This Is the UK’s Largest National Park—How to Visit

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 that I had entered it. 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 bowls), as well as glens located within the park. Annie Armstrong was the founder and leader of Wild Braemar, shares similar views. He adds that Cairngorms is a “juxtaposition” between something eternal, stoic and ancient, as well as something constantly changing, dynamic and alive.

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 charming villages. There are also whisky distilleries in the area, as well as water sports, ski resorts, and even a five-star luxury hotel that is also an art gallery. Balmoral Castle is a popular summer residence of Queen Elizabeth II. It’s located just off the main road.

The size of the smallest sized YellowstoneCairngorms is the largest park in the United Kingdom. Armstrong says that travelers often rush their trips in the area. I did the same thing myself in 2021. “The temptation to see Scotland in a single trip can lead you to spend only one or maybe two nights in Cairngorms,” says Armstrong. “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.

Plan your trip to Cairngorms national park by reading this article.

How to get there

If you are 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 basecamp of 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.

Know Before You Go

When planning a trip to the Cairngorms it is important to do some research on the places and activities you are most interested in. Then, map each location out using Google Maps or a similar app. The mountain range that runs through the middle is not accessible by road, so plan to make a large loop. 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. Moreover, Brooks says it’s important to keep your campsite as far away from roads and buildings as possible. She warns that local rangers will move people who set up their camp near cars. 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 MunrosIn the U.K., you can find Ben Macdui (also known as the Cairn Goorm), Braeriach (also called Cairn Toul), and Sgor an Lochain Uaine.

The Best Time to Visit

Armstrong and Brooks suggest visiting Cairngorms either in the spring, or in the fall. Armstrong notes that the spring is the best time to visit the park because of the amazing flowers. It’s also when many animals are born. She adds, “In September you can see the pink heather in bloom.” This gorgeous color is only one of many colors that fall has to offer. Brooks says, “The low light and colors of autumn in the woods with yellowing Scots pines and birches, as well as the contrast of evergreen Scots firs and yellowing birches, make it a very scenic time of year.”

Plan your trip to avoid crowds by planning around bank holidays in the UK and summer vacation. The summer is not ideal because of what Brooks calls “Scotland’s most common biting flies.” The midges usually appear between June and September. Brooks says that they are particularly problematic if camping.

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

What to do?

Feed Britain’s only reindeer herd that roams free. 

You can book a walk to the hilltops with the Rangers if you have ever wanted a close-up view of reindeer. 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. Once you find the herd you can feed them (and also take photos) directly from your own hand. Brooks explains that the Cairngorms, as the only sub-arctic eco-system in Scotland is the only place reindeer are allowed to roam free in their natural environment.

Hike.

The Cairngorms are a great place to go for a hike or walk. Brooks says, “We have the best forest and hill trails in Scotland. There’s something for everyone – from gentle woodland walks up to big mountain routes.” It’s possible to go alone—just pre-download your trail map beforehand—but following a guide may be more beneficial. Armstrong says, “A guide will be able to show you different kinds of trees and other plants as well as areas where forest has returned thanks to conservation. 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 recommends joining a guided group or hiring one if this is your first time wild swimming. Armstrong, through her company Wild Braemar leads her own wild swimming expeditions. wild swimming experiences Then she pairs them up with a portable riverside tent and cosy wilderness sauna that she sets for guests.

Cairngorm Mountain: Explore it.

Scotland may not be known for its skiing, but Cairngorm Mountain Aviemore is home to a winter ski resort. Guests can enjoy the tubing and mountain-carting tracks in the cooler months. There are also walking and mountain-biking trails.

Where to Stay

The Fife Arms

“Those looking for an exceptional luxury experience should consider this hotel.” The Fife Arms“, says Armstrong. The five-star gem is certainly the most opulent property within the park—or in Scotland, for that matter. The five-star hotel is known for its unique design, which includes lots of tartan and taxidermy. There’s also an impressive art collection, including works by Picasso and the Queen Victoria.

Cairngorm Bothies

Reserve one of our standalone chalets if you’re looking for all the comforts and conveniences of home, with a hint of nature. Cairngorm Bothies, just outside Aboyne. Self-catering units equipped with wood-burning ranges, walk-in showers and refrigerators are eco-friendly.

Glenmore Campsite

“The Glenmore CampsiteBrooks describes the location as one of Scotland’s most beautiful. Reservations can be made on-line for your tent, RV, or campervan. 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 MuseumThe museum is an open-air exhibition that showcases life in the Highlands between the 1700s and the 1950s.

Restaurants

Fish Shop

Armstrong: “You can’t beat the runner-up” 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.” Even though the food at this restaurant is more on the upscale side, it notes that “children, dogs, bicycles, and muddy boot are welcome.”

The Flying Stag

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

The Cairngorms are a great place to end a busy day with wholesome pub food. 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 InnThe River Spey is located in the vicinity of this hotel.