English (UK)
English (US)
Français
Deutsch
Español
Italiano
Nederlands
简体中文
A mini guide to
The Cairngorms: Aviemore & Grantown-on-Spey: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Check conditions on the hill
The Mountain Weather Information Service publishes a Cairngorms forecast, and the Scottish Avalanche Information Service reports on winter hazards.
Watch for weather closures
Cairngorm Mountain posts weather warnings and can close its railway and facilities. Check the website before travelling up.
Midges in summer
Highland midges are most active just before dawn and sunset and are less active in wind. Carry repellent or a head net in summer.
Ospreys at Loch Garten
Loch Garten is known for breeding ospreys. Check the RSPB reserve page for opening details.
Allow time for Badenoch
Ruthven Barracks, the Highland Folk Museum and the Highland Wildlife Park are some distance from Aviemore, so group them on one day.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is The Cairngorms: Aviemore & Grantown-on-Spey?
The Cairngorms: Aviemore & Grantown-on-Spey is in Cairngorms National Park, Scotland. Mountains, ancient pine forest, steam trains and wildlife around Strathspey. Nearby stops and stations include Aviemore, Caledonian Sleeper, Strathspey Railway.
How long do I need in The Cairngorms: Aviemore & Grantown-on-Spey?
Two to three days. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Cairngorm Mountain, Loch Morlich, Cairngorm Reindeer Centre. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Aviemore (Rail); Caledonian Sleeper (Overnight from London Euston); Strathspey Railway (Heritage railway); Cairngorm Mountain (Mountain railway). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 8 places to eat and drink in and around The Cairngorms: Aviemore & Grantown-on-Spey, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 11 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is The Cairngorms: Aviemore & Grantown-on-Spey accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in The Cairngorms: Aviemore & Grantown-on-Spey
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Cairngorm Reindeer Centre
Britain's only free-ranging reindeer herd, here since 1952, with visits to the paddock and hill trips.
Rothiemurchus
Estate around Rothiemurchus Forest, a remnant of the Caledonian Forest near Aviemore.
Loch an Eilein
Small loch in Rothiemurchus Forest about 5 km south of Aviemore, with a popular walk around the shore.
The Scottish Highlands
More areas to explore
Oban, Argyll & the Mull ferry
Harbour town and ferry gateway to Mull, Kerrera and the Inner Hebrides
Open the mini guide →
The Black Isle & Easter Ross
A peninsula of Pictish stones, Cromarty and dolphin-watching, with whisky country to the north
Open the mini guide →
Inverness & Loch Ness
The Highland capital on the River Ness, with Culloden, Loch Ness and the Moray Firth coast within reach
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Loch Morlich: Stijndg, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Cairngorm Reindeer Centre: Ralph Greig, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Rothiemurchus: User ML5, Public domain, source
- Loch an Eilein: chris lovelock, CC BY 2.0, source
- Oban, Argyll & the Mull ferry: Mike Hudson, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- The Black Isle & Easter Ross: Vcarceler, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Inverness & Loch Ness: dave conner from Inverness, Scotland, CC BY 2.0, source
- Fort William, Glencoe & Ben Nevis: Viewfinder at English Wikipedia, Public domain, source
- Isle of Skye: Portree & Dunvegan: Lauwz The Kiwistralian, CC0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring the Scottish Highlands