30 Great Things To Do In Aviemore & the Cairngorms
Aviemore and the surrounding area is home to some of the best attractions and scenery in the UK. This post will detail the best things to do in Aviemore.
Aviemore is a small town located in the Cairngorms National Park. The area of the Cairngorms is so unique and is one of my favourite places in Scotland.
To get to the Aviemore, it is a three-hour drive from Glasgow and Edinburgh. Also, Aviemore is only a 45-minute drive south of Inverness and is a good place to go for a day trip.
Aviemore is surrounded by stunning scenery including Rothiemurchus Estate and Glenmore Forest Park. A trip to Aviemore means your itinerary can include ancient fortresses, wildlife and distilleries.
Also, Aviemore is perfectly located with eight lochs nearby and expansive Caledonian pine forests. Therefore, the town is a perfect place to base yourself for doing activities such as gorge walking, mountain biking, wildlife watching and water sports.
Loch An Eilein
Loch An Eilein translates from Scottish Gaelic as ‘loch of the island’. The Loch is just as beautiful as its popular neighbour, Loch Morlich.
The loch is an extremely beautiful sheet of water, reflecting the magnificent pines of Ruthimurchus Forest and the surrounding hills. It has been a popular place for visitors for centuries.
There is a ruined castle located in the middle of the island and it is steeped in history. Kayaking and paddle boring are popular activities on the Loch An Eilein.
Also, you can follow three miles of some of the best low-level walking paths in Scotland which are part of the Rothiemurchus network of trails. There is a car parking charge.
Nearby Accommodation: The Polchar
Rothiemurchus Estate
Rothiemurchus Estate is located on the edge of Aviemore in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. There is so much to do for all ages including fishing, pony treks, paddle boarding in the River Spey and family rafting.
Also, Rothiemurchus offers segways, quad bike treks, clay shooting, treetop adventures, biking and archery.
Treezone has many obstacles high up the trees, from balance beams, gap jumps and scramble nets. Also, there is a zip wire that takes you back to the start of the course.
At the magical estate, you have the chance to spot deer and red squirrels. After a long day exploring you can relax with a cuppa at the Varn Cafe or get some retail therapy at the Rothiemurchus Centre.
Nearby Accommodation: Dellmhor No 3
Braeriach
One of the finest peaks in the Cairngorms is Braeriach. Braeriach is a vast mountain where the summit sits above many lochans and coires.
Wreckage from two crashed World War II planes can still be found on the eastern slopes of the Munro. Rothiemurchus and Glenmore are the two most common starting points.
This peak is one of the most popular Munros to bag for those in Aberdeenshire and Aviemore.
Nearby Accommodation: Cairngorm Lodge Rothiemurchus
Strathspey Railway
Enjoy a magical experience on the Strathspey Railway where you can steam through the Scottish Highlands in style.
The Strathspey train will take you on a spectacular trip throughout the Cairngorms National Park including Aviemore, Boat of Garden and Broomhill. On board, you can enjoy a light lunch or afternoon tea.
Nearby Accommodation: Strathavon Chalet
Cairngorm Brewery
Cairngorm brewery is an award-winning brewery which has traditional recipes as well as a range of new and interesting craft beers.
The Aviemore based brewery won the award of Champion Beer in 2016 and 2017 with its “Black Gold” creation. Interestingly, the brewery produces 6, 500 litres of beer and ale per day.
A few popular beers that you may have heard of include the dark ale called Nessies Monter Mash.
Also, other names include the Cairngorm IPA, Sheepshagger Gold, and Trade Winds. If you are an ale lover, do not miss out, give the Cairngorm Brewery a go!
Nearby Accommodation: The Shambles
Aviemore Kart Raceway
Aviemore Kart Raceway is located a short distance just north of Aviemore. This is a great experience for all of those adrenaline seekers.
Find friends from your hostel or get your family together to organise a race.
There are different types of karts depending on your ability. Also, the outdoor tracks are beautifully located in the Cairngorm National Park and is open all year round.
Nearby Accommodation: Oakwood
Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge
Location: Landmark Forest Adventure Park
Landmark Forest Adventure Park is suitable for all ages. There is the Dinosaur Kingdom, a wild water coaster, butterfly house with parakeets and exotic flowers.
Also, there is the mind-boggling ‘Wonderwood’, high ropes trails and opportunities for skydiving.
Moreover, you can explore dangerous caverns, dangerous creatures and a magic waterfall gateway. I remember coming here year after year as a child, it was so much fun!
Entry to the park now is quite expensive, therefore, I recommend arriving pretty early to make the most of your day and the most of your entry fee.
Nearby Accommodation: Strathspey Cottage
Lochindorb Castle
Lochindrob Castle translates from Scottish Gaelic as the ‘Loch of trouble’. The castle sits on a partly man-made island on a remote loch.
Therefore, to get to the castle ruins you will need a boat!
Lochindorb Castle was built in the 13th century and originally belonged to the Comyns.
Later the castle was occupied by the English for a few centuries. At the end of the 18th century, the castle slowly fell into a state of decline.
Nearby Accommodation: The Old Laundry
Cairngorm National Park
Aviemore is easily accessible to the Cairngorm National Park.
The National Park was formed in 1999 when the Scottish Government was formed. Cairngorm National Park is the UK’s largest National Park.
There are great opportunities to complete water sports, and snow sports, and do some wildlife watching. This area has been conserved beautifully and is a great place for hillwalking and viewing the night sky due to limited light pollution.
Loch Morlich
Loch Morlich is a loch with some of the finest settings in the whole country. The water edge is fringed with beaches, which lead into dense forests.
In almost all seasons, you can view the high mountains of the north of the Cairngorms with snow covering the peaks.
The loch is an ideal location for those water sport enthusiasts including paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and canoeing.
Also, there are great mountain biking tracks which weave throughout the forest nearby. There are chances to rent equipment or take lessons with a knowledgeable instructor.
Nearby Accommodation: Pine Marten Bar Glenmore Pods
Cairngorm Reindeer Centre
The deer centre is located just east of Loch Morlich in the Cairngorm National Park. Also, the herd is Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer.
You can join organised walks to see the deer up close and feed them which is an amazing unforgettable experience. During the Christmas period, the experience is even more special.
Nearby Accommodation: Pine Marten Bar Glemore Pods
Green Loch
The incredible Green Loch is located west of Aviemore, past Loch Morlich. The loch is part of the pleasant Ryvoan and Lochan Uaine walking route.
You can follow a gentle 20-minute level stroll or the slightly more taxing “blue route” from the reindeer centre.
Also, this area is perfect for a picnic, walk or cycle. In the summer, you may be lucky enough to have warm weather and could try wild swimming.
The hidden gem is also known as “An Lochan Uaine”, and it is famous for the green coloured water and local fairy legend.
Nearby Accommodation: Pine Marten Bar Glenmore
Cairn Gorm Mountain
Just a twenty-minute drive from Aviemore, you will find the Cairn Gorm Mountain. Standing over 2,000 feet high (1,245 metres), you can get mesmerising panoramic views across the Cairngorms.
Also, there is a post box, café and mountain shop. In the summer, you can enjoy free activities or follow a guided tour run by the rangers and explore the arctic landscape on the plateau.
In the winter you can enjoy snow sports. There are snow sports schools so you can learn to ski or snowboard or improve your technique.
The snow sports centre has 12 ski lifts and 34 runs and is great for people of all abilities.
At the new adventure play and tubing park. You can jump in a rubber ring and slide down three different courses, The Spindrift, The Cliffhanger and The Snowflake.
There is car parking available at the Coire Cas Car Park and Coire na Ciste Car Park. For bagging some Munros, visit the WalkHighlands website for guides to the mountains.
Nearby Accommodation: Pine Marten Bar Glenmore Pods
Ben MacDui
Ben MacDui is the second highest mountain in the UK standing at a height of 1, 309 metres. You can approach the peak from Speyside and park at the Cairngorm Ski Centre.
Again, there are parking charges. The route is excellent and showcases the vast and exposed Cairngorm plateau which is much wider than Ben Nevis.
Ben MacDui is the highest of the 55 Munros in the Cairngorms National Park.
Cairn Toul
Cairn Toul is a spectacular mountain with well defined ridges which stretch out to Devil’s Point and Angel’s Peak (Sgor an Lochain Unaine).
Being the fourth highest mountain in the UK, the views are impressive. The most convenient start point is the Sugar Bowl Car Park.
Sgor an Lochain Uaine
Sgor an Lochain Uaine is a satellite peak of Cairn Toul and only gained its Munro status in 1997.
You can combine this peak with a couple of other routes including the Cairngorm 4000s or West of Lairig Ghru from Glenmore routes. Sgor an Locahin Uaine is also known as Angel’s Peak and it has the Green Loch cradled in its slopes.
RSPB Loch Garten Osprey Centre
Loch Garten Osprey Centre is located 20 minutes drive away from Aviemore. The location is mesmerising with Caledonian pine forest, moorland, wetland and mountain.
Here, you can get close to some of Scotland’s most spectacular wildlife. Also, you can learn about Osprey and other birdlife in the area including Capercaillies.
Balmenach Distillery
Balmenach Distillery is set in the stunning Scottish highlands and is half an hour’s drive from Aviemore. The distillery is home to the famous Caorunn Gin. You can book your tour online, the visitor centre is open on weekdays.
The tour is very informative and you can learn about what goes into making all the flavours and the smells of the gin. Including an explanation of the distilling and infusing process.
The guides are friendly, enthusiastic and engaging. At the distillery, you will have plenty of opportunities to taste the wonderful gin.
The Lecht Ski Centre
For all the winter sports enthusiasts, Lecht Ski Centre is another great place for snowboarding or skiing. The centre is located a 50-minute drive east of Aviemore.
There are fantastic facilities here with 13 different runs to suit beginners and more advanced skiers or snowboarders.
Ruthven Barracks
Ruthven Barracks is a 25-minute car journey from Aviemore. The barracks were built over the ruins of the existing castle to help police the area against Jacobite uprisings.
Ruthven Barracks is located on and hill and the views and breath taking. The area is steeped in history and there are information boards regarding the ruin.
Speyside Distillery
Speyside Distillery provides private Speyside Whisky Tours. The distillery only offers tours by appointment only. I had a great experience with a nice history lesson about the origins of whiskey.
After the tour, you are offered a selection of splendid whisky. The distillery is smaller compared to other distilleries, however, there is a very impressive history.
Nearby Accommodation: Hideaway Lodge
Highland Wildlife Park, Kingussie
The Highland Wildlife Park is located 20 minutes south of Aviemore. At the Highland Wildlife Park, you can see Scottish wildlife and endangered animals.
The Highland Wildlife Park was home to the UK’s first polar bear club.
The park is home to native species such as the Scottish Wildcat, Capercaillie as well as Amur Tigers, Snow Leopards, Polar Bears, Northern Lynx, European Grey Wolf and Japanese Macaque.
Also, the park includes an area that you can drive through before exploring the park on foot. Once you have finished exploring you can visit the gift shop and café.
Highland Folk Museum, Newtonmore
Travel back in time to the 1700s to the mile-long open air museum. You can spend hours here, learning about how people used to live in Scotland.
There are exhibits which show what life was like in Scotland from the 1700s to the 1950s. This place is brilliant if you are a fan of Outlander.
There is a small village in the museum with houses that have thatched roofs. In 2014, the small Highland Township was used as a filming location for the TV series Outlander. The museum is free to enter.
Nearby Accommodation: Bruich Cottage
Laggan Wolftrax
At Laggan Wolftrax you can speed through the mountain bike tracks at Laggan Forest. The centre is located in beautiful scenery just outside the Cairngorms National Park, with spectacular views out across the Monadhliath Hills.
There are over twenty miles worth of tracks which are good for all ages and abilities.
As well as mountain biking trails you can enjoy walking trails through the forest. At the Wolftrac Centre, there is a café, toilet and showers. There are car parking fees.
Dalwhinnie Distillery
From Aviemore, you can enjoy a short train ride to Dalwhinnie and participate in a tour. After the tour, you can enjoy some whisky tasting.
The whisky tasting includes six Dalwhinnie Single Malts. This is the highest distillery in Scotland as it stands 1164 feet above sea level.
Nearby Accommodation: Balsporran B&B
Places to Eat
La Taverna
La Taverna is a great Italian restaurant and pizzeria which sells delicious food. There is great service, and it is a relaxed and warm atmosphere.
Make sure you book a table to avoid disappointment, also, you can get a takeaway and eat outside on the patio.
The Old Bridge Inn
The Old Bridge Inn is just a simple British pub located on the banks of Spey in the heart of the Cairngorms.
This pub is a popular destination for the locals and tourists and has a bright lively atmosphere.
There is a selection of excellent food and a fully stocked bar including a fine selection of cask ale and malt whisky.
Route 7 Café
Route 7 Café is the newest food eatery located on the outskirts of Aviemore and sells good quality, freshly produced food. It is a cosy and quirky café with an amazing atmosphere. The café has been described as “off the beaten track, but it is well worth it”.
The Winking Owl – Craft Ale, Pub and Bar
The Winking Owl is owned by the Cairngorms Brewery. There is a wide range of choices on the menu from nibbles to main mail to delicious desserts.
In the evening there is a range of contemporary artists playing live music late into the night.
On the ground floor, you can enjoy the Bothy Bar which has a selection of Cairngorm craft beers on tap.
Is Aviemore Worth Visiting?
Aviemore has been a popular town for Scottish and international travellers for decades. At Aviemore, you can dive deep into Scottish culture.
There is so much to do for people of all ages from safaris, go-karting, mountain biking and hill walking.
As well as the award-winning attractions, Aviemore is in an ideal location for exploring the Cairngorms National Park. Also, Inverness, Moray and Loch Ness are within driving distance.
There is a selection of great shops, restaurants and bars. In addition, there are many small activities and events run throughout the year.
What’s Aviemore famous for?
Aviemore was one of the first places to have a skiing resort in Scotland. Back in 1961, the first chairlift opened which attracted a growing population to the town.
Also, Aviemore is located in the Cairngorms which has a rich palette of geology, landform, vegetation and land use in the park. These characteristics make the scenery at Aviemore extremely unique.
There are so many popular attractions to enjoy in Aviemore including, Strathspey Steam Railway, Rothiemurchus Estate, Cairngorm Mountain and Cairngorm Reindeer Centre.
Aviemore is near Carrbridge, which is home to the popular Landmark Forest Adventure Museum. Also, you can head out to Highland Wildlife Park in Kincraig and the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore.
Does Aviemore have a beach?
Aviemore is located in the middle of Scotland, high above sea level, surrounded by the gorgeous peaks of the Cairngorms.
Since Aviemore is not near the coast there are no beaches looking out towards the sea. However, there are sandy bank beaches surrounding Loch Morlich.
Alternatively, you can drive 30 miles out to Moray Speyside and enjoy some of the beaches that look out onto the north coast. These beaches include Nairn Beach, Fortrose Beach, Findhorn Beach, Rosemarkie Beach and Cromarty Beach.
How do you get around Aviemore without a car?
Exploring the Scottish Highlands is ideal with a car, but this is not always possible.
There are public transport links from the main cities to Aviemore. However, they may not be reliant, or you will have to change your itinerary to fit around the bus times.
Without a car, you can explore the town centre, then head to the Strathspey Steam Railway and Craigellachie National Nature Reserve in the centre of Aviemore.
Also, using buses, you can get to the Cairngorm Mountain, Loch Morlich, Loch an Eilein and Rothiemurchus Estate.
Final Note
Aviemore is a brilliant place with its fantastic location right in the majestic Cairngorms. This post lists the epic things to do in Aviemore & Cairngorms National Park.
Aviemore is also an excellent base for exploring the highlands of Scotland. Also, you can join the nearby tourist routes – North East 250 in Aberdeenshire and the Deeside Tourist Route in the Cairngorms.
Inverness, Moray and Loch Ness are all within driving distance from Aviemore.