Things to do in the Cairngorms: Aviemore, lochs, reindeer and itinerary

Rounded mountains, Caledonian pine forests, peaceful lochs and free-roaming reindeer: the Cairngorms National Park, The Cairngorms, in the heart of the Highlands, is the largest national park in the UK. Here's what to do in the Cairngorms, around Aviemore and Braemar, and our suggested itinerary. Based in the UK since 2012, we include it in our tailor-made trips to Scotland.

In short: In the Cairngorms, don't miss Aviemore and Loch Morlich, Loch an Eilein and Rothiemurchus Forest, the free-roaming reindeer herd, the Highland Wildlife Park, Braemar and Balmoral Castle, as well as the distilleries of nearby Speyside. Allow 2 to 3 days by car.

Things to do in the Cairngorms: the must-sees

Aviemore and Loch Morlich

The lively little town of Aviemore is the gateway to the park. Just a few minutes away, Loch Morlich surprises with its sandy beach at the foot of the mountains: ideal for kayaking or paddleboarding in the summer.

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Loch an Eilein and Rothiemurchus

Surrounded by pine trees, Loch an Eilein shelters the ruins of a castle on an islet. An easy walk circles the ruins. Nearby, the Rothiemurchus estate preserves one of the last remaining Caledonian pine forests in Scotland.

Reindeer and wildlife

The Cairngorms are home to the only free-roaming reindeer herd in the UK, which can be observed up close on a guided walk at the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre. In addition, the Highland Wildlife Park showcases mountain animals from around the world, and the park is also home to red squirrels and, with luck, golden eagles.

Braemar and Balmoral

To the east of the park, the village of Braemar hosts the famous Braemar Gathering, a Highland Games event often attended by the royal family, every September. Nearby, Balmoral Castle, the Scottish residence of the monarchs, is partially open to the public at certain times.

Read our guides to Highland Games and filming locations of The Crown.

Speyside and its distilleries

Just to the north, the Spey Valley is home to a large number of Scotland's whisky distilleries. Discover our guide to the whisky route in Scotland.

Our 3-day itinerary in the Cairngorms

• Day 1: Aviemore, Loch Morlich and the reindeer excursion.
• Day 2: Loch an Eilein, Rothiemurchus and the Highland Wildlife Park.
• Day 3: the road to Braemar and Balmoral, or a day in Speyside.

Finally, the Cairngorms are located on the road to Inverness and Loch Ness. Discover our 10-day Scotland tour, our guide What to do in Inverness and our The most beautiful hikes in the Highlands. More information is available on the website of the Cairngorms National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Cairngorms

How to get to the Cairngorms from Edinburgh?

Allow approximately 2 hours 30 minutes by car to reach Aviemore. The train also connects Edinburgh to Aviemore in approximately 3 hours.

What is the best time to visit the Cairngorms?

From May to September, hiking and water sports are ideal. In winter, however, the Cairngorms host one of Scotland's few ski resorts.

How many days does it take to visit the Cairngorms?

Allow at least 2 days around Aviemore, and an extra day for Braemar and Balmoral.

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