{"id":5334,"date":"2026-11-10T13:40:53","date_gmt":"2026-11-10T12:40:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/guides\/que-faire-cairngorms\/"},"modified":"2026-11-10T13:44:42","modified_gmt":"2026-11-10T12:44:42","slug":"what-to-do-in-cairngorms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/en\/guides\/what-to-do-in-cairngorms\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to Do in the Cairngorms: Aviemore, Lochs, Reindeer and Itinerary"},"content":{"rendered":"

Rounded mountains, Caledonian pine forests, peaceful lochs and free-roaming reindeer: the Cairngorms National Park<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to discover the Cairngorms?<\/strong> Our local French-speaking team integrates it into your tailor-made trip to Scotland<\/a>.<\/div>
Get my free quote<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Things to do in the Cairngorms: the must-sees<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Aviemore and Loch Morlich<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loch an Eilein and Rothiemurchus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
The valleys and mountains of the Cairngorms.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Reindeer and wildlife<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Braemar and Balmoral<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read our guides to Highland Games<\/a> and filming locations of The Crown<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speyside and its distilleries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our 3-day itinerary in the Cairngorms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n