a group if you are new to wild-swimming. Armstrong runs her own Wild Braemar company. wild swimming experiences Then she pairs them up with a portable riverside tent and cosy wilderness sauna that she sets for guests.

Cairngorm Mountain is a great place to explore.

Scotland may not be known for its skiing, but Cairngorm Mountain Aviemore’s ski area is open in the winter. During the warmer months, guests will enjoy the tubing park and mountain carting track as well as the walking and biking trails. They can also ride the only funicular train in Scotland, which reaches almost 3,600 feet above the sea level.

Accommodation

The Fife Arms

“I must recommend this hotel to anyone looking for an unforgettable luxury experience.” The Fife ArmsArmstrong. The five-star gem is certainly the most opulent property within the park—or in Scotland, for that matter. It’s a luxury hotel and a unique experience.

Cairngorm Bothies

You can reserve a standalone if you are looking for the comforts of your home but with a little bit of outdoor living. Cairngorm Bothies, just outside Aboyne. Self-catering units equipped with wood-burning ranges, refrigerators, and walk-in bathrooms are environmentally friendly.

Glenmore Campsite

“The Glenmore CampsiteBrooks describes the location as one of Scotland’s most beautiful. You can reserve online and bring your own RV, campervan or tent. There is no Wi-Fi on the campsites but there are showers, toilets, drinking water and charging facilities for batteries.

The Balavil Hotel

The Balavil HotelThe family-run property combines charm and convenience. The rooms themselves are pretty standard—you’ll have a comfortable place to sleep after a day of outdoor adventure—but the location ensures you’re within a quick drive of Aviemore. The location is also ideal for the nearby mountains, depending on the season. Highland Folk MuseumOpen-air museum showcasing life in Highlands from 1700s until 1950s.

Restaurants

Fish Shop

Armstrong claims you “cannot beat” the Fish Shop, a Michelin-recognized seafood restaurant in Ballater. She credits the “incredible food, service, and a meticulous ethos toward sustainability” for its must-visit status, and you can expect the menu, which changes daily, to include elevated dishes with local touches—like Shetland mussels with Scottish cider and leeks or smoked haddock rarebit on Balmoral bread.

Penny Bun

“For finer dining, The Penny BunBrooks, who is based in Badaguish, says, “They are proud to use locally sourced ingredients and foraged ones to make some fantastic food.” The restaurant states that even though the food is at the higher end, “kids and dogs are welcome, as well as bikes, muddy boots, and bicycles.”

The Flying Stag

The Fife Arms is located inside The Fife Arms. The Flying Stag The hotel was once a hunting lodge. It’s more casual than the property’s other restaurant, The Clunie Dining Room, and the menu features a range of hearty pub classics—including fish and chips, haggis, burgers, and beef cheek and Guinness pie.

The Old Bridge Inn

A simple pub meal is the perfect way to cap off a day of adventure in the Cairngorms. If your itinerary brings you through Aviemore, you’ll find just that—plus a wood-burning stove and a buzzy bar—at The Old Bridge InnOn the banks of River Spey, you will find.