Walking Holidays & Outdoor Adventures in Cairngorms National Park

Ancient Forests, Highland Plateaus, and Scotland’s Wild Heart

The largest national park in the UK — where pinewoods, mountains, and rivers shape the soul of the Highlands.

Cairngorms National Park stretches across more than 4,500 square kilometres of pure wilderness — from the granite peaks of the Cairngorm Plateau to the Caledonian pine forests of Rothiemurchus and Abernethy. This is a land of wide horizons and deep silence, where walkers, cyclists, and wildlife share the same untamed rhythms.

Designated in 2003, the Cairngorms encompass five of the UK’s six highest mountains and some of its wildest terrain. It’s a place for classic Highland walking holidays and outdoor adventures — whether you’re summiting Ben Macdui, exploring lochside trails near Aviemore, or spotting red deer and golden eagles across vast uplands.

From the wild plateaus of the high Cairngorms to the forest paths of Deeside and Speyside, this is Scotland’s landscape at its most elemental — rugged, restorative, and alive with possibility.

County / Region: Highlands, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Angus, Perth and Kinross

Featured Trails

Lairig Ghru – One of Scotland’s most iconic mountain passes, linking Aviemore and Braemar through the heart of the Cairngorms.
Ben Macdui Ascent – The second-highest mountain in the UK, offering expansive views across the Highlands from its granite summit.
Ryvoan Pass & An Lochan Uaine – A tranquil forest and moorland route to the famous “Green Loch,” rich in legend and colour.
Glenmore Forest Park Trails – Family-friendly forest loops with views of Cairn Gorm and Loch Morlich.
Speyside Way (Cairngorms Section) – Long-distance walking through river valleys, whisky country, and native woodland.
Loch Muick Circuit – A scenic walk in the southern Cairngorms beneath Lochnagar’s cliffs, near Ballater.

Adventure Highlights

• The UK’s largest national park, home to five of the six highest mountains
• Ancient Caledonian pinewoods and rewilded glens
• Iconic routes like the Lairig Ghru and Speyside Way
• Lochs Morlich and Muick for kayaking and wild swimming
• Wildlife including ospreys, red deer, ptarmigan, and mountain hares
• Winter sports and alpine-style climbs on the Cairngorm Plateau

Explore the Area

Aviemore – the park’s adventure hub for walking, skiing, and outdoor holidays.
Braemar – historic village surrounded by mountain passes and royal estates.
Grantown-on-Spey – gateway to the Speyside Way and whisky country walks.
Ballater – near Balmoral and the Lochnagar mountain range.
Kingussie & Newtonmore – traditional Highland towns with access to forest and glen trails.
Blair Atholl – southern gateway to the park and start of remote mountain routes.