tourist information aviemore

Aviemore is a year-round tourist destination. The town hosts a range of activities and events during the summer and winter months. This guide explored the top things to do in Aviemore.

This stunning Highland town is settled in the Cairngorms National Park .

Aviemore is best known for its great selection of ski locations, secluded lochs, enchanting forests and cycle trails. This attracts tourists from all over the world to this fantastic Scottish holiday location.

This resort is popular among winter sports enthusiasts due to it’s close proximity to the Cairn Gorm mountain.

The Cairngorms are home to 3 of the 4 highest mountains in the British Isles. An absolute haven for hikers!

During your stay here you can expect a warm welcome from its locals. There are several traditional pubs and restaurants to enjoy after a long day of exploring.

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Where Is Aviemore?

Aviemore is a tourist resort and town situated one the western side of the Cairngorms National Park, 30 miles south of Inverness on the A9.

Things to do in Aviemore

Perfect for explorers, Aviemore is an excellent base for those that are visiting the Cairngorms National Park during a trip to Scotland.

Aviemore is a tourist hub and you will find many cosy lodges and bespoke hotels within this area.

That said there is so much to do here, everything from music festivals to sledge dog rallies!

Whether you are visiting the town during the summer or the winter – check out the great range of things to do in Aviemore below.

The Cairngorms National Park

The best things to do in Aviemore lie within the Cairngorms National Park.

Endless outdoor fun awaits you at the Cairngorms.

In the UK’s largest National Park you can experience it all: water sports, snow sports, wildlife watching, hiking trails and cycling routes.

There are many boutique hotels based within the park however many choose to sleep under the stars at the various campsites.

The Cairngorms National Park’s main tourist attraction is the Cairngorms mountain range.

A scenic landmark, the Cairn Gorm mountain is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding.

Interestingly enough the ‘Cairngorms’ used to be called ‘Am Monadh Ruadh’ (The Russet-Coloured Mountain Range). However, in Victorian times the area was named after Cairn Gorm, the most visited mountain on the Plateau.

The Cairngorms Plateau is the closest we can get to arctic, alpine, tundra and boreal conditions in Britain.

Within the Cairngorms sits three of the four highest mountains in Scotland, and indeed, the British Isles; Ben Mac Dui, Braeriach and Carn Toul.

Winter sports and hillwalking are the main activities in the Cairngorms mountains. However, trail cycling, mountain biking, and canoeing are all excellent options alongside less strenuous walks.

Highland Wildlife Park

The Highland Wildlife Park is 25 minutes drive away.

It is well worth a visit if you are looking for cool things to do in Aviemore.

The trip is well worth it as you will discover rare Scottish wildlife and endangered animals all in one spectacular setting.

Visitors to the Wildlife Park can drive around the main reserve and also walk-round the surrounding areas on foot.

Kids (and big kids too) love visiting the Wildlife Park.

The park is home to native species such as the Capercaillie and Scottish Wildcat!

There are also the park’s more famous residents such as the Amur Tiger and Polar Bear.

Glenmore Forest Park

You will find Glenmore Forest Park at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains.

This is one of the stunning things to do in Aviemore.

The park attracts over 250,000 visitors each year

Many visit to enjoy walking, mountain biking and cross country skiing during the winter months,

This enchanting this forest its most famous for its native Caledonian pinewoods.

Loch Morlich which sits next to the woods attracts many visitors. This is due to its long sandy beach which has been awarded a Rural Beach Award by Keep Scotland Beautiful.

Loch Morlich is the first and only freshwater inland loch to have received this recognition.

Within the park is another hidden gem, the Pass of Ryvoan.

This scenic trail is loved by those with green fingers as it is surrounded by natural beauty and views of the hillside.

This secluded part of the forest is an excellent spot for relaxing and picnicking.

Aviemore Sledge Dog Rally

January is one of the most popular months for tourists visiting Aviemore. One of the best things to do in Aviemore in January is the local sledge dog rally.

Hundreds of huskies head for the Highlands every year to take part in the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain Rally.

Glenmore welcomes over 1000 Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, Greenland Dogs and Canadian Eskimo Dogs to its grounds for the rally.

During the rally teams of between two and eight sledge dogs pull sledges.

These travel at up to 25 miles an hour over the track which is based near Loch Morlich and its surrounding areas.

Competitors from all over the world join in over 3000 spectators come to watch each year.

Breweries and Distilleries

Say ‘slanj” and check out what’s brewing in the Highlands of Scotland.

It is a rite of passage for those visiting this part of Scotland to enjoy a tour of a local brewery!

The Cairngorms National Park is home to the Cairngorm Brewery and six distilleries: Dalwhinnie, Glenlivet, Tomintoul, Royal Lochnagar, Balmenach and Speyside Distillery.

Royal Lochnagar, Dalwhinnie, Cairngorm Brewery and Glenlivet all have visitor centres where you can learn more about the art of brewing/distilling. Tomintoul, Balmenach (Caorunn Gin) and Speyside Distillery can also be visited on request.

With so many options available here, we advise that you drink responsibly. Also, children under the age of 12 are not permitted.

Aviemore’s Big Mix Festival

Another annual event which takes place in this buzzing town is Aviemore’s Big Mix Festival.

If you enjoy a tipple or two this is one of the things to do in Aviemore for you.

You will be spoiled for choice as event organisers bring the best mix of spirits and craft beers under the one roof.

Aviemore’s Big Mix Festival started in 2019. Locals loved it so much that they have decided to continue the three-day festival every year.

The festival is a great opportunity for those that live in Aviemore to showcase the region’s finest food and drink producers, venues, arts and crafts.

Macdonald Aviemore Resort

If you are looking for a spa break in Aviemore, look no further than the Macdonald Aviemore Resort.

Hanging out at the Cairngorms can be exhausting, especially if you are using up all of your energy on the slopes!

After all of that activity take some time for yourself – relax and enjoy a hot stone massage, or rejuvenating facial.

This is the perfect place to spend time with a loved one and a great way to end a trip to Aviemore in style.

Landmark Forrest Adventure Park

6 miles (10km) north of Aviemore is the Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge . This is a must when looking at things to do in Aviemore.

Expect a fun-filled day in Landmark Forest Adventure Park!

Among the key attractions are family-friendly roller coasters, wild water coasters, the High Ropes Trails, and the Skydive.

The geographic variety here is also remarkable – in the park, you will see caverns, wild creatures, and gorgeous waterfalls.

Rothiemurchus Forest

Right on the edge of Aviemore and at the heart of Cairngorms National Park is the Rothiemurchus Forest.

This is yet another very special place to visit on a family trip.

Situated right next to the forest is the Rothiemurchus Centre boasting activities such as fishing, segway, quad bike trips, pony trips, paddleboarding, family rafting, a safari, and a number of other outdoor activities.

At the end of the day, you may hop into the Druie Cafe to enjoy local tea or a delicious slice of cake.

Fun House at Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel

One for the kids.

Whether you are staying at Coylumbridge Hotel or not, the Fun House is another excellent location to spend a day in with your family.

The Fun House offers activities to participate in both to children and adults.

Younger children will be able to have some fun at the soft play center and the games room. As for adults and older kids, they’ll be able to enjoy golf and bowling.

A remarkable site at the Fun House is a 1950s-themed licensed diner complete with colorful tables and vinyl seating. There’s even a pool table!

The Fun House also offers birthday party opportunities with a dedicated party room and meal plans.

Highland Folk Museum

A little south of Aviemore is Newtonmore, home to the Highland Folk Museum .

Lying on a mile-long stretch of land, the Highland Folk Museum is Britain’s first open-air museum.

The key attraction of the Highland Folk Museum is the Highland Township. The Highland Township features buildings interpreted from the 1700s.

You also have the Open Air Section with a selection of 19th- to mid-20th-century buildings.

Each area features staff members dressed as highlanders, reenacting the activities from the past centuries.

On certain days, the Highland Folk Museum hosts rope making, weaving, and other highland life demonstrations.

Some of the site’s buildings have been built here. However, most have been relocated from other areas of the highlands and rebuilt on site.

Paintballing

Taking in all this beautiful, quaint scenery is brilliant. However, you might be looking for something with a bit of buzz to it (assuming you’re not into Skiing or Snowboarding).

There are a couple of paintballing vendors in Aviemore. Check them out!

Boat of Garten Golf and Tennis Club

Love golf? Then you will find a number of excellent courses near Aviemore!

The 18-hole Boat of Garten Golf and Tennis Club, one of the best golf clubs and courses in Scotland.

Abernethy Golf Club

Another notable option is the Abernethy Golf Club located just next to the Nethy Bridge village.

Established in 1893, the Abernethy Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in the country.

Built on natural moorland, this golf club is home to some challenging holes, gorgeous views, and a few wildlife species such as red squirrels or ospreys.

Loch Garten Osprey Centre

Again situated near Nethy Bridge north of Aviemore, Loch Garten Osprey Centre is a great afternoon out.

It is here that the ospreys returned in the 1950s after becoming extinct in the UK.

Ospreys can be seen here from March or April to August or September.

Check out the Osprey Nest Live Cam .

Aviemore Town Centre

Save the best for last eh?

One of the best things to do in Aviemore is to explore the town centre itself.

Aviemore Town Centre is pretty busy for a small highland town. The Town has a real buzz about it.

Be sure to check out the numerous cafes and restaurants scattered throughout Aviemore!

If you are in to hillwalking for some reason the outdoors shops here have the best deals in Scotland. I’ve bagged myself a bargain on a couple of really good jackets and hillwalking trousers in Aviemore.

The nightlife in Aviemore is surprisingly good. The pubs are reasonably busy in Winter when there is snow on Cairn Gorm mountain. In summer Aviemore is a popular destination for stag doos. However, it is by no means a loud, roudy Town.

You also have The Vault, a surprisingly ‘buzzing’ nightclub (coming from a Glaswegian!).

More Things to do in The Highlands

• Things to do in Arisaig
• Things to do in Beauly
• Things to do in Brora
• Things to do in Caithness
• Things to do in Carrbridge
• Things to do in Drumnadrochit
• Things to do in Fort Augustus
• Things to do in Fort William
• Things to do in Gairloch
• Things to do in Invergordon
• Things to do in Inverness
• Things to do in Kingussie
• Things to do in Kyle of Lochalsh
• Things to do in Lochinver
• Things to do in Loch Ness
• Things to do in Nairn
• Things to do in Newtonmore
• Things to do in Strathpeffer
• Things to do in Thurso
• Things to do in Ullapool
• Things to do in Wick

Graham Grieve

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13 BEST Things to do in Aviemore (2023 Updated Guide!)

Some links in this post contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you use the links at no extra cost to you! Happy reading 😀

Need to know the best things to do in Aviemore, Scotland? You’ve come to the right place! Aviemore is (and will always be) one of my favourite places in Scotland, and here’s just a snippet of some of the highlights!

Whether you’re looking for mountain scenery, scenic hikes, ski resorts, Alpine-style bars, cosy pubs, watersports, sandy beaches, desolate castles, forest trails, or even a field full of reindeer at the UK’s only free-roaming reindeer herd, Aviemore has something for everyone. 

Looking back on our Scotland road trip, I wish we had planned more time to stay in Aviemore. It’s a small Scottish town located in the North-West of Cairngorms National Park , and it attracts thousands of tourists each year.

But one of the best things about Aviemore is it still feels secluded and away from the hustle and bustle of some of the bigger Scottish towns. It’s like you’ve found a hidden gem when you arrive!

If you’re an adventurous or outdoor type of person, Aviemore should be at the top of your UK bucket list.

This guide is written from my most memorable experiences in Aviemore. During our epic Scotland road trip , I’d even go as far as to say Aviemore was the highlight.

Walking around Loch Morlich (more on this beautiful location later) was the most memorable day of our trip!

Below I’ve listed all of the best things to do in Aviemore, but there are many more things to do in this part of Scotland! Even just driving through Aviemore is an experience!

Visiting Scotland this year? Check out my other guides!

• 7 Day Scotland Road Trip Route & Itinerary (2022)
• Where to Find Highland Cows in Scotland: Highland Cattle
• Fairy Pools Skye Walk: Everything You Need to Know

Want to see epic photos and videos from these experiences?

Follow me on Instagram! As we travel, I post everything live on Instagram, so check out my recent highlights and posts. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, drop me a DM!

Best Things to Do in Aviemore , Scotland

1) have a beach day at loch morlich.

When we first visited Loch Morlich, I was shocked at how picture-perfect it was. The loch is small and is surrounded by the Rothiemurcus forest and the Cairngorm mountains.

It’s one of the most beautiful locations in the whole of the UK!

There are a few stops around Loch Morlich, but we found the sandy ‘beach’ to be our favourite.

There’s a watersport hut full of paddleboards, kayaks, and wet suits, an ice cream hut, and a cafe. Even in the peak summer months, you won’t find many tourists here, making it feel like you’ve found a hidden gem of Scotland!

If it’s not too cold, enjoy a swim or paddleboard on the loch. When we visited Loch Morlich in August, I spent a few hours just swimming around the lake without spending any money on equipment. It’s a perfect backpacker-friendly activity!

There’s also a large Tesco in Aviemore’s main town, so you can pack a bag and take a picnic to enjoy on the sand as well!

2) Walk through the Rothiemurcus forest

One of the best things about Aviemore is the Rothiemurcus Forest. We stayed in the Rothiemurcus RV campsite (which I highly recommend, one of the cutest campsites I’ve ever stayed in!) and it was right in the heart of the forest. 

Rothiemurcus is home to different species of wildlife and has hundreds of trails to follow for an easy day out.

Trails can be found from different spots throughout the forest, and our favourites started near Loch Morlich.  This again is a completely free activity to do in Aviemore and is perfect for those backpacking Scotland on a budget.

When you’re finished exploring the forest on foot, you can rent a quad bike, try pony trekking or kayak down the river if it’s a warm day!

🥾 Whilst visiting Aviemore, I’d highly recommend wearing hiking boots . It made the walks a lot easier and I was much more stable when scrambling, especially in my favourite Brasher walking boots!

3) Stay at the Rothiemurcus campsite

The Rothiemurcus campsite is one of the best places to stay in Aviemore.

At around £20 a night, the accommodation is located right in the middle of the forest. The campsite owners had thought of everything; they’d even decorated the trees with fairy lights.

It was such a nice touch and we couldn’t have been happier. It’s a blissful place to switch off from reality and be surrounded by nature.

The campsite is clean, easy to find and in a perfect location to explore the Cairngorms.  Wild camping is great to do in Scotland, but when you need a night to top up electricity, I highly recommend the Rothiemurcus campsite . It’s one I’ll be returning to!

4) Enjoy Aviemore High Street

Aviemore’s high street has a great atmosphere and a friendly, chilled vibe. Whether you visit the outdoor adventure stores, the restaurants and pubs, or to buy a BBQ from Tesco’s to have by your van, there are lots of reasons to enjoy Aviemore high street.

If you’re someone who doesn’t want the night to end, head to The Vault for after-hours dancing. Even the Glaswegians say it’s a good place for a party!

5) Go skiing in the Cairngorms mountains

Booking a winter ski trip? Scotland might not be your first thought for skiing, but the Cairn Gorm Mountain is the UK’s most popular ski destination!  It’s close to Aviemore and is a popular ski resort.

You can do activities such as snowboarding, sledging, skiing, and even dog sledging.

If you’re a beginner skier, the Cairngorms Centre also offers gear hire and lessons. But if you’re more advanced, you can go off-piste and explore on your own.

6) Do a circular walk around Loch Morlich

As Loch Morlich is surrounded by forest and beaches, it’s a great place to spend a few hours walking and exploring the Cairngorms.

Most of the trails are flat and have the opportunity to go ‘off road’ and into the forest . If you’d rather stay on the path, the routes are all clearly marked with colours and are easy to follow.

Our walk around the loch took a couple of hours with lots of stop-offs on the way. It was also a good chance to get Drogo ( our drone ) out to film some of the surrounding landscape. If you have a drone, I’d highly recommend taking it!

7) Swim to an abandoned castle in Loch Eilein

Loch an Eilein (loch of the island) is known for its historic castle ruin situated at its centre.

Hundreds of tourists visit the loch every year for some wild swimming and a picnic by the side of the water – it was even voted the number one picnic spot in a Warburtons National Bread Week competition.

A short walk from the car park, you’ll find views of the castles and dramatic views to the pine trees and towering mountains.  

Even if you don’t swim right out to the castle, it’s a great place to cool off from the sun and enjoy the woodland scenery.

🗺️ If you’re going to be swimming in the sea or lochs, I’d recommend getting a Syncwire Waterproof Case . I’ve had mine for a few years and I’m able to swim underwater, take photos and videos and keep my belongings safe when I’m in the water!

8) Visit the UK’s only free-roaming reindeer herd

The Cairngorm Reindeer park is home to Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer. They roam the area as visitors can get up close to the friendly animals, which would be the ultimate Christmas card photo!

There are currently around 150 reindeer to see, and you’re more than likely to see them all year round (although it can be a bit of a walk to reach them).

The trip to see the reindeer lasts about 2 hours, and although you can’t feed them, you’ll have lots of fun seeing them up close and in their natural habitat!

Find out more about the reindeer visits and events that take place throughout the year here.

9) Find a spot to go wild camping

Wild camping should be high on your list if you’re planning a trip to Scotland. It’s one of the best things about taking a road trip there – just finding a spot and parking up for the night.

Sometimes we drove around for hours just looking and enjoying all the different secluded spots. 

There are a few wild camping spots in Aviemore, with my favourite being near Loch Morlich. There’s a small car park overlooking the loch which is only around £4 to park in, and it hosts several overnight sleepers. 

If you’d prefer someone a bit more isolated, drive around through the forest and find a layby or side street, making sure it’s safe to stop and stay overnight. Wild camping is one of the best things to do in Aviemore!

10) Get your adrenaline fix with watersports at Loch Morlich

If you want something to get your adrenaline pumping, hit up Loch Morlich to take part in some watersports. 

With the stunning backdrop of the peaks of the northern Cairngorms, you can take part in paddleboarding, kayaking, and surfing for a reasonable price. 

Book and check out the activities at Loch Morlich here !

Want to try River Tubing in the Cairngorms National Park?

Get more extreme from your trip with River Tubing . You will enjoy plenty thrills and spills on this river in the heart of the breath-taking Cairngorms National Park.

11) Drink a pint at The Pine Marten Bar + Scran

The Pine Marten Bar and Scran is a small Alpine-style bar at the foot of the Cairn Gorm mountain, in the heart of the national park. A short walking distance from Loch Morlich, we enjoyed a pint here after a long day of hiking through the Rothiemurcus forest.

It has a warm, friendly vibe and was a great spot after a long day of exploring!

Head to the bar on a weekend for live music, or stop off for a mid-week beer. The bar also has a shop attached for all of your grocery essentials.

12) Enjoy yourself at the breweries and distilleries

A rite of passage for visiting the highlands and Aviemore is to have a few drinks in the local breweries. 

The Cairngorms National Park is home to the Cairngorm Brewery and six distilleries: Dalwhinnie, Glenlivet, Tomintoul, Speyside, Balmenach, and Royal Lochnagar Distillery.

Check them out online before visiting as venues offer different services (learning about the making of the drinks, history and so on). It’s one of the best things to do in Aviemore!

🥃 Get to know Cairngorms National Park and try Scottish whisky on the journey from Inverness

13) Have fun at the Landmark Forest Adventure Park

Six miles north of Aviemore is the Landmark Forest Adventure Park, with attractions like rollercoasters, wild water slides, high rope trails, and the Skydrive. 

Not only will you enjoy man-made attractions, but the geographic variety of waterfalls, caverns, caves, and forests makes the park unique and interesting to walk around. 

14) Have breakfast in The Barn

The Barn in Aviemore is a cosy cafe and coffee shop supplying and serving all local produce. Decorated with rustic furniture and fairy lights, it’s a great stop-off on your Aviemore trip.

Whether you want to sit in or grab a coffee to go, The Barn serves everything from breakfast, daily specials, warming stews, soups and homemade cakes. Dogs are also welcome!

The Barn is currently open 7 days a week from 9.30am – 4.00pm . It can be located around a 15-minute walk from the Rothiemurcus campsite.

15) Hike the Cairngorm Mountain and Ben Macdui

If you’ve got your hiking boots , I recommend hiking Cairn Gorm Mountain and Ben Macdui. Ben Macdui is the second-highest mountain in Scotland, and this double hike means you’ll climb both Ben Macdui and the Cain Gorm!

Whilst it’s a high-altitude climb, it isn’t particularly strenuous and shouldn’t take longer than 5 or 6 hours.

There is also no scrambling on any part of the hike. You’ll first summit the Cairn Gorm mountain and then continue to summit the peak of Ben Macdui. It will be a long day, but the views at the top are worth it!

Grab my favourite Brasher walking boots here!

16) Take a dip in the green waters of Lochan Uaine

Also known as the ‘green lake’, Lochan Uaine (pronounced  oo-an-yi ) is known for it’s healing waters and serenity. It’s great for swimming, but can get cold in the winter months!

If you believe in legends, the locals often state the bright green colour comes from the fairies washing their clothes in the water.

Others, more sceptical, state it’s from the algae (which isn’t as fun). Regardless of what you believe, swimming in Lochan Uaine is one of the best activities in Aviemore.

17) Enjoy a local event in Aviemore

Many events take place in Aviemore each year, and depending on the time you visit, you might be able to take part in one!

From Halloween costume parties to visits from Santa Claus, be sure to check out the Aviemore annual events page for up-to-date information.

Where is Aviemore?

Aviemore is a town in the Cairngorms National Park, within the Scottish Highlands. It is 30 miles south of Inverness.

If you’re driving from Glasgow, it will take around 2.5 hours and 142 miles. Or, if you’re driving from Edinburgh, it’s around 2.5 hours and 130 miles.

Aviemore is one of the most beautiful places in the Cairngorms National Park, and in my opinion, the whole of Scotland.

It’s a popular tourist destination all year round, with cold winters perfect for skiing on the Cain Gorm mountain, to mild/warm summers swimming in the lochs, it’s a great place to visit at any time of year!

I’d highly recommend Aviemore if it’s your first trip to Scotland . It’s a great adventure base to have, and you can easily spend 4-5 days exploring.

Where to stay in Aviemore

There are many places to choose from when staying in Aviemore, and here are some of the best options for first-timers. Simply click on a link to be taken directly to the accommodation of your choice!

• Rothiemurcus Campsite : if you’re travelling Scotland by van or would like to pitch a tent, this is the best campsite in Aviemore! ➡ BOOK THIS CAMPSITE NOW!
• Aviemore Youth Hostel : for solo and budget backpackers in Aviemore. ➡ BOOK THIS HOSTEL NOW!
• Cairngorm Hotel: for couples looking for luxury in Aviemore. ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!
• High-Range Holiday Apartments: for those who prefer their own space in an apartment. ➡ BOOK THIS APARTMENT NOW!

How to get to Aviemore

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 GLASGOW TO AVIEMORE

Aviemore is around a 2.5-hour drive from the centre of Glasgow (approx 142 miles). There is also a train that runs direct from Glasgow to Aviemore which takes roughly the same amount of time. Prices start at around £8. 

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 EDINBURGH TO AVIEMORE

Aviemore is around a 2.5-hour drive from the centre of Edinburgh (approx 130 miles). The train takes a bit longer and lasts on average 3.5 hours. Prices are a bit steeper and can cost over £20.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 INVERNESS TO AVIEMORE

Flying direct to Inverness is the quickest way to get to Aviemore. It’s only around 40 minutes by car (approx 30 miles), and there’s a 40-minute train from the centre of town direct to Aviemore too. Aviemore is located in the country of Inverness.

Things to do in Aviemore FAQs

1) is aviemore worth visiting.

Yes, absolutely. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the Cairngorms National Park, and in the whole of Scotland. Aviemore is also a popular tourist destination all year round. With cold winters perfect for skiing on the Cain Gorm mountain, to mild summers around the lochs, it’s a great place to visit at any age!

I’d highly recommend Aviemore if it’s your first trip to Scotland . It’s a great base and you can easily spend 4-5 days exploring the Cairngorms, even if you’re on a backpacker’s budget. There are also so many things to do in Aviemore in summer, as well as the colder months!

🗺️ When we were travelling around Scotland, we used Take The Slow Road by Martin Dorey to help us decide on our next destination. If you’re looking for more recommendations of Scottish wonders, I also recommend this Scotland guide.

2) What do I need to pack for Aviemore?

Knowing what to pack for Aviemore is weather and season-dependent.  In summer (June-August), pack your light clothes but still bring a jacket. Temperatures will only rise to around 15°C, so some kind of layers are still needed.

Throughout the rest of the year, temperatures are fairly low, with January and February being the coldest, with a 2-3°C average. Being a popular ski destination, brave for the snow and frozen lochs!

If you’re topping up your packing list for Aviemore, I would recommend:

• A lightweight  waterproof jacket
• Hiking boots  (that won’t slip) – these are my favourites for any kind of weather
• An  umbrella
• A  waterproof day bag
• A  waterproof phone case  (which can also be used for  wild swimming  when it’s sunnier)
• A  portable charger
• Lots of layers
• A GoPro  for waterproof camera footage
• A  waterproof backpack cover
• A chilly bottle  to keep your water at a drinkable temperature
• A  Dry Robe , as it helps to keep you warm when entering and leaving the water (even if it’s raining!)
• As well as using bug  spray , we have midge  repellent wristbands .

3) What supermarkets and restaurants are in Aviemore?

Aviemore has a ‘main’ high street which is full of shops, restaurants, bars and supermarkets. You’ll find a big Tesco for all your food and camp dinner needs, and a Mountain Warehouse , and lots of other adventure shops for all your hiking needs. 

The Happy Haggis is your go-to for fish and chips in Aviemore, and you’ll also find pizzerias, a Subway, Smiffy’s chip shop, Coffee Corner, and the regular coffee stops like Starbucks. Our favourite bar was The Pin Marten Bar and Scran as it has a real ski-adventure feel and atmosphere!

The Old Bridge Inn is great for an authentic British pub experience. 

4) Can you go sledging in Aviemore?

Yes! If you’re heading to Aviemore in winter, Cairn Gorm Mountain is the most popular UK ski destination. The Cairngorm Mountain is close to Aviemore Centre and is a popular ski resort, with activities such as snowboarding, sledging, skiing, and even dog-sledging.

5) Do you need a car in Aviemore?

No, however, it is easier to travel around Aviemore with a car. But if you aren’t in a position to hire a car, there are other ways to get around. There are many bike rental shops such as Aviemore Bikes and In Your Element, which both have budget-friendly prices for day hire.

You can also get around Aviemore by foot (within reason). Depending on the location of your accommodation, Aviemore is easy to explore on foot through the woodlands and the high street. If you’re walking from the main high street to Rothiemurcus forest, it will take around 40 minutes.

You can also travel around Aviemore via public transport. There is a bus, but it can be quite slow and unreliable. Your best options are to walk, cycle, hire a car or grab a taxi.

Need to hire a car in Aviemore? I recommend this company for the cheapest car rental deals all over the world.

6) Is Rothiemurcus forest in Aviemore dog-friendly?

Yes, Rothiemurcus forest is dog-friendly. You will find many people taking their dogs for walks around the Lochs and in the forest.

More things to do in the Cairngorms and the Scottish Highlands

As the Cairngorms is one of the UK ’s largest national parks, the fun doesn’t stop at Aviemore. Although we didn’t have much time to explore a lot of the Cairngorms apart from Aviemore, there’s so much else to do in this beautiful area of Scotland.

If you’re planning a road trip through the Highlands (the NC500 or any other similar route), be sure to check out my detailed itinerary and route planner.

Best Things to Do in Aviemore: In a Nutshell

Well, if this blog post hasn’t convinced you to work Aviemore into your Scotland road trip , I don’t know what will. Aviemore is incredible, and there are so many things to do in there. I know it’s going to be somewhere I return to over and over again, year after year.

And hopefully, now you know what to do in Aviemore when you visit for the first time!

Have you got some other things to add to the best things to do in Aviemore? I’d love to hear! Let me know on Instagram or in the comments below!

Happy travelling!

Other Scotland posts:

• 7 Day Scotland Road Trip Route & Itinerary

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MEET THE AUTHOR!

Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.

If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).

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Aviemore iCentre

Aviemore iCentre is located in the centre of the village only 200 yards from the rail station and bus stop. Refurbished with a bright and open design in 2021, we pride ourselves on being the perfect starting point for your time in the Cairngorm National Park - or a convenient stop as part of your trip around Scotland and the Highlands. We offer Information, Gifts, Books and Maps as well as helping with your Accommodation, Transport and Travel enquiries. We also offer a Booking Service on behalf of Scottish Citylink Coaches. In addition to our in-person service, we are also happy to answer queries by telephone call and e-mail.

Reflecting the nature of the area around us, we take pride in helping you enjoy the great outdoors... although of course we're also here to help you find the perfect place to rest and recuperate form your exertions or just coorie (snuggle) up with a good book and a good drink! 

Whether you are looking for walking or cycling routes, tips on where local wildlife might be found or suggestions on where to eat and drink, we have a range of information and advice available through our dedicated team of Visitor Services Advisors.

In addition to our own local area, we'll also help you plan your onward travel to other areas of Scotland thanks to our professional and friendly staff who want to share their knowledge and enthusiasm to help you enjoy your trip. 

We can help with your accommodation, tours and boat trips as well as acting as a Booking Agent for Scottish Citylink Coaches. Our retail team have also created a fantastic retail range covering everything from amazing suppliers within the local area to essential maps and walking books. Whether it's a gift for someone back home or something to make the most of your own trip, we'll be happy to help you find it!

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The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

What's Nearby

Accommodation, attractions, food & drink, terms and conditions.

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 2.4 By road
• 3 Get around

Aviemore (Gaelic: An Aghaidh Mhòr ) is a town in the Spey Valley of Highland Scotland. It's the main base for skiing and other outdoor activities in Cairngorms National Park . It's the largest of a straggle of villages including Rothiemurcus and Coylumbridge, also described here, and in 2020 had a population of 3230.

Understand [ edit ]

The River Spey arises in the mountains near Fort Augustus and flows east, then its valley broadens and trends northeast. This more fertile area has been settled since prehistory, as shown by its Bronze Age stone circles. It became the main north-south route through Scotland, as you can follow the Tay / Tummel / Garry valley before crossing the moor to descend into the Spey valley, and in modern times the highway A9 and railway adopted this route. Speyside is higher and colder than the south - Aviemore itself is at 214 m (702 ft) elevation. Spring comes late, snow lingers on the summits, and the crags and birch woods feel Nordic in contrast to the douce banks of Tay. Beyond Aviemore the valley narrows again, to thread through forests towards the Moray coast.

Highland scenery became popular in the 19th century, and Queen Victoria was one of many visitors. However the big lift in tourist numbers came in the 1960s when ski lifts were built on the slopes of Ben Macdui 12 miles east, and a resort village within Aviemore. The ski area was small and unreliable and the resort was a brutalist monstrosity, but together they gave thousands of visitors their start in winter sports. Eventually more congenial buildings replaced the resort, and from 2001 a funicular railway supported the ski area. This suffered a serious breakdown in 2018, and repair was impractical during the covid years, but it re-opened (thanks to a hefty taxpayer bail-out) in 2023.

The ski area remains small, and cannot be extended without unacceptable damage to the Cairngorm mountain habitat. Its snow cover is becoming less reliable as climate change impacts, and it has long been recognised that Aviemore cannot make a living from winter sports alone. There is therefore a broader year-round offering of hill-walking, off-road biking, kayaking and rafting, orienteering, pony-trekking, wildlife-spotting and the like.

Aviemore iCentre is the tourist office, 100 yards north of the railway station, open April-Oct Tu-Sa 9:30AM-5PM. Staff are friendly and informative.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

Inverness ( INV  IATA ) is the closest airport, with connections across Europe and the UK. Edinburgh ( EDI  IATA ) is a longer drive but has far more flights, and that airport is west of the city so you drive straight out onto M90 then A9 north.

By train [ edit ]

Aviemore is on the main railway from Edinburgh and Glasgow, with trains every hour or two. These take 3 hours via Stirling , Perth , Dunkeld & Birnam , Pitlochry and Kingussie , and continue north to Carrbridge and Inverness .

Reaching Aviemore from England usually involves changing in Edinburgh, but one direct daytime train runs from London Kings Cross via York, Newcastle and Edinburgh, taking 7 hr 30 min.

Nightly F-Su the Caledonian Sleeper leaves London Euston around 9PM to reach Aviemore by 7:45AM, continuing to Inverness; return timings are similar.

See below for the heritage Strathspey Railway, which starts here. Other heritage trains sometimes run from the south through Aviemore to join the branch line to Boat of Garten.

By bus [ edit ]

Buses run every hour or so from Edinburgh and Glasgow taking 3 hours via Perth, and continue north to Inverness. The main operators are Citylink , Parks of Hamilton (booked via Citylink) and Megabus . In 2023 a single adult fare is £15-20. The bus stop is outside the Cairngorm Hotel by the railway station.

Travel from England involves changing in Edinburgh, and National Express don't venture this far north.

Change in Inverness for Citylink buses to Portree and Uig on Skye, and to Ullapool, for ferries to the Outer Hebrides.

By road [ edit ]

Aviemore is just off the A9, which runs north to Inverness and Thurso, and south to Perth, Stirling and Edinburgh. It's mostly undivided, with long sweeping blind bends, and impatient traffic building up behind slow drivers; overtaking accidents are common, with cries for full highway dualling renewed after each fatality.

Cyclists may use A9 throughout but will prefer to follow de-trunked loops of the former highway wherever possible. Aviemore is on one such loop, badged B9152. National Cycle Route 7 passes through Aviemore, running from Sunderland in England north to Inverness. That's nice to know but doesn't help over Drumochter Pass, where you have to share A9 (sometimes in poor visibility) with fast motor traffic.

Get around [ edit ]

Walk: Aviemore village straggles but is walkable. Rothiemurcus and Coylumbridge are within walking range (B970 has a sidewalk) but you need wheels to go further up to Loch Morlich and the Cairngorm. See "Do" for nearby walking trails.

Buses hereabouts are run by Stagecoach Highland . Some you might use are:

• Bus 30 from Aviemore via Coylumbridge and Glenmore to Cairngorm ski area: daily, hourly 7AM-5:30PM.
• Bus 39 from Carrbridge via Aviemore and Kingussie to Newtonmore: every two hours M-Sa. A couple continue to Dalwhinnie.
• Bus 37 from Aviemore via Boat of Garten and Nethy Bridge to Grantown-on-Spey : every two hours M-Sa with four on Sunday.
• Bus X37 from Inverness via Tomatin, Carrbridge, Dulnain Bridge, Grantown, Nethy Bridge and Boat of Garten; five buses M-F and three on Saturday.

Taxi firms in town are Aviemore Taxis (+44 1479 811111), Gerry's (+44 1479 812000), Weirs (+44 1479 810141) and Doc's (+44 7971 736599).

Highland Yaks (+44 7704 987325) specialise in activity transfers, for instance to put kayaks on the river at one point and uplift them at another.

See [ edit ]

• 57.2075 -3.8252 1 Aviemore Stone Circle sits incongruously amidst a housing estate: it's from the Bronze Age so it's about 5000 years old. The cairn within the stone circle has been grassed over for protection. This was a Clava-type annular burial chamber: cairns of this type were used once then sealed, without later burials or re-entry for ceremonies.
• 57.2175 -3.8107 2 Grenish Stone Circle is two miles north in the forest next to the main railway line and is best reached from the path by the Strathspey Railway. It's similar to the Aviemore circle but the ruins of its annular cairn have been left uncovered.
• 57.149 -3.822 3 Loch an Eilein is fringed by a path, a gentle 5-mile (8-km) circuit. In the woods are remains of old lime kilns and logging operations. However the main attraction is views of the ruined 14th-century castle on an islet; it could be reached by causeway until the loch water level was raised in the 18th century. In 1690 it saw the last action in Scotland of the original Jacobites, the forces of the ousted King James II / VII. Fleeing from a double drubbing at Cromdale, they tried to seize the castle but were repulsed by the stout widow who held it. The Hanoverians were hard on their heels so they scarpered, and it would fall to James' son the "Old Pretender" and grandson the "Young Pretender" (Bonnie Prince Charlie) to continue the cause. That was finally vanquished in 1746 at Culloden , to live on only in romanticising songs. The loch is reachable by a trail from Rothiemurchus. Bring a map or download an OpenStreetMap-based app like OsmAnd or Mapy.cz to help you navigate. Turn left just before Lochan Mor (the turn is slightly hard to spot, but if you miss it the other trail will also go to Loch An Eilein). You may see deer on the way, especially if you set off early before the other walkers have scared them away. It takes about an hour to walk to Loch An Eilein from Aviemore, and the loch is also reachable by car if you prefer. The circuit around the loch is popular with dog walkers and mountain bikers.
• Loch Gamhna is 200 yards (190 meters) south of Loch an Eilein and is somehow even more peaceful. You'll probably have it to yourself. Reach it by one of the side trails from Loch an Eilein that say "Path not maintained". In spring and summer, keep an eye out for ducks with ducklings.
• Ord Ban is a 400-m hill on the northwest flank of Loch An Eilein, another quieter (but muddy) trail. Compared to the path around the loch, this trail is much quieter, somewhat more challenging, and less maintained. The vegetation changes dramatically near the top of the hill, and the peak has views of the nearby landscape. If desired, this walk can be done in a loop that goes back to the loch. Wear long trousers because bare legs will attract ticks and midges.
• 57.1626 -3.7127 4 Loch Morlich is a freshwater lake just before the road begins its long climb to Cairngorm. It has a sandy beach and is used for watersports, see below, and there's an easy 4 mile walking trail around it.
• 57.167 -3.6912 5 Cairngorm Reindeer Centre , Glenmore PH22 1QU , ☏ +44 1479 861228 . Daily 10AM-5PM . Reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus ) roam free on the mountain tops, and may approach hikers for hand-outs, their great schnozzles searching like sticky hoover attachments. They especially expect to be fed on the hills around this Centre, which has guided walks two or three times a day. You need your own car to drive from the Centre to wherever the herd happens to be grazing. These walks are over rough boggy terrain: wellies or similar footwear is essential, and children should only join May-Dec when conditions are milder. A few reindeer stand in a paddock if you can't manage the walk or the weather's foul. Hill walk adult £22, conc £18.50, child £15 . ( updated Jul 2023 )
• 57.1572 -3.8578 6 Duke of Gordon's Monument is a tower in the woods commemorating George Gordon (1770-1836), Colonel-in-Chief of the Gordon Highlanders. His children were all illegitimate so the Dukedom died out with him. The tower was erected in 1840, as was his better-known commemorative tower at Elgin .
• 57.1535 -3.912 7 Delfour Stone Circle four miles southwest of town is of similar date and "Clava" design to the Aviemore ring but is a bit of a mess. Farmers have used it as a dumping ground for unwanted stones from the fields, so it's difficult to tell what's original circle or ring-cairn, and what's debris. It's on private land but you see enough from the lane.
• 57.1183 -3.9026 8 Frank Bruce Sculpture Park is in the woods at Feshiebridge eight miles southwest of Aviemore. A free trail takes you past gnarly sculptures, now in decay — it was always the intention to let them rot.

Do [ edit ]

• Strathspey Railway is a 10-mile heritage standard-gauge railway, often steam-hauled, with its south terminus at Aviemore Station Platform 3. The main collection of locomotives and rolling stock is at Boat of Garten, where you can also start your trip, but excursions from Aviemore make a long stop there. The train then chuffs on to Broomhill, where the line ends in the fields, so it reverses. Extension to Grantown is thwarted by the A85, which the council promised to re-align then baulked at the cost. Trains run Apr-Oct W-Su, with three round trips taking 1 hr 45 min. Return fares in 2023 are adult £19.50, conc £17.50, child £9.75, dog £3, meals extra.
• Speyside Way is a hiking and cycling trail alongside the heritage railway from Aviemore to Boat of Garten and Broomhill. Thereafter it follows the old trackbed northeast via Nethy Bridge and Grantown-on-Spey to the coast at Buckie.
• Lairig Ghru is a 19-mile (31-km) route through the Cairngorms from Coylumbridge to Linn of Dee above Braemar. You need transport set up at both ends; the first bus of the day to Coylumbridge is leaving it late to get through the pass before nightfall. It's heavy, boggy going, with snow and ice underfoot in winter. There are no bail-out options if you get cold and weary midway.
• Spey Valley Cinema is within Macdonald Resort Hotel.
• Golf: Spey Valley GC is on Dalfaber Drive next to Macdonald Spey Valley Resort Hotel, who run it. It's 7153 yards, par 72.
• 57.1882 -3.8535 1 Craigellachie is a simple hike direct from Aviemore. The trail starts by Old Bridge Inn and ascends west though birch forest past a couple of lochans up the steep slope.
• Mountain biking: lots of trails through the nearby forests.
• Beach: last thing you'd expect, but the east shore of Loch Morlich has a sandy beach (elevation 300 m), which gets busy on warm summer days. Below the sand is broken glass and occasional military remains from wartime, when this was a training area for Norwegian commandos.
• 57.1645 -3.6767 2 Glenmore Lodge , PH22 1QZ , ☏ +44 1479 861256 . Outdoor training centre above Loch Morlich offering residential courses for adults and youngsters. ( updated Jul 2023 )

• 57.1348 -3.6712 3 Cairngorm Mountain base is the end of the road and bus route from Aviemore, and base station for the mountain railway , which is closed for engineering works as of January 2024. The car park costs £4 per day. The railway is a funicular, with the "up" car counterbalancing the "down" car. An adult return costs £22. Outside ski season, all you can do is ride up to Ptarmigan restaurant at the top station, admire the view and overpriced merchandise, then ride back down. You may not go out onto the hill — to prevent damaging footfall on the Alpine habitat — or bring dogs. Hill walkers aiming for the heights must therefore trudge up the slope from the car park, but are permitted to ride down again.
• Skiing: the funicular is included in ski lift passes, and most skiers start by riding it up to Ptarmigan then branching for the three areas of Coire na Ciste, White Lady or Coire Cas. Day Lodge Poma is a short-cut from the base into Coire na Ciste. When conditions are good it's magic but the season is short and unreliable, with long queues for lifts at weekends or during school holidays.
• Cairngorm summit is at 1245 m (4084 ft), a "Munro" and the sixth highest mountain in Britain. Ascend the rocky hillside to see tinkling brooks, nesting birds, and staggering views of the surrounding mountains (as long as clouds aren't blocking the view). It's only half a mile south of the funicular top station, but walkers must ascend from the base station. The simplest and shortest route is Windy Ridge, straight up alongside the funicular, but it misses the best of the scenery — you might want to come down that way. North Corries is a longer route taking in the tops of corries or cwms at the head of glaciated valleys. Skiers have the easiest ascent as you can park your kit around Ptarmigan at 1080 m then stride out. Of course that takes you off-piste in clumsy ski boots, beyond help from the ski patrol if you had a mishap. On the peak you'll find a large cairn and an automated weather station. If you get to the peak and the view is hidden by clouds, never fear: they may dissipate in a few minutes, and if not, nearby side trails lead to lower vantage points with worthwhile views of their own.
• 57.0706 -3.6668 4 Ben Macdui is the highest of the Cairngorms, at 1309 m (4295 ft). Since 1847 it's been the second highest mountain in Britain, when the Ordnance Survey showed that Ben Nevis pipped it at 1345 m (4411 ft). The trail is 11 miles (17.5 km) and takes 6-8 hours. Start from the base car park swinging west of Windy Ridge; the route is obvious and involves nothing technical, but keep a wary eye on the weather. You return via Cairngorm summit and Windy Ridge. Queen Victoria ascended in 1859 from the east, by pony from Balmoral to Loch Etchachan then hiking the rest. Hiking Ben Macdui may be tricky if you don't have a car, as it will be hard to make it back to the ski centre in time for the last bus back to Aviemore.
• 57.1516 -3.9193 5 G2 Adventure Hub , Alvie Estate PH21 1NE ( 5 miles SW of town ), ☏ +44 1540 651784 . Daily 9AM-5PM . They run various summer and winter outdoor activities, the main attraction on site is their series of zip wires. ( updated Jul 2023 )
• See Cairngorms National Park for other activities further out.
• Highland Games: Aviemore doesn't host its own, see Kingussie for the Newtonmore Games in August.
• Thunder in the Glens is a Harley-Davidson motorbike rally held on the last weekend in August, based in Aviemore but with much gunning of bikes all around Speyside. The next is probably 28-30 Aug 2024, tbc.

Buy [ edit ]

• Tesco opposite the railway station is open M-Sa 7AM-10PM, Su 8AM-8PM.
• Aldi is a quarter mile north next to Winking Owl, open 8AM-10PM, Su 9AM-8PM.
• Pharmacy: Boots is in Myrtlefield Shopping Centre north of the station, open M-Sa 9AM-6PM.
• Sports gear and outdoor clothing shops along Grampian Rd are Blacks , Fat Face and Nevisport .
• Waterstones bookshop is in the mall opposite the station, open M-Sa 9AM-5:30PM, Su 11AM-5PM.

Eat [ edit ]

• La Taverna is a trattoria at 1 Grampian Rd, south end of the village at the Coylumbridge Rd junction. It's open Th-M 13:00-21:00.
• 57.1839 -3.8304 1 Old Bridge Inn , 23 Dalfaber Road PH22 1PU , ☏ +44 1479 811137 . Su-Th noon-11PM, F Sa noon-midnight . Traditional pub in a former gamekeeper's cottage with open fire in the evenings, live music, bar meals and restaurant. Has outdoor seating area facing the river during the summer. See Sleep for their bunkhouse. ( updated Jul 2023 )
• 57.1855 -3.83 2 Happy Haggis ( Harkai's ), 45 Grampian Road PH22 1PT , ☏ +44 1479 810430 . Daily noon-9PM . Takeaway serving fish and chips, haggis, burgers (and vegetarian versions of these); good range and quality of food. ( updated Jul 2023 )
• Tamanna is an Indian restaurant at 43 Grampian Rd next to Happy Haggis, open daily 4:30-11PM.
• Cairngorm Hotel opposite the station (see Sleep) serves non-residents daily from noon.
• Charcoal within the station block is sort-of Indian comfort food, open daily 1-9PM.
• Mambos is a fast-food sit-in cafe just outside the station, open daily 10AM-1AM.
• Smiffy's serves fish and chips just north of the station, open daily noon-9PM.
• Cheese and Tomatin is a pizzeria at 111 Grampian Rd just south of Skiing Doo. It's open Th-Tu noon-9PM.
• 57.1921 -3.8286 3 Skiing Doo , 9 Grampian Road PH22 1RH , ☏ +44 1479 810392 . Daily noon-8:30PM . Theme bar with grills, burgers and kid's menu. The name's a pun on the Highland dagger sgian-dubh , and the place is decorated with old signs, posters, skis and this 'n that. ( updated Jul 2023 )
• 57.193 -3.8297 4 The Winking Owl , 123 Grampian Road PH22 1RH , ☏ +44 1479 812368 . W Th Su noon-10PM, F Sa noon-1AM . Good bar food in this chalet-style pub in village centre. ( updated Jul 2023 )
• Aviemore Kebab and Burger at 118 Grampian Rd is open daily 1-10PM.

Drink [ edit ]

• Aviemore Inn is on the caravan park south end of the village.
• The Vault , Grampian Road PH22 1RH ( just north of station ). F-Sa 10:30PM-3AM . Drouthy night club. ( updated Jul 2023 )
• Cairngorm Brewery is on Dalfaber Drive near the Spey Valley Resort and golf course. No tours but they offer tasting sessions.
• Kinrara Distillery makes gin in a former milking shed at Lynwilg Farm a mile south of Aviemore. Tasting session £10.
• Whisky distilleries are further out: Speyside at Kingussie , Tomatin north of Carrbridge , and lots down the Spey valley around Grantown-on-Spey .

Sleep [ edit ]

• Aviemore Holiday Park south end of the village has static caravans and chalets but no tourer or camping pitches.
• 57.1842 -3.8328 1 Aviemore Youth Hostel , 25 Grampian Road PH22 1PR , ☏ +44 1479 810345 . Friendly well-run hostel open all year, with dorms and a few private rooms. Dorm bunk £28, rooms from £50 . ( updated Jul 2023 )
• 57.21 -3.8421 2 Oakwood Caravan & Camping Park , Granish PH22 1QD , ☏ +44 1479 258197 . Clean efficient campsite open all year, dog-friendly. Pitch £22, hook-up £27 . ( updated Jul 2023 )
• Old Bridge Bunkhouse is run by Old Bridge Inn next door, see Eat. Dorm bunks are £25 ppn.
• 57.196 -3.8295 3 Ravenscraig Guest House , 141 Grampian Road PH22 1RP ( On main street ), ☏ +44 1479 810278 , [email protected] . Great reviews for this small comfy B&B, all rooms are ensuite. B&B double £120 . ( updated Jul 2023 )
• Cairngorm Hotel , 77 Grampian Road PH22 1PE ( Opposite station ), ☏ +44 1479 810233 . Comfy trad hotel with good restaurant. B&B double £140 . ( updated Jul 2023 )
• 57.1825 -3.8324 4 Premier Inn , Grampian Road PH22 1PX , ☏ +44 871 527 8000 . Reliable budget chain. B&B double £120 . ( updated Jul 2023 )
• High Range , Grampian Road PH22 1PT ( opposite Premier Inn ), ☏ +44 1479 810636 . Spacious motel, self-catering lodges and caravan park. Double (room only) £90 . ( updated Jul 2023 )
• 57.1887 -3.8325 5 Macdonald Aviemore Resort , Highland Resort PH22 1PN , ☏ +44 344 879 9152 . Big boxy mid-range hotel in centre of village. Their activity centre is adjacent. B&B double £170 . ( updated Jul 2023 )
• Macdonald Highland Hotel is effectively a slightly cheaper extension of Aviemore Resort Hotel.
• 57.1984 -3.8161 6 Macdonald Spey Valley Resort , Dalfaber Drive PH22 1ST , ☏ +44 1479 811244 . Reasonably comfy resort hotel, but in need of refurbishment. B&B double £200 . ( updated Jul 2023 )
• 57.168 -3.6943 7 Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel , Glenmore PH22 1QY ( 8 miles east of town on road up Cairngorm ), ☏ +44 1479 861238 . Clean friendly hostel open Feb-Oct. Dorm bunk £24 . ( updated Jul 2023 )

Connect [ edit ]

As of July 2023, Aviemore has 4G from O2 and Vodafone, and 5G from EE and Three.

Go next [ edit ]

• Carrbridge is an alternative base for exploring this side of the Cairngorms.
• Grantown-on-Spey further down the valley is classic whisky-distilling country.
• Inverness is a pleasant Victorian town with lots of accommodation.
• North Coast 500 is a touring itinerary of north Scotland that begins and ends in Inverness.
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5 Days in Aviemore Travel Itinerary

I've been holidaying in Aviemore since I was about five years old. My dad was in the Royal Air Force, and they had a caravan used by service personnel on what is known today as the Aviemore Holiday Park on the west bank of the River Spey.

We had many great holidays in this caravan and enjoyed everything Aviemore had to offer at the time, from Santa Claus Land, the swimming pool and the ice rink to feeding fish at the nearby fish farm. I have great memories of this town amongst the majesty of the Cairngorm Mountains; there was magic in the air.

Today, we still visit Aviemore two or three times per year with my wife and three daughters; we have explored many places in this area and feel qualified to write this travel itinerary on the Aviemore area.

Where is Aviemore?

What's the best way to get to aviemore, explore the shops in aviemore, spey valley shopping centre, scandinavian village, quad bike treks, loch an eilein, eat at the cairngorm hotel, loch morlich, cairngorm reindeer centre, the green loch, cairngorm mountain upper car park, highland wildlife park, highland folk museum, ruthven barracks.

Alvie Forest Food

Aviemore Kart Raceway

Loch garten, additional activities in and around aviemore, faqs on travelling near aviemore, key information on the aviemore travel itinerary.

Aviemore is a town located in the Scottish Highlands within the Cairngorms National Park. It's situated in the Badenoch and Strathspey region of Scotland. Aviemore is renowned for its stunning landscapes, outdoor recreational activities, and as a gateway to the Cairngorm Mountains.

It's easily accessible by road and rail, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. Whether for skiing and snowboarding in the winter or hiking and mountain biking in the warmer months, Aviemore is a year-round destination.

If travelling from the central belt of Scotland, the best way is by bus, car or train.

From Edinburgh, it's easy to get to Aviemore by travelling north to Perth; the A9 motorway directly passes Aviemore. It should take about 2 hours and 50 minutes to reach Aviemore.

Aviemore Train Station is in the centre of the town. You can catch a train from Edinburgh for around £16.30 per person, which will take about three hours. Check times and prices on the  ScotRail website ; booking long in advance is usually much cheaper.

The cheapest way to get to Aviemore is by  Megabus from Edinburgh . The trip will cost between £8 and £12 per person and take 3-3.5 hours.

If you're coming from the north, following the south A9 from Inverness or A95 from Moray is your best bet.

Day 1 - Arriving in Aviemore

So you're in Aviemore; welcome to one of my favourite places in Scotland. Look at those mountains!

If you arrive in the morning, why not start your day with breakfast at  Cobbs Cafe ? Located on the main shopping street on Grampian Road, Cobbs is my favourite place for breakfast in Aviemore. Go for the full-cooked breakfast!

Directions to Cobbs Cafe .

The high street in Aviemore has much to offer; there are many nice cafes, gift shops and mountain wear shops. Mountain Warehouse often has great deals on hats, scarves and cosy coats; it's also perfect for buying camping gear if you decide to  camp in Aviemore .

A brilliant shop for kids is "Young's Auld Sweetie Shop", packed full of sweet treats from Scotland and worldwide. They also stock rarer sweeties you may have had in the 80s and 90s. My daughter loves buying Takis crisps here, but I can't stand them!

Across from the main high street (Grampian Road), you can find another shopping area containing an ALDI and Home Bargains. These shops are likely the cheapest places to buy food in Aviemore, so stock up here if you are self-catering.

Located just off Grampian Road, behind the Cairngorm Hotel, you can find the Macdonald Aviemore Resort. This building is an all-in-one shopping centre, hotel and cafe. The products here are expensive; for example, the Barbour jackets are hundreds of pounds! Spey Valley Shopping Centre is a great place to kill some time before you can check into your accommodation.

Scandinavian Village  is my favourite place to stay in Aviemore. It's perfect for a 7-night stay and is located centrally, near supermarkets and all the town's best restaurants.

Two accommodation types are available: Villas for 6-8 people and Apartments for 4. Both types have self-catering facilities with a fridge, hob/oven and every kitchen utensil you need.

It's a popular place, so  book in advance via their website .

Day 2 - Outdoor Activities

Aviemore is one of the busiest outdoor hubs in Scotland, so let's do some outdoor activities today! Head south from Aviemore and turn left down the B970; our first destination is the Rothiemurchus Forest.

Treezone is an excellent activity for all the family, as long as you are not terrified of heights! Located just before the Rothiemurchus Centre,  Treezone  offers an aerial adventure course high up in the tall pines.

Two courses are available at Treezone, an easy lower one and a more difficult higher one. It's very safe as you always wear a safety harness, which is attached to a safety wire. Once you have traversed both courses, the final part ends with a zip line to the finish. Spectators can watch from below the course if you don't feel quite brave enough!

Plan for about 1.5 hours at Treezone. Costs when we visited were £33 for adults and £25 for children.

Directions to Treezone .

Continuing our adrenaline-filled day, a  quad bike trek  through the Rothiemurchus Estate is so much fun! Located a short distance from Treezone, just outside the Rothiemurchus Centre, you can find "Rothiemurchus Quad Bike Treks".

The trek begins with kitting you out with safety gear and then a short primer on operating the quad bike while doing a few small laps. After that, the instructor takes you through a quad bike trail, taking in sections of the Rothiemurchus Forest and estate. You will meet  friendly Highland cows  and traverse hills and muddy paths before finally driving directly up a flowing stream to the end of the course.

The trek takes about 1 hour and costs about £57 each... quite expensive, but it's so much fun!

Directions to the Rothirmurchus Centre .

Let's finish the day with a relaxing walk around one of the most beautiful lochs in the area - Loch An Eilein. From the Rothiemurchus Centre, travel south-east on the B970. Look out for  this left turn  to the loch. Stay on this road, following the signs until you arrive at the dedicated car park.

It does cost to park here, fees are taken at the small kiosk, it cost us £4.50 on our last visit.

A short walk takes you to this spectacular beauty spot lined with mixed forest of the ancient Caledonian forest. It's possible to walk the entire perimeter of the loch or just a small section if you wish. A significant point of interest on this loch is the island castle, once a stronghold of the infamous Wolf of Badenoch, responsible for burning most of Forres and Elgin; the grand  Elgin Cathedral  was targeted in particular.

Loch an Eilein  is also a brilliant place to take kayaks; you can really get a close look at the castle as it is not accessible from the shore.

Directions to Loch an Eilein .

After all these outdoor activities, you must have worked up quite a hunger! Consider heading back to Aviemore for an evening meal at the Cairngorm Hotel. They don't take bookings, so head on in, and you will be seated if there is space.

My favourite meals here are the Cairngorm burger and the chicken stuffed with haggis with peppercorn sauce! For starters, try the haggis bonbons!

Day 3 - East of Aviemore

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Aviemore is  Loch Morlich , found some distance to the east by following the B970 out of Aviemore.

This loch is within an utterly breathtaking setting at the foot of the Cairngorm mountains. Unusual for a Scottish loch, its east bank is a long golden beach, ideal for water sports or just relaxing on its soft sands.

It's possible to hire water sports equipment from the nearby hut, which also has a cafe. If you don't fancy getting wet, there are lovely lochside walking trails to explore, a play park or a wee dram at The Pine Marten Bar.

Directions to Loch Morlich .

Believe it or not, the Cairngorms have their own  Reindeer herd  roaming the hills. Reindeer were once a common sight in Scotland around 800 years ago but were hunted to extinction. The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is currently the only free-roaming herd in Scotland.

Leaving Loch Morloch, turn right onto the motorway heading east, and pass the Glenmore Visitor Centre until you see  cars parked on either side of the road . You can park here, then walk up to what looks like a house.

You have two options: visit the reindeer who are resident at the centre, or you can opt for a hill trip to see the free-roaming herd.

Paddock visits cost £4.00 for adults and £3.00 for children. The hill trips are more expensive at £22 per adult and £15 per child.

Directions to Cairngorm Reindeer Centre .

Our final destination for the day is the Green Loch (also called  An Lochan Uaine ), unsurprisingly named for its unusual deep green hue caused by the reflection of pine trees and algae in the water.

I would recommend staying in your parking spot at Cairngorm Reindeer Centre and walking via the northeast path to the loch; the parking opportunities are fairly limited. If you're not a strong walker, you might be able to park at Glenmore Lodge, further up the track.

Follow  this track  past the Reindeer Centre to reach the access gate for the walk to the Green Loch.

On foot, you are looking at a 40-minute walk over 1.8 miles, one way, to reach the loch. If you can park at Glenmore Lodge, this will take the walk down to 27 minutes over 1.2 miles.

Directions to the Green Loch .

This might sound like an odd choice of destination, but if you drive up to the snowsports centre car park, you get one of the best views around. Looking back towards Aviemore, you can see Loch Morlich and a vast carpet of forest as far as the eye can see. It's a great way to end your day east of Aviemore.

Directions to Cairngorm Mountain Car Park .

Day 4 - South of Aviemore

Today, we will explore south of Aviemore. Again, leave via Grampian Road heading south, but this time go straight ahead on the roundabout, following the B9152.

It should take you about 20 minutes by car to reach Highland Wildlife Park, one of the best zoos in Scotland. Not only can you see species native to Scotland, but there are also some very rare animals here, including polar bears!

The park is split into two sections: a safari-like drive-through area and a walk-through area with animal enclosures. The area on foot has loads of facilities, including toilets, cafes and gift shops.

You could easily spend a day at Highland Wildlife Park, and you should, as it's fairly expensive to visit at £19 for adults and £14.25 for children. This zoo is highly recommended for your itinerary when visiting Aviemore.

Directions to Highland Wildlife Park .

It's unlikely you will find time to do both Highland Wildlife Park and Highland Folk Museum in one day, but I will add this as an alternative location if you want to squeeze it in or visit another day.

Turn right from Highland Folk Museum back onto the B9152, travel southwest, going through Kingussie and then on to Newtonmore. Look for this left turn to  Highland Folk Museum . There are car parks to the left and right which cost £2 per car. The museum itself is free to visit, but donations are accepted.

Highland Folk Museum  is a large open-air museum with many buildings from Scotland's history, from the 1700s onwards. The park is about 1.5 miles long and contains stone huts with thatched roofs, a school building, post offices, an old sweetie shop and many other attractions. There is also a play park, cafe and gift shop.

The biggest draw is the "Baile Gean - 1700s township", a collection of buildings as they existed in the 1700s. This town was featured in season 1 of the popular TV show Outlander.

Directions to Highland Folk Museum .

A visit to Ruthven Barracks is ideal before or after Highland Wildlife Park or Highland Folk Museum; it is close to both and doesn't take long to visit.

If you're at Highland Folk Museum, travel back towards Aviemore to Kingussie, then take  this right turn  to Ruthven Barracks. Stay on this road; you will cross a single-track bridge over the River Spey. Keep your eyes open over the barracks on your left. There is a  medium-sized car park  just next to the access point for the ruin.

Built upon the site of an ancient castle, Ruthven Barracks was built in 1719 to garrison soldiers and police the area against Jacobite uprisings. It's possible to access the interior of the ruin and the stables at the rear of the structure. There are often friendly Highland cows that roam outside the ruin too.

It doesn't cost anything to visit  Ruthven Barracks , and you can be in and out within half an hour, but it's an interesting place to visit and gives 360° panoramic countryside views.

Directions to Ruthven Barracks .

Hungry after your day of activities? My favourite place to eat near Aviemore is  Alvie Forest Food , and you can go there on your way back to Aviemore. You can find it at the entrance to the Dalraddy Holiday Park on the B9152.

This isn't a restaurant but a food hut serving the holiday park. All the food here is sourced from the local estate; my favourite dish is the brisket-loaded fries!

Directions to Alvie Forest Food .

Day 5 - North of Aviemore

Let's look to the north of Aviemore for today's activities.

Aviemore Kart Raceway  is the place for you if you like racing go-karts. Leaving Aviemore, travelling north on the B9152, not far past Oakwood Caravan Park, you will see a  right turn  with a large sign for the raceway.

The purpose-built track is long and complex, ideal for racing shenanigans with your family. Young children need not feel left out as two-seater tandem carts are available so they can join in the fun too.

Time slots are purchased in 10-minute blocks; ages 8-13 cost £12 and 13+ £14 for each 10-minute block.

Directions to Aviemore Kart Raceway .

After you have claimed pole position racing go-karts, why not relax a little by taking a leisurely walk around  Loch Vaa , one of Aviemore's less advertised lochs?

Turn right back onto the B9152 and connect with the A95 travelling directly ahead (don't turn left to Perth). Continue along the A95 until the road goes below a  railway bridge ; the  next right  is where we stop - Laggantygown Cemetery car park.

Something to keep in mind is if there is a funeral happening and the car park is very busy, it might be better to skip Loch Vaa on this occasion.

Parking at the left side of the car park, climb the small hill to the northeast; from the top, you will see Loch Vaa. Follow the hill northwards until you can connect to the path that will take you around this serene and relaxing location. Note the mound of rocks in the middle of the water; this is the remains of an ancient Crannog.

Directions to Loch Vaa .

I hope you're not bored of lochs yet, as there is another worth visiting north of Aviemore -  Loch Garten  - and it might just be the most beautiful one yet!

Return to the A95 from the Laggantygown Cemetery car park by turning right. Follow the A95 for 6 miles and look for this  right turn  to Boat of Garten.

From Boat of Garten, take  this left , then  left again  following the sign for Loch Garten. Finally, take this  right turn  to reach the loch. You can park for the loch in two places: a small  forested car park  or further on at the  north end  of the Loch.

The photo below was taken on a cool winter morning. Loch Garten is breathtaking; who needs Loch Ness?

Directions to Loch Garten .

A short distance north of Loch Garten is  Castle Roy , which has recently opened to visitors for the first time ever! Either follow the road you're on to Nethy Bridge or retrace your steps back to the B970 and turn right to Nethy Bridge. Pass through the town on the B970; you will see the castle on your left as you leave. Murdo, the Highland cow, will greet you at the car park.

It might not be your most amazing castle design, but the walls are impressively thick, and the views of the Cairngorm Mountains from the castle battlements are spectacular. A handy information board points out all of the mountain features. It's possible to ascend one corner of the castle via a stair, and plenty of picnic tables are onsite.

Directions to Castle Roy .

I couldn't fit everything into five days! So here are some additional suggestions for your trip to Aviemore:

Landmark Forest Adventure Park  - This is a great theme park, especially if you have kids; the only downside is it's very expensive, particularly in the summer. For my family of five, it would cost £169 to visit. If money is no object, then there is so much to do here: huge climbing frames, rock climbing, water slides, roller coasters, a butterfly hut, animatronic dinosaurs, a tree-top trail and my favourite area, the bamboozeleum, which is full of optical illusions. Bring a picnic to save on expensive park food.

Directions to Landmark .

Pony Trekking  - The Rothiemurchus Centre, as mentioned above for quad biking, also offers pony trekking. It costs £20-40 per person and can be booked on the  Rothiemurchus website .

Craigellachie Circular Walk  - This walk starts on the south side of Aviemore and takes you up into the hills on the west side of Aviemore. Initially a forest walk, you will reach the top of the hill and see a panoramic view of Aviemore, the Rothiemurchus Forest and Glenmore Forest Park.

Directions to Craigellachie Walk .

Gorge Walking  - My brother and nephew went  gorge walking with G2 Outdoor , based just south of Aviemore. They loved the mixture of rock scrambling, plunge pools and water slides. Even though the water is freezing in Scotland, you are kitted out with special wet suits, harnesses and helmets: a more adventurous option but lots of fun.

Funicular Railway  - The Cairngorm Mountain Railway is part of the snowsports centre on the Cairngorm Mountain; it's basically a railway carriage that takes you to the upper area of the ski centre. Even if you don't intend to do any snow sports, a trip up the funicular railway can be fun; there's a cafe at the top and spectacular views.  Check their website  before you visit, as it can be out of order regularly.

It's fairly expensive at £22 per adult and £12.50 for children.

The Fun House  - Part of the Coylumbridge Hotel facilities, the  Fun House  is a large indoor soft playframe, ideal for kids 12 or under. The centre also offers arcades, crazy golf and an American diner cafe. You don't need to be staying at the hotel to use it.

£6.50 for children five and over.

Directions to the Fun House .

Strathspey Cinema  - In central Aviemore, within the Macdonald Aviemore Resort, there is a cinema often showing the latest films. I like this cinema because it's huge with plenty of seating. In the holiday season, there is often a pantomime too, ideal for small children.

Ice Skating  - As I mentioned in my intro, Aviemore used to have a fantastic ice rink near the Macdonald Resort. Sadly, it closed in the 1990s, leaving Aviemore without an ice rink for over 20 years. Thankfully, Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust launched a campaign in 2021 to build a new ice rink and successfully opened a marquee-covered facility in October of that year.

The group are raising funds to build a sport-sized iced rink building in Aviemore. It's a little cheaper to book in advance; walk-in prices are £15 per adult, £13 per child and £50 for a family ticket.

The ice rink can be found just off the  Macdonald Resort car park , near their coach parking area.

Wild camping & Wild Swimming  - There's nothing to stop you from wild camping in the Aviemore area. park rangers prefer you to use the designated camping areas though, and fires are banned in most places to protect the forests. Wild swimming can be a fun activity, but the water in Scotland is very cold at all times of year, and people have died from cold water shock from jumping into lochs.

Snowsports in Aviemore

I haven't been skiing or snowboarding at the Cairngorm Mountain Snowsports Centre. Snowsports in Aviemore depend greatly on how much snow has fallen on the hills; sometimes, the season doesn't get going until December and only lasts until April. The end of January is considered the time for the highest chance of snowfall; in particularly warm years, the snowsport window can be very small.

The Cairngorm Mountain Snowsports Centre has a lot to offer the budding skier or snowboarder:

30km of pisted runs

12 surface lifts

Freestyle terrain

On-site equipment rental

Directions to Cairngorm Mountain Snowsports Centre .

Here are some frequently asked questions about travelling in Aviemore.

Is Aviemore Scotland worth visiting?

Yes, Aviemore is one of my top three places to visit in Scotland. Here are a few reasons why it's worth visiting:

Natural Beauty:  Aviemore is set within the Cairngorms National Park, one of the UK's most spectacular and pristine natural areas. The landscapes here range from dense forests and serene lochs to rugged mountain peaks.

Outdoor Activities:  Depending on the season, Aviemore offers a plethora of outdoor activities:

Winter:  It's a hub for winter sports, especially skiing and snowboarding.

Summer:  Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and water sports on the lochs are popular.

Wildlife:  The region is home to a diverse range of wildlife. The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, for instance, lets visitors meet and learn about Britain's only free-ranging herd of reindeer. Birdwatchers can also spot rare species like the osprey.

Cultural and Historical Sites:  The nearby Highland Folk Museum offers insights into Highland life from the 1700s to the 1960s. The Strathspey Steam Railway provides a nostalgic journey on a vintage train.

Family-Friendly:  There are numerous family activities, from treetop adventures at TreeZone Aviemore to fun days at the beach of Loch Morlich.

How do you travel around Aviemore?

Car is the easiest way to travel around Aviemore, but regular buses can be taken from the town centre near the railway station.

If you're an avid cycler, many places can be accessed via some mid-ranged cycle routes; for example, you could cycle from Aviemore to Loch Morlich.

Where is the best place to stay in Aviemore?

Scandinavian Village  on the west side of town is hard to beat for week-long stays. It's the cheapest place to stay for seven nights and is located close to the town centre and two major supermarkets - ALDI and Tesco. The largest accommodation at Scandinavian Village can easily accommodate eight people if two sleep in the lounge, and the kitchen is well stocked with utensils for self-catering. There's even a washer and drier so you can pack light and wash your clothes.

For single nights, the new Premier Inn on the south side of town is hard to beat for value. If you book months in advance, you can stay for around £50 per night.

For weekend stays with a touch more character, consider the  Cairngorm Hotel on Grampian Road , directly opposite Aviemore Train Station. The rooms are better decorated, and the food here is lovely.

Where are the best places to eat in Aviemore?

You are spoilt for choice in Aviemore; there are so many lovely places to eat. Here's my top list of places to eat in and around Aviemore:

Cairngorm Hotel

The Winking Owl

The Balavoulin

Smiffy's Fish & Chips

Cheese and Tomatin

The Old Bridge Inn (Dog friendly)

Most evening restaurants require booking a table in the summer; walk-ins generally don't work. Aviemore is quieter in the winter, so you're more likely to get a table without booking.

Do you need a car in Aviemore?

It depends on what you would like to do. If you want to stay in central Aviemore, a car is unnecessary. You can still access many great restaurants, the cinema, the ice rink, the play parks and the swimming pool without leaving the town's boundaries. It isn't too far to walk to Rothiemurchus, with all that it offers.

If you want to explore the many lochs, forest trails, snow sports or zip lines , a car is a must.

Should I stay in Aviemore or Inverness?

For activities in the Aviemore area, then staying in Aviemore is recommended. You will get the most out of your day without travelling from Inverness; this is vital if you visit in winter to make the most of the available daylight hours.

Are midges a problem in Aviemore?

Generally, we haven't been bothered with midges too much on past visits to Aviemore. Check my  Midge Survival Guide  if you're worried about this annoying biting insect!  Ticks can be a problem  walking in the forest, especially if you have dogs.

Aviemore is a small Scottish town in the Highlands of Scotland.

Aviemore is more tailored towards outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, watersports, and snowsports during winter months.

Scandinavian Village is recommended for week-long stays, and Premier Inn and Cairgorm Hotel for shorter stays.

Aviemore is much quieter in winter but will be very cold with potential snowfall.

Inverness is the nearest city to Aviemore; it takes about 36 minutes to drive there via the A9.

Aviemore has a special magic for me, and I hope this guide will let you experience a little bit of it too! Your wee Scottish adventure can be continued by travelling onwards to  Inverness , northeast to  Moray  or west to  Fort William .

All information was correct at the time of writing, please check things like entry costs and opening times before you arrive.

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The best things to do in Aviemore, Scotland

Updated On 16th April, 2022

Aviemore is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Scotland , it’s even a strong contender for the best places to visit in the UK. If you’re looking for things to do in Aviemore or things to do in Cairngorms National Park , you’re in the right place!

Aviemore is the main town in Cairngorms National Park , the largest of the UK National Parks and home to 4 out of Britain’s 5 highest mountains. Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, Aviemore is famous for its stunning lochs, walking in the Cairngorm Mountains, as well as skiing and winter sports. Aviemore is one of those destinations that you can explore year-round because of the diversity of the acitvities on offer here; there’s plenty to do in Aviemore in summer, in Aviemore in winter and in Aviemore when it’s raining. 

From hiking or skiing in the Cairngorm Mountains to exploring Loch Morlich, to wild camping and lochside picnics, or walking through the Rothiemurchus Forest or taking the Strathspey Steam Railway, there are so many things to do in Aviemore, you’ll have a hard time deciding what to put on your Scotland bucket list !

From going on challenging day hikes to trying water sports, from wild camping in Scotland under the dark skies to exploring some of the lochs near Aviemore, my time in Scotland has been nothing short of adventurous! In this Aviemore travel guide I am going to share with you the best things to do in Aviemore, the best places to visit in Aviemore, the best places to stay in Aviemore, what to see in Aviemore and my favourite adventures so far. Get your pen and paper ready to create the ultimate Scotland bucket list!

Looking to plan the ultimate  Scotland road trip?  Why not do what I did, and combine your trip to Aviemore with a trip to  Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park ,  Cairngorms National Park , the  Isle of Skye  and the NC500?

Other blog posts you might be interested in…

• Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park: my guide and the best things to do
• Cairngorms National Park: my guide and the best things to do
• Which UK National Park should you visit next?
• The best places to visit in Scotland
• The best walks and hikes in Scotland
• How to plan your Scotland road trip
• The best things to do on the Isle of Skye
• The best places to visit in the UK
• How to plan your UK road trip

Scotland Google Map Legend

With this Google Map, you can have all my tips and recommendations at the touch of your fingertips. These are all the things I wish I knew and spent a lot of time researching before my 4-week adventure.  This Google Map Legend includes:

• Best walks, hikes, viewpoints, beaches and activities
• Lochs and waterfalls to visit
• Road trip tips (campsites, laundrettes, lunch spots)
• My favourite places for coffee, brunch and dinner
• Things you must add to your bucket list!
• Travel guide links within each location

The best things to do in Aviemore...

1. go walking in the rothiemurchus forest..

Scotland is home to some stunning areas of nature, and woodland is certainly something that is aplenty in the Cairngorms National Park. The Rothiemurchus Forest is what is left of the Caledonian Forest in the Cairngorms. There are plenty of walking trails here for those of you who are looking to hug a tree and spend a bit of time in the fresh forest air. 

As well as being one of the best places for walking in the Cairngorms, Rothimurchus is home to a wealth of outdoor activities! Whether you want to try pony trekking, quad biking, wildlife watching or river sports such as tubing, rafting or kayaking, some of the best things to do in Aviemore can be found in the Rothiemurchus Forest. 

See all the best walks and hikes in Scotland here. 

2. Go skiing on the Cairngorms Mountains.

Cairngorms National Park is a winter wonderland for those of you who enjoy skiing or other winter sports. The park gives you the opportunity to try loads of snow activities which include skiing, snowboarding, sledging, and even dogsledding.

While you might not think of the UK as a key skiing destination, one of the most popular things to do in Aviemore in winter is to hit the slopes. More people come skiing in Cairngorms National Park than anywhere else in the UK.

The Cairngorms Mountains are one of the best places to go skiing in Scotland and this is one of the must do things in Aviemore! The centre offers ski gear hire and ski lessons if you need it. If you’re an experienced skiier there are also opportunities to go off-piste or go cross-country skiing in the National Park. 

Check out my skiing packing list here.

3. Take the Strathspey Steam Railway.

The Strathspey steam railway has been running in the Scottish Highlands for over 40 years. One of the best things to do in Aviemore is to travel back in time to an era when steam whistles blew, carriage doors slammed shut and there was a familiar click-clack, rhythm of the rails, as the train travels along the track.

Trains depart from Aviemore, in the heart of the Cairngorm mountains. The train takes you past heather-clad moors and woodland travelling parallel with the Speyside way, arriving at Boat of Garten and Broomhill. 

4. Explore the abandoned castle in Loch an Eilein.

Hidden in the forest of Rothiemurchus, this beautiful castle is one of the most loved in the UK and one of the best places to visit in Scotland .

Loch an Eilein, the loch of the island, is home to an island castle ruin and surrounded by a beautiful forest and hills, is one of the best places to visit in Aviemore. Expect dramatic views as you want from the car park and then enjoy some of the low level paths, which form part of the Rothiemurchus network of trails and will take you all around the loch. In fact, Loch an Eilein is one of the best places to go walking in Scotland if you’re looking for something more gentle than a mountain hike!

After you’ve explored the area around the loch at your own pace, don’t forget to take a dip in the water and swim out to the castle island if you want. 

5. Go wild camping in Aviemore.

If you love the solitude of a ‘wild camping’ experience and a night under the stars, there are plenty of great places to go wild camping in Aviemore. As part of Scotland’s access legislation, the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, you are allowed to camp on most unenclosed land. This type of camping is lightweight, done in small numbers and only for two or three nights in any one place.

One of the best things to do in Aviemore is to find a quiet space away from roads and attractions, pitch up a tent, and enjoy being at one with nature. Note that the rules are different if you want to camp with a campervan – you should have permission to park or a permit. Having said that, wild camping with a campervan in Scotland is often tolerated if you stay away from main roads and attractions, and respect the area you are in.  See more about responsible van life here. 

Get the ultimate camping packing checklist here. 

Alternatively, if you don’t want to go camping in Aviemore, there are loads of cool Airbnbs overlooking the lochs!  Check out the best airbnbs in the UK here. 

6. Indulge in local produce at The Barn.

The Barn is a dog-friendly, family-friendly cafe and takeaway opposite Rothiemurchus Farm Shop, within easy distance of Aviemore. Their passions include sustainability, ethical farming and low food miles. One of the best things to do in Aviemore is to take a morning or afternoon before or after exploring the Rothiemurchus Estate to enjoy a tasty breakfast or lunch at The Barn. They are open 7 days a week from 10am-4pm.

7. Enjoy lochside fish and chips from The Happy Haggis.

If you’re looking for the best fish and chips in Aviemore, don’t miss out on The Happy Haggis! We got ours to takeaway to enjoy by the loch. The food is not only excellent but also affordable, the fish is sourced sustainably, and they also have a range of veggie options, including veggie haggis! 

8. Go cycling in Aviemore.

If you enjoy cycling, one of the best things to do in Aviemore is to rent a bike and enjoy the cycle paths. Whether you want to cycle along the quiet village roads and stop for a cup of tea, or to enjoy a full day cycling through the countryside, Aviemore offers something for every avid cyclist. Popular places for cycling in Aviemore include round Loch Morlich, through the Rothiemurchus Estate, Glenmore Forest Park or out to Carrbridge or Fort Augustus.

If you want to rent bikes in Aviemore, check out Aviemore Bikes or In Your Element Bike Hire. My top tip would be to book your bike online to reserve it when it’s busy!

9. Visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre.

The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is Britain’s only free-ranging herd of approximately 150 reindeer found in the Cairngorm Mountains and on the Glenlivet Estate in Scotland. The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd have been roaming freely since 1952, and one of the best things to do in Aviemore is to go and say hello! The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre is open daily and they run a daily guided Hill trip to go and see the reindeer. The whole trip usually lasts around 1.5 – 2 hours, depending on the reindeer and the weather, and costs £18.50.

10. Enjoy a day hike up Cairngorm Mountain and Ben Macdui.

Why hike one mountain when you can hike two?! Ascend up Cairngorm Mountain and then take the plateau across to Ben Macdui on this 18km day hike. It’s challenging, but one of the best things to do in Aviemore is to take in the views from Ben Macdui, this second highest mountain in Britain. The loop trail is a little scrambly in places and should take about 6 hours, including time to stop for lunch. 

See all my hiking top tips here.  

11. Experience the healing waters of Lochan Uaine.

An Lochan Uaine, the ‘green loch’, is one of the most beautiful lochs in Aviemore. Lochan Uaine is a great spot for relaxing, wild swimming (the waters are said to be healing) and has some of Scotland’s best scenery, including the mountain ‘Angel’s Peak’. The green water in the loch is most probably caused by reflected light from the pine trees that line the lake side, although local legend has it that it is that colour because pixies wash their clothes in it.

12. Get an adrenaline rush from outdoor activities in Aviemore.

One of the top things to do in Aviemore is to make the most of the outdoors and enjoy one of the many outdoors activities in Aviemore. There are many companies that offer active adventures in Cairngorms National Park, and one of the ones based near Aviemore is Craggan Outdoors, who offer low-impact activities as well as more energetic, adrenaline-inducing options! From climbing to gorge walking, kayaking to pony trekking, there are so many fun things to do in Aviemore, you’re spoilt for choice!

Another option for active adventures is taking part in watersports on Loch Morlich! Loch Morlich watersports hosts a stunning beach, renting of equipment of a variety of activities, lessons, and all in the beautiful settings of the Cairngorms and Glenmore Forest. Choose from kayaking, canoeing, sailing or paddle boarding to enjoy the beautiful water.

UK National Parks Google Map Legend

With this Google Map, you can have all my tips and recommendations at the touch of your fingertips. These are all the things I wish I knew and spent a lot of time researching before my adventure. You’re welcome.

This Google Map Legend includes:

• Best walks, hikes, viewpoints and activities
• Lochs, lakes and waterfalls to visit
• All my wild camping spots
• Our favourite places for coffee, brunch and dinner

What are your favourite things to do in Aviemore?

Where are your favourite places to visit in Aviemore? Anything you’d add?

Love as always and happy adventuring…

Passionate about adventure and creativity. Currently enjoying the sunshine while teaching English in southern Italy.

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IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

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Hiking tours.

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• Macdonald Aviemore Resort
• Coylumbridge Aviemore Hotel
• Coylumbridge Highland Lodges
• Cairngorm Hotel
• Macdonald Spey Valley Resort
• Old Bridge Inn
• The Rowan Tree Country Hotel Restaurant
• The Cairngorm Hotel
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• Route 7 Cafe
• Rothiemurchus
• Loch an Eilein
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• Loch Morlich
• Cairngorm Brewery
• Private Cairngorm National Park tour
• Private Guided Mountain Walking Experience in the Cairngorms
• Private Walking Tour to Ben Macdui Scotland
• Private Guided Ridge Scrambling Experience in the Cairngorms
• Cairn Gorm Mountain Adventure Private Hike

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There’s plenty of expert help on hand to help you make the most of your trip to this amazing playground, regardless how long you’re here…

You’ll find information centres, visitor centres and ranger bases dotted about the Park, which can help you plan your travel and give you inspiration. Centres, which used to be known as ‘tourist information centres’, are in many of the most population tourist villages, such as Aviemore, Grantown on Spey and, on the east side of the Park, Crathie. 

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Tomintoul & Glenlivet Discovery Centre 43 The Square, AB37 9ET View More

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3 Days in Aviemore, Scotland

3 days in aviemore, scotland: an itinerary for nature lovers without a car.

• Post author: Elina Michaelidou
• Post published: 20/08/2020
• Post category: Itineraries / Travel
• Post comments: 26 Comments
• Reading time: 23 mins read

Aviemore is the main tourist hub of Cairngorms National Park in Scotland, the largest national park in the UK. Only three hours away from Edinburgh and Glasgow by train or car, Aviemore is ideal for a short excursion away from the hustle of the city. The closest city to Aviemore is Inverness, only 45 minutes by train or car, Inverness is more convenient for people coming from further in the UK, as it has an airport with connections to other nearby cities. Read below to find an itinerary for 3 days in Aviemore.

This itinerary is great for first-time visitors to the area during the summer season as it covers key places of interest and takes advantage of extensive daylight. A decent amount of physical exercise is required, as the focus of the itinerary is hiking in Scotland. The itinerary is based on my short trip to Aviemore from Edinburgh in May 2019 with my boyfriend Christos.

Disclosure: Please note that this post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link marked with [AD] and proceed to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you .

3 Days in Aviemore Itinerary: Useful Information

Skip to itinerary by clicking here .

How to move around?

Anyone who does some research on the Scottish Highlands will come across that they are best explored by having your own wheels. However, for many cases, this is not always possible. For example, students with limited budgets who can’t afford the car rental young driver’s surcharges, people without a driving license, etc. Luckily the Scottish Highlands are in *eye roll* Scotland, which means (in general) good public transport links (at least in cities and big towns).

On the first look, public transport seems to be a good choice, as it is very easy to reach Aviemore from many places in the UK. However, this is not always true for moving around, as buses are not very frequent. To be honest, it hit me hard when I realised that, as I had to reschedule the whole itinerary to fit with the bus timings. In the end, it was possible to visit most of the places that I wanted without renting a car.

TOP TIPS FOR USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK

• Research the bus routes and timetables in advance.
• Arrive at the bus stop at least 15 minutes earlier (note that the stops are not always signed).
• Wave at the bus to stop once you see it coming.
• Greet the bus driver and buy a ticket when getting on the bus. (Daily tickets are usually cheaper when you are planning to use the bus at least three times within the day).
• Keep an eye on the route (having Google Maps open on your phone is a good idea to keep track of your location) as the next stop is not always announced on the bus.
• Signal the driver to drop you off once you get closer to your stop.
• Thank the bus driver when getting off the bus.

Continue reading to find out what this 3 days in Aviemore itinerary includes and how to follow it without a car.

Note that the timings mentioned below are based on the bus timings which were correct at the time of writing. Also, they were different from what they used to be when I visited as there were more bus services within a day which made the itinerary below work better. Remember to double-check the bus schedules before starting your trip. Of course, if you have a car, you can still follow this itinerary without worrying about buses. Most places have a paid car park.

Where to stay?

Aviemore has plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets and needs. You will find hostels, hotels, resorts, rental apartments, RV camping spaces and more. For our short trip, we wanted something cheap and ensuite, so we settled for a room in High Range Lodge Hotel [AD] . It is a nice place, only a short walk from the bus and train stations. The rooms are clean and spacious (we even had a sofa), but they lack a small kitchenette which would be very convenient considering that there aren’t many eating options after 9 pm / 10 pm. Why is this important? As summer days in Scotland are long (sunset at around 9 pm), it is very easy to lose track of time on a long hike.

Useful websites:

• Cairngorms National Park Official Website
• Aviemore Official Tourism Website
• Stagecoach Bus for Aviemore Website

Day 1 – Aviemore – Strathspey Railway – Craigellachie

Take a morning to arrive in Aviemore and get to your accommodation. Then, put on your hiking boots and get ready to board a steam train and explore a nature reserve!

11:30 Aviemore Town Centre

Before starting your day activities head to the Tourist Information Centre to grab some maps of the area and of the trails you will be following. If you have more time available, then you may want to check out the few shops there and buy some snacks for the road. In addition, you can walk to the Aviemore Ring Cairn and Stone Circle, a historical side featuring a stone formation.

13:00 Strathspey Steam Railway

For your first activity in Aviemore, take the steam train from the train station and follow a historic route along Strathspey. The train stops at Boat of Garten and Broomhill before returning to Aviemore. There are different ticket types available depending on which stop you will get off (if any) and whether you want to have lunch or afternoon tea on board. Even if you choose to not get off at any station you can still get out of the train to see the steam engine at any of those stops before getting back on board. However, I suggest you do get off at least in one stop and walk a bit around the area.

Broomhill is more remote and is the starting point of a hike to Nethy Bridge. Nevertheless, I only recommend following this hike if you catch the first train of the day there so that you have enough time to return before the last service of the day.

Boat of Garten

Boat of Garten is another small picturesque village but with relatively more things to do than Broomhill. You can still go on a hike, albeit not very long for the same reason as above, and you can also find a place to have lunch. When we visited, we had lunch at the Boat Country Inn & Restaurant , a traditional pub with nice food (and the only place that was open). Then, we walked a bit around the village and finally, we tried to follow a part of this walking trail along the River Spey before heading back to the train station.

Note that the Strathspey Railway does not operate daily. Check the website for the latest timetable and if you really want to go, then you may want to change the order of the days in this itinerary. Otherwise, you can spend more time in the following activity.

Find out more about the Strathspey Railway here .

How to get there?

The Strathspey Railway departs from Aviemore train station.

18:00 Craigellachie National Nature Reserve

Craigellachie National Nature Reserve is a green oasis close to the centre of Aviemore. There are four walking trails of various levels that allow you to have a relaxing walk in the woods. You can wander along the Loch Puladdern, Old Reservoir or you can enjoy the views over the Spey Valley and the Cairngorm Mountains. If you want to do all of the above, then I suggest following the Viewpoint Trail (red trail) which has some common parts with the other trails. Note that the Viewpoint Trail is the longest (4.4 km) and the most challenging one as you will need to ascend a hill. The Scottish Natural Heritage provides a handy map of the trails here .

Find out more about Craigellachie National Nature Reserve here .

You can find the entrance to the National Nature Reserve by the Aviemore Youth Hostel.

Day 2 – Cairn Gorm Mountain – Loch Morlich – Loch an Eilein

If you want to get to every place in the list for today, get ready for lots of walking. You will climb a mountain, rowboat in a lake (I mean loch) and discover the ruins of a castle.

09:30 Cairn Gorm Mountain

The first activity of the day is to hike the Cairn Gorm Mountain at 1245 m. A fairly easy hike, although a bit long for beginner hikers. There are two routes to get there: one that follows the old funicular route and the ski pistes and one that follows the northern corries. The first one is easier, while the other offers better views. I suggest you, use the easy one for your way up and the other one for your descent. Be prepared for chilly weather at the top, even in the summer. For a map to the peak, follow this walking route up to the point it reaches Gairn Gorm. Keep in mind that the highlighted route follows the northern carries path.

Alternative: If you are an experienced hiker, then you may prefer to hike to Ben Macdui. Ben Macdui is the highest peak in the Cairngorms National Park and the second highest peak in Scotland and the UK at 1309 m. There are different hiking trails to the top and one departs from the base of Gairn Gorm Mountain. However, keep in mind that you will need the whole day for a round trip. Follow the walking route linked above for directions.

Find out more about Cairngorm Mountain here .

What is the difference between Cairngorms and Cairn Gorm ?

Although these two names are almost identical, there is a small difference. The two words are used to describe the mountain peak called Cairn Gorm. In contrast, the single word format, Cairngorms, is used to describe the mountain range that Cairn Gorm mountain is a part of. The national park took its name from the mountain range that covers a large part of it. Hence we have Cairn Gorm mountain, which is part of the Cairngorms mountain range that is located in the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland. Note that the ski resort at Cairn Gorm mountain is known as Cairngorm Mountain ski resort.

Take bus 31 from Aviemore bus station at 9 am towards Cairngorm Ski Centre. Get off at the car park of the Cairngorm Ski Centre.

11:30 Loch Morlich

Are you ready to head to the beach after climbing a mountain? As contradictory as it sounds, it is possible. One side of Loch Morlich is filled with sand and has a kiosk that rents out water sports equipment. There is also a small cafe, where you can have a warm drink and some snacks. If you prefer to stay away from the water, there is also a walking trail that loops the loch. My suggestion is to sit down at the beach and have a picnic. Then, rent a rowboat for half an hour to spend some time in the water. Finally, head inside the Boathouse cafe for a warm drink before catching the bus for the next stop.

Find out more about Loch Morlich here .

Take bus 31 from the car park of the Cairngorms Reinder Centre at 11:20 towards Aviemore and get off at the Visitor Centre.

16:00 Loch an Eilein

Loch an Eilein was definitely the highlight of my day, even though we had to walk for an hour to get there! A ruined castle on an island in the middle of a lake hidden in the Rothiemurchus forest with backdrop the Cairngorm mountains! This pretty much sums what you will find there! Once you reach the loch, you can take some time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Then you can take a walk around the loch (and even pass from the nearby Loch Gamhna).

Find out more about Loch an Eilein here .

Take bus 31 from the Visitor Centre at 14:55 towards Aviemore and get off at the Rothiemurchus car park. Before starting your walk to the loch pass from the Rothiemurchus Centre to become a Rothiemurchus Explorer. This will give you a map with walking trails that lie in the Rothiemurchus. The trails start from the visitor centre and include the route to the Loch an Eilein. The cost is less than £2 per person, and the funds go towards the protection of the forest.

Day 3 – Rothiemurchus Estate – Glenmore Forest Park

As this is the last day, take a slow morning to embrace your surroundings and then head to a reindeer adventure!

10:00 Rothiemurchus Estate

Rothiemurchus forest is cited to be one of the most beautiful areas in Scotland. The Rothiemurchus Estate manages the protection of the forest and its wildlife. To raise funds, they provide various activities to the public, such as pony trekking, fishing, archery and river adventures. You can book all these activities in advance through their website. In fact, I recommend you do this during high season. If you are not sure, you can check with the Rothiemurchus Centre on any last minute availability. Each activity has a different schedule, so not all activities may be available when you visit. If you end up not booking an activity, you can still support the Estate by having a delicious breakfast at the Drui Cafe or buying something from their shop selling locally produced goodies.

Find out more about Rothiemurchus (including booking for activities) here .

To get there from Aviemore you can either walk or take the bus. For the latter option, you should take bus 37 at 9:30 am from Aviemore bus station towards Coylumbridge. Then you should get off at the Rothiemurchus car park.

14:00 Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

Another unforgettable activity of this trip was to interact with some deer. The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre takes care of the only free-ranging Britain deer herd found in the area. The Centre arranges daily special Hill Trips to the mountains at 2:30 pm (and 11 am) where visitors can meet some of the deer. There, you will get the chance to get really close with the reindeer and you will even have the chance to hand-feed them. Note that a short amount of physical exercise is required to reach the herd and sturdy shoes are necessary. Besides the Hill Trips, you will be able to find some deer in the Paddock, where you can also find more information about the centre.

Hill Trips need to be booked on the day, so as soon as you get off the bus get in to book your slot. Then, you can wander in the Paddock, walk around the area (you can find a map of trails here ), or go to the nearby Glenmore Forest Visitor Centre. There, you can also find a cafe where you can have a quick lunch.

Typically, to participate in the Hill Trip, you need to have a car. However, the guides can drive a limited number of people with them in their vehicles. This is true for both directions, even though there is the option to return to the Centre on foot by following one of the walking trails within the Glenmore Forest. The guides will be able to give you more instructions on the route to follow.

Find out more at the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre here .

Take bus 31 from the Rothiemurchus car park at 11 am towards Cairngorm Ski Centre. Then get off at the Visitor Centre.

If you have more days…

If you have more days in Aviemore, then you may want to visit the RZSS Highland Wildlife Park, Loch Insh and the Highland Folk Museum. The Highland Wildlife Park is part of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and takes care of Scottish animals as well as endangered species from around the world. Loch Insh offers various outdoor activities, while, the Highland Folk Museum is an open-air museum about the life of local people. Both of them are a short drive away from Aviemore and reachable by public transport (bus 32).

Have a nice trip!

P.S. After Aviemore, we continued our Scottish Highlands adventure in Inverness and Loch Ness. Read everything about it here: 3 Days in Inverness: An itinerary for first-time visitors .

All photos were taken using the camera  Sony ILCE-5100   [AD] and the  16-50mm [AD]  or  55-210mm   [AD] lense unless otherwise specified.

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This Post Has 26 Comments

Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.

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All of this looks so beautiful! I absolutely love Scotland and can’t wait to explore more of the country one day 🙂 Pinned for later!

I hope you do! Scotland is very beautiful!

I always love your itineraries that do not require a car! This looks like the perfect long weekend trip for the summer. The steam railway looks really fun (I love trains!), and thanks for the tip about being sure to catch the first train out in the morning to have enough time to enjoy a hike. I was intrigued already, but the reindeer really sealed the deal! What an interesting opportunity. After reading your post, I looked up Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, and the history is very interesting. I’ve never seen one in real life, and this would be a really cool experience!

I am so happy that you like the itinerary! I hope you will be able to visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre and ride the steam railway!

I’m definitely a big fan fo public transport, so I hardly ever rent a car in new destinations, so thank you for taking this guide from the approach of someone without wheels! Your photos are so beautiful, and that breakfast looks delicious!

Thank you! I don’t drive so I always look for places to visit that have public transport available.

Nature looks so pretty here! I am sure I would enjoy wandering around Aviemore! Thanks for all the info, good to know you can do it without a car!

I am glad that you like it! 🙂

Aviemore looks like a beautiful area of Scotland to explore! I visited Scotland a few years back but I regret that I didn’t do any hiking. I would love to take these hikes and explore the villages. Crossing my fingers that I can go back next summer!

There are so many beautiful places to hike in Scotland and many of them are very easy to reach!

Aviemore looks beautiful! I’m a total nature-lover so I’m sure I’d love this place!

Yes, Aviemore is beautiful!

What a charming place! I can’t believe I have not heard about it before. I would love to visit the lake and the reindeer center.

Both are worth a visit! I hope you make it there one day!

I love that not having a car is such a viable option. My first trip into the highlands was with my parents, so they easily had a car. My second I went with a bus trip/tour in part because I couldn’t get a car! On neither of those trips did I visit the National Park, though so now I’ve got to go back and do this!

I am happy that you found the itinerary helpful! I hope you make it to the Cairngorms, the area is very beautiful!

Good tips about how to get around Scotland without a car! These are definitely not places anyone would want to miss, it looks like a great trip!

I am glad that you find this post helpful!

Great guide. I love Aviemore. The green loch is also really worth a visit if you ever go back ☺️

Thank you for the tip! I will have it in mind!

This looks like such a fun destination – so beautiful too!

Yeah, the Cairngorms National Park is very beautiful!

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20 Things to Do in Aviemore, Scotland

Aviemore is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Scotland, with both locals and tourists alike. There are so many things to do in Aviemore!

The proximity to the Cairngorms mountain range means it’s the perfect place to go for gorgeous scenery but also lots of adventurous activities.

Aviemore is a year-round destination. In the summer, you can swim in the lochs, cycle and hike, and enjoy the town. In the winter, the nearby Cairngorm Mountain Ski Resort is a haven for skiers and snowboarders, and there are plenty of other winter activities like snowshoeing and sledging too.

In addition, Aviemore and its surroundings are home to a diverse range of wildlife. The Cairngorms National Park provides a natural habitat for various species, including red deer, wildcats (although your chance of seeing one is very slim!), mountain hares, golden eagles, and ospreys.

Wildlife enthusiasts can explore the park’s trails and take part in guided wildlife safaris to spot these fascinating creatures in their natural environment.

How to get to Aviemore

I always recommend a stop in Aviemore to anyone visiting Scotland. Many people have Inverness on their list, and Aviemore is just 40 minutes south of there. If you’re travelling up the A9 you’ll drive straight through it anyhow.

If you’re visiting Loch Ness and heading up towards Inverness, then you can dip south to Aviemore.

At the very least, you can make a pit stop in the town, but I’d highly recommend a scenic 15-minute detour to the Cairngorm Reindeer House and driving on another 10 minutes to the Cairngorm Mountain Railway.

But let’s get to all the things to do in Aviemore!

Things to do in Aviemore

Cairngorm mountain railway.

Aviemore is the closest centre to the Cairngorm Mountains, which feature a unique attraction known as the Cairngorms Mountain Railway.

It is the highest railway in the UK and transports visitors to the summit of Cairngorm Mountain, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the Cairngorms National Park.

The funicular is not only a means of transportation but also a popular tourist attraction in its own right.

Note that you can only visit the information centre, shop and cafe at the top, not access the mountain itself. If you wish to do so, there are hiking trails around that you can take instead or as well.

Highland Folk Museum

Immerse yourself in Scotland’s rich cultural heritage at the Highland Folk Museum, just south of Aviemore in Newtonmore.

This open-air museum showcases historic buildings, traditional crafts, and living history exhibits.

It showcases a collection of historic buildings, including thatched cottages, a schoolhouse, and a working farm. Visitors can step back in time and learn about the social history and cultural heritage of the Highlands through interactive exhibits and demonstrations.

Loch Morlich

Loch Morlich is a stunning freshwater lake nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms. It’s a haven for water sports enthusiasts.

Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters, rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the tranquil surroundings, or simply relax on the sandy beach, soaking up the scenic beauty.

Yes, we mean sandy beach!

Rothiemurchus Estate

Discover the natural wonders of the Rothiemurchus Estate, an expansive estate that encompasses forests, lochs, and the majestic Cairngorms Mountains.

Embark on guided nature walks, spot local wildlife, and learn about the rich biodiversity of the area.

Enjoy activities like fishing, horseback riding, or even quad biking for an adrenaline-filled adventure.

Strathspey Steam Railway

Step back in time and experience the nostalgic charm of the Strathspey Steam Railway.

Hop aboard a vintage steam train and journey through the stunning landscapes of the Cairngorms.

Enjoy the rhythmic chug of the locomotive as you pass through verdant valleys, ancient woodlands, and picturesque villages.

You can also have afternoon tea on the train!

Highland Wildlife Park

Located near Kincraig just south of Aviemore, the Highland Wildlife Park is home to a diverse range of native and exotic animals.

Take a safari-style tour of the park and spot magnificent creatures like Scottish wildcats, European bison, red deer, and even polar bears.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about conservation efforts and get up close to these incredible animals.

TreeZone Aviemore

Let your little adventurers test their skills at TreeZone Aviemore, an exhilarating high ropes course set in the beautiful Rothiemurchus Estate.

With various levels of difficulty to suit different ages and abilities, kids can swing through the treetops, conquer obstacles, and zip-line their way to fun-filled excitement.

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

Pay a visit to the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, where you can encounter a unique herd of reindeer roaming freely in the Cairngorm Mountains.

Often there are Reindeer at the centre itself, or you can join a guided tour and learn about these captivating creatures while walking alongside them in their natural habitat. You may even have the chance to feed and pet them.

Cairngorm Mountain Bike Park

Located within the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, the newly opened Cairngorm Mountain Bike Park has plenty of trails for all of the family. It features 3.4km of trails, with the longest descent at 1.4km.

There are two conveyor belts that take riders to the lower blue and green zones for easier rides, and more experienced riders can take the climb trail to the upper blue and red routes.

The Aviemore Adventurer Bus service runs from the town to the mountain and has bike racks, so it’s possible to get there by public transport too.

Landmark Forest Adventure Park

Located in Carrbridge, just a short drive from Aviemore, the Landmark Forest Adventure Park is a thrilling attraction for all ages.

Discover an array of exciting activities, including treetop walks, water slides, a butterfly house, and a wildlife observation area. Unleash your inner adventurer and have a blast exploring the park’s numerous attractions.

Loch an Eilein

Set within the magnificent Rothiemurchus Estate, Loch an Eilein is a true gem of the Cairngorms. Take a leisurely stroll around the loch, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and taking in the scenic beauty.

Admire the ruins of a 13th-century island castle that sits majestically in the middle of the loch, creating a captivating scene for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Macdonald Aviemore Resort

The Macdonald Aviemore Resort offers a variety of family-friendly activities and facilities. Kids can splash around in the indoor pool complex, complete with water slides and a wave machine.

The resort also features a soft play area, outdoor play parks, mini-golf, and a dedicated activity program for children, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.

Speyside Way

Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a section of the Speyside Way, a long-distance trail that spans from Aviemore to Buckie.

Enjoy a leisurely walk through stunning landscapes, passing by tranquil lochs, lush forests, and picturesque villages.

Keep an eye out for local wildlife, and don’t forget to stop by one of the nearby distilleries to sample some world-famous Speyside whisky.

Highland Wildlife Safari

Join a guided wildlife safari and venture deep into the Cairngorms National Park.

Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, explore hidden corners of the park in search of elusive creatures like golden eagles, red deer, ospreys, and ptarmigans.

Gain insights into the region’s natural history, ecology, and conservation efforts while being surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery.

Cairngorm Brewery

Beer enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a visit to the Cairngorm Brewery, located in Aviemore. Take a tour of the brewery and discover the traditional methods used to create their award-winning craft beers.

Learn about the brewing process, sample a variety of their signature ales, and perhaps find a new favourite to take home as a souvenir.

Aviemore Kart Raceway

Get your adrenaline pumping with a visit to Aviemore Kart Raceway. Challenge your friends or family to a thrilling go-kart race around the purpose-built track.

Test your driving skills, feel the rush of speed, and enjoy friendly competition in a safe and controlled environment.

Land Rover Safari

Embark on an exciting Land Rover safari and explore the rugged landscapes of the Cairngorms in style.

With experienced guides at the wheel, venture off-road to discover hidden gems, remote viewpoints, and areas inaccessible to regular vehicles. Learn about the region’s geology, flora, and fauna, and keep your eyes peeled for red deer, mountain hares, and other wildlife.

There are several companies and estates that offer these, including Glenlivet Wildlife, Rothiemurchus, and Atholl Estate.

The Strathspey Steam Railway run steam trains at certain times of year from Aviemore to Boat of Garten to Broomhill. Sometimes including the Flying Scotsman train! You can often enjoy afternoon tea or a light lunch on the train.

We highly recommend the experience! You can check which trains are running on which days on their website here .

Spey Valley Cinema

Enjoy a family movie night at the Spey Valley Cinema, located in the heart of Aviemore. Catch the latest releases and relax in comfortable seating while enjoying a bucket of popcorn. It’s a great way to unwind after a day of outdoor adventures.

Places to eat in Aviemore

Here are some places to try if you’re stopping in Aviemore for something to eat.

The Old Bridge Inn

This popular gastropub offers a cosy atmosphere and a diverse menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. From hearty pub classics to vegetarian and vegan options, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

The Winking Owl

A family-friendly restaurant known for its warm hospitality and delicious food. The menu features a mix of traditional Scottish dishes, international cuisine, and vegetarian options. Don’t miss their mouthwatering homemade desserts.

The Cairngorm Hotel

Located in the heart of Aviemore, this historic hotel offers a welcoming restaurant that serves a range of dishes, including Scottish classics like haggis, neeps, and tatties, as well as international favourites.

The Druie Café

Situated in the Rothiemurchus Estate, this quaint café provides a delightful dining experience amidst stunning surroundings. Enjoy homemade soups, sandwiches, and cakes, along with beautiful views of the surrounding forest.

Cheese and Tomatin

A laid-back atmosphere and delicious wood-fired pizzas are on offer at this family-friendly restaurant.

We love staying in Aviemore, and we’ll definitely be making future visits and updating this list!

More ideas for your trip to Scotland:

• North East 250 Scotland Road Trip: Adventure, History, Whisky & More
• 21 of the Best Scottish Islands to Visit
• 15 Best Things to Do in Fort William and Nearby
• 20+ Things to Do in Fort Augustus, The Gateway to Loch Ness
• 45 Things to Do in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs
• Harry Potter Locations in Scotland You Should Visit
• 11 Reasons to Visit the Isles of Lewis and Harris, Scotland
• Loch Ossian Hostel – Staying in Remote Scotland

Sonja - Migrating Miss

Sonja is from New Zealand but now lives in Scotland with her husband and two little boys, after having lived in 5 other countries along the way including the USA, Australia, Canada, and Spain. Travelling has always been her passion and she has now made it her full-time job and worked in the industry for the last 8 years. She shares her living abroad experiences and best tips to make your travel experiences the best they can be!

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Getting Here

Centrally located in the Scottish Highlands just south of Inverness the Cairngorms National Park is easy to get to by car, plane, train or bus.

The main road travelling north, the A9, connects central Scotland with the Cairngorms National Park, which means you can arrive from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth and Dundee in the south and Inverness in the north.

The A9 enters the National Park in the south at Killicrankie/Blair Atholl and travels through the west of the Cairngorms, exiting just north of Carrbridge. The road continues to Inverness or you can branch off onto the A939 at Grantown-on-Spey to head to the east of the National Park through Tomintoul and onto the Lecht Ski Centre and ultimately the Royal Deeside region including Braemar and Ballater.

Alternatively, when travelling north, you can take the A93 from Perth and enter the Cairngorms National Park just south of Glenshee, travelling up the east via Glenshee Ski Centre, to Braemar and Ballater. Stay on the A93 to head out to Aberdeen or turn onto the A939 to head through Cock Bridge, The Lecht Ski Centre, Tomintoul and Grantown-on-Spey.

For travel when you’re here, there’s also a wealth of options; in addition to ‘traditional’ bus or train, ebikes and regular bikes are gaining popularity as a sustainable way to travel. You can view a list of  places where you can charge your electric car here.

Approximate travel times

You can fly to Inverness Airport , Aberdeen Airport , Glasgow Airport , Edinburgh Airport and Dundee Airport .

Inverness is the central airport for the Highlands and is only a 1hr 30mins flight from London and a 30 minute drive to the Badenoch & Strathspey area of the National Park. British Airways , EasyJet and Flybe fly to Inverness from various British destinations.

From there you could hire a car or make use of other public transport to reach the park.

The Caledonian Sleeper train departs London Euston and stops in 6 destinations in the National Park including Blair Atholl, Dalwhinnie, Newtonmore, Kingussie, Aviemore and Carrbridge (on request). Trains also run to Aberdeen where you can easily hire a car and drive to the Cairngorms.

The Cairngorms National Park is well connected by rail within Scotland via the Scot Rail train lines that run from Perth to Aberdeen and to Inverness through Aviemore. The main stations include Blair Atholl, Dalwhinnie, Newtonmore, Kingussie, Aviemore and Carrbridge.

Information about trains from Scottish cities and towns to the park can be found at National Rail Enquiries or Trainline . The Caledonian Sleepers are overnight train services running between Scotland and London – getting you to your destination refreshed and ready to start your day. The sleeper trains stop at Blair Atholl, Dalwhinnie, Newtonmore, Kingussie, Aviemore and Carrbridge making the Cairngorms very accessible from London .

Why not use our very own Strathspey Steam Railway between Aviemore, Boat of Garten and Broomhill at Nethy Bridge? Timetable details here

Both CityLink and Stagecoach operate regular buses to and from the park.

The Aviemore Adventurer bus operates between Aviemore and Cairngorm Mountain 7 days a week, hourly throughout the day and has space for bikes and skis. View the timetable here.

Packing Essentials

Many people who visit the park are keen to enjoy the great outdoors. There are plenty of walking trails and cycling routes to suit all fitness levels and abilities. If you are new to these outdoor activities and like leisurely hikes and bike rides you’ll be surprised at how much there is to choose from.

This essential kit list will help you to enjoy time outdoors.

A word about the weather: In Scotland, it is generally warmer in spring and summer than in autumn and winter. However, you should expect rain at any time of the year. Temperatures can range a great deal, too. Snow is likely in the winter and can stay for a long time at higher altitude although rarely at lower levels. That means you should be prepared for a variety of weather year round.

The full list of Aviemore transport options can be found below:

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Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: June - September

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"Outdoor Wonderland in the Cairngorms"

Aviemore tourism.

Aviemore is a lovely village in the Cairngorms National Park of Scotland, known for its picturesque views, outdoor activities, and stunning wildlife. It is a perfect place for travelers who are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The village is surrounded by majestic mountains, rivers, and forests, giving it an idyllic atmosphere. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, from red deer and golden eagles to ospreys and ptarmigans. Aviemore is the ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The area is renowned for its skiing and winter sports, as well as hiking, mountain biking, and other activities. There are plenty of trails to explore, as well as stunning mountain vistas. The village also offers a variety of cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the Highland Folk Museum, which features artifacts from the area's history. There is also the Speyside Wildlife Park, which is home to a variety of animals, as well as the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, where visitors can observe these majestic animals in their natural environment. The area is also renowned for its whisky distilleries, offering tours and tastings. Aviemore is a great place to sample the local cuisine, with many pubs and restaurants to explore. Aviemore is easily accessible, with Inverness Airport nearby. The village is also well-connected by rail and bus services. When visiting Aviemore, travelers should remember to bring warm clothes and waterproof gear, as the weather can be unpredictable. It is also important to check out the local tourist information office for maps and other helpful information.

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