Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms National Park (Scotland's second National Park) covers one of the most spectacular landscapes in the UK, forged by glaciers over 10,000 years ago. This stunning area covers a diverse range of topography, from wild arctic tundra on the high mountain tops to ancient pinewoods - surviving parts of the once extensive Caledonian Forest that flourished over much of Highland Scotland, lower down in the glens.

This area is the haunt of iconic wildlife such as Red Deer and Golden Eagle, but you might also be lucky enough to spot rare birdlife such as the Dotterel, Capercaillie and Ptarmigan.
Landscapes and people, conservation and development - all are important for the Cairngoms National Park.

Moderate Walks

The extensive path networks in the glens and forests surrounding the high Cairngorms make this area perfect for relaxing walks. Marked trails lead through woods, moors and by rivers and lochs, often with views of the surrounding mountains. Many routes run through tracts of ancient Caledonian Pine forest, which contain magnificent, gnarled trees and support a profusion of wildlife. In several locations the spectacular scenery has been used as a backdrop for filming the BBC TV series 'Monarch of the Glen'.

The culture and history of the area comes alive on walks that visit historic forts and castles, old bridges and military roads, or whisky distilleries and craft workshops. In some places you can even follow in the footsteps of Queen Victoria who loved the area.

Longer Walks

Superb walking is to be found in the Cairngorms in the steep sided glens that dissect the high plateau and in the river and forest landscapes of the surrounding valleys. Routes leading into the heart of the mountains take walkers into remote, wild country populated by red deer and eagles, while nearer civilisation there are long walks where roe deer and otters may be seen.

This area contains some of the most famous through routes in Scotland. Pride of place goes to the deep trench of the Lairig Ghru, which splits the main Cairngorm massif in two. It provides a challenging 45km (28-mile) walk from Aviemore to Braemar (or vice versa), though shorter trips from either end are also full of interest. Other low level routes run through Glen Avon in the north, Glen Feshie in the west and Glen Tilt in the south, the latter providing a link to Perthshire.

Long Distance Routes

Hill Mountain Walks

The Cairngorms can justifiably lay claim to be the roof of Scotland - nowhere else in the country is there such a large area of high plateau and this unique example of a sub-arctic ecosystem provides numerous opportunities for high level walking. Whilst parts of the plateau are often featureless, it is the steep sided glens and deep corries rimmed with cliffs that give the Cairngorms its dramatic landscape. High up snow patches often lie in shady recesses throughout the year and golden eagle, ptarmigan, dotterel and snow bunting nest.

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