The Cairngorms is the largest national park in the British Isles, covering 4,528 sq km of mountain, forest, moorland, and river scenery. It contains five of the six highest mountains in the UK, including Ben Macdui (1,309m). The park is home to rare wildlife including ospreys, red squirrels, wildcats, and a semi-wild reindeer herd. Aviemore is the main gateway town, offering year-round outdoor activities from skiing and snowboarding in winter to hiking and mountain biking in summer.
The Cairngorms National Park covers 4,528 square kilometres of the central Scottish Highlands, encompassing the Cairngorm plateau — the largest area of high-altitude arctic-alpine terrain in Britain — as well as the ancient Caledonian pinewood forests of Rothiemurchus and Glen Affric, the Spey and Dee river valleys, and numerous lochs. The park contains five of Britain's six highest mountains, including Cairn Gorm (1,245m) and Ben Macdui (1,309m), Britain's second highest peak. Aviemore is the main gateway town, with hotels, outdoor equipment shops, and transport connections. The Cairngorm Mountain funicular railway, operating from the Coire Cas car park, provides the highest accessible point by rail in Britain — the mountaintop station at 1,097m. The park is one of the best places in Scotland to see wildlife including red squirrels, ospreys nesting at Loch Garten, red deer, Scottish wildcats, and the only free-ranging reindeer herd in Britain, maintained near Loch Morlich. Rothiemurchus Estate provides a range of outdoor activities from canoeing on the Spey to guided wildlife walks. The Cairngorm Mountain ski area operates in winter. The park's vast scale means most visitors spend at least two days to experience more than a small portion of it.
Highlights
- Cairn Gorm mountain
- Reindeer herd
- Loch Morlich
- Rothiemurchus Forest
- Aviemore village
Tips for visiting
- Visit the Highland Wildlife Park near Kingussie to see Scottish wildcats, wolves, and polar bears.
When to visit
June and July offer the longest daylight hours for hiking and wildlife spotting. September brings autumn colours to the birch and pine forests, with good conditions for Munro walking. December to March is the ski season; conditions vary significantly year to year.
Accessibility
The Cairngorm Mountain funicular railway provides accessible mountain views for those unable to hike. The forest trails around Loch Morlich and at Rothiemurchus are mostly flat and accessible by wheelchair. The visitor centre at Aviemore and multiple park facilities meet accessibility standards. High mountain routes are not accessible.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best base for visiting the Cairngorms?
Aviemore is the principal gateway, with the widest range of accommodation and transport connections. Grantown-on-Spey, Kingussie, and Braemar are quieter alternatives with good access to different parts of the park.
Can I see reindeer in the Cairngorms?
Yes, the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre near Loch Morlich operates guided hill walks to visit the free-ranging herd daily in season. The reindeer were reintroduced to Scotland in 1952 and are the only free-living reindeer in Britain.
Is the Cairngorms suitable for families?
The park offers excellent family activities including the Highland Wildlife Park near Kingussie, the funicular railway, gentle forest trails, and beach areas at Loch Morlich. The high mountain terrain is for experienced walkers only.