The top 10 things to do in Aviemore and Cairngorms National Park

Our top 10 things to do in Aviemore and Cairngorms National Park

1          Two fantastic contrasting railway journeys - the Strathspey Steam Railway runs from Boat of Garten to Aviemore and from the Boat to Broomhill. Originally part of the Great North of Scotland railway route from Aviemore to Aberdeen and the Highland Railway's original main line to Inverness, via Grantown on Spey, Dava Moor and Forres, the line was closed under the infamous Beeching Ax before being brought back into use by the Strathspey Railway Company. The line was extended to Broomhill in 2002 and will eventually go to Grantown on Spey.

The Cairngorm Mountain Railway is the highest railway in the United Kingdom since it opened in 2001. The two-kilometre long funicular ascends the northern slopes of Cairn Gorm, the United Kingdom's sixth-highest mountain.

2          Sensational mountain biking and cycling - It’s quiet and peaceful, the roads aren’t busy and the National Cycle Network crosses almost the entire area and includes 64km of off road routes. Cycling or mountain biking in Aviemore and the Cairngorms gives you every opportunity to enjoy your own experience   It’s is not all easy pedalling as we have some of the best mountain bike trails in Scotland. Head out into the wilderness with a map and a tent or hurtle down a man made trail, what's for sure if it's mountain biking the Aviemore and Cairngorms area has it all!

The area is just perfect for off road mountain biking. Easy woodland trails, challenging downhill routes and custom build white knuckle tracks await you. 

 3         Golf at Boat of Garten - The nearby village of Boat of Garten is home to one of the true hidden gems of Scottish Golf Courses. Often referred to as the ‘Gleneagles of the Highlands’ the course is renowned internationally as one of the most scenically attractive tests of golf designed by the grand master of course architecture and master golfer, James Braid.

4          Skiing and snowboarding in the Cairngorms - CairnGorm Mountain near Aviemore is the best known of the ski and snowboard areas in the National Park.  It is also the highest and holds the snow well throughout the season.  There is lots of variety at CairnGorm Mountain and the terrain park’s, kickers and rails have attracted some of Britain’s best snowboarders and skiers to the area.

5          White water rafting – fantastic river Spey and Findhorn rafting, canoeing and kayaking, with excellent professional local providers including Ace Adventure, Rothiemurchus, Adventure Scotland and Full On Adventure

6          Wildlife watching - Although perhaps most famous for 'Operation Osprey' which helped re-establish Ospreys in Scotland, this area of Scotland's reputation for natural heritage conservation is almost unrivalled in the UK.

7          Fishing for Trout and Salmon on the River Spey - the River Spey is probably the most famous salmon river in the World. The Spey is also one of the best sea trout rivers in the country. There is a very high demand for rods on the Spey. Fortunately, there are several angling associations on the Spey, who control some excellent beats, many of them available to the visiting angler. The best known of these are the Strathspey Angling Improvement Association, based in Grantown, the Abernethy Angling Association, centred on Boat of Garten, and the Aberlour Angling Association.

8          Fantastic walking of all grades-The Cairngorms National Park is famous for its challenging landscape and even more challenging outdoor activities. But most people who visit are so enchanted by the surroundings that walking is a must at least once during their stay.  There are over 280km of footpaths across the area that pass through almost every type of walking route imaginable from moor and woodland, riverside to loch edge and even beautiful farmland. 

9          A day at Rothiemurchus - Rothiemurchus is a special place at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, near Aviemore, in the Scottish Highlands. It offers a warm welcome, stunning scenery and outdoor activities for individuals, families, groups and corporate parties to enjoy. And our Farm,Gift and Card Shops offer unique shopping complemented by coffee or lunch in the Ord Bàn Restaurant Café.

10        A day at Loch Insh Watersports -  April - mid-October: multi-activities on scenic Loch Insh of sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, river trips, rowing, salmon & trout fishing, dry ski slope skiing, archery, mountain biking and hill walking. Hire and/or instruction by the hour, day or week

Back to our local area home page

More about the Cairngorms, and Cairngorm Moumtain

Out top 10 things to do in Cairngorms National Park

Out top 10 places to visit in Cairngorms National Park

Out top 10 family attractions and days out in Cairngorms National Park

Some great touring ideas