What to do when you visit Cairngorms National Park

The stunning Cairngorms National Park is located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands in Britain’s highest mountain range. Full of wildlife, forests , traditional villages and acres of mountain wilderness, you should visit Cairngorms for its wealth of outdoor activities and great camping locations. Below we run through what is on offer in this amazing national park to help you make the most of your trip.

About Cairngorms

The Cairngorms National Park in north east Scotland is Britain’s biggest national park, covering slightly more than 1,650 square miles. In this enormous expanse of unspoilt landscapes you will find crystal clear lochs and waterways, wild moorland, farmland, deep forests, mountain ranges and small villages.

The park has become popular amongst campers and caravanners thanks to its incredible natural scenery. If you are planning to pitch up during peak periods, it is important to book in advance to avoid disappointment. So why not take a look at our caravan parks in Scotland?

Cairngorms’ various terrains play host to an abundance of outdoor activities and are home to an array of precious British wildlife. You may be able to glimpse the rarest of British wildlife on your travels, including red squirrels, wildcats and ospreys fishing by the lochs.

Here are just a few activities and outdoor spots to visit during your time in the Scottish Highlands.

Walking

Walking is the most popular outdoor pursuit in the park. Due to Cairngorms sheer size and dramatic landscapes, there are many walks here that can be both challenging and rewarding.

Five of the six highest British mountains can be found at Cairngorms, which are often tackled by experienced walkers from across the UK and beyond. But there are walks here to suit all levels and abilities.

Cycling

Another great way to independently travel around the Cairngorms is by bike. There are National Cycle Network routes which cover most of national park, including 64km of off-road tracks.

The cycling routes here are largely made up of quiet, meandering pathways that are great for intrepid youngsters and experienced bikers alike.

Various bike-hire outlets can be found dotted around the park, including the Bike Station in Ballater and Craggan Outdoors in Grantown on Spey. 

Horse Riding

Horse riding is a wonderful way to enjoy this national park. The Cairngorms’ history has long been associated with pony trekking and horse riding as sturdy ponies have always been an integral part of working life in the Highlands.

Today, visitors of all ages can enjoy day rides, multi-day treks and lessons from the national park’s 10 riding centres. Each centre allows riders of all levels to experience Cairngorms beauty from a different viewpoint.

Watersports

What better way to enjoy Cairngorms’ crystal clear lochs and waterways than by diving straight in. Plenty of watersports take place in and around the waterways, from fishing, sailing and swimming to windsurfing, gorge walking and paddle sports.

Lessons, equipment hire and courses for most activities can be found at the Cairngorms’ two watersports centres: Loch Insh and Morlich.

Golf

Scotland is often referred to as ‘the home of golf’ and the Cairngorms is no exception. There are 12 golf courses in the national park, offering some of the most spectacular backdrops in the UK.

To experience the best of Cairngorms’ range of courses, a golf pass is available for just £20. This one-year pass, which can be bought from any course, entitles guests to a 30% discount at any of the stunning courses.

Activities for all in the Cairngorms

Now is the perfect time to visit Cairngorms National Park: the park is not over run with visitors and the possibilities for outdoor activities are endless. Not only is the Cairngorms the largest national park in the UK, its landscapes are also some of the most special and best cared for in Britain.