The Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK, covering an incredible 4,528 square kilometres in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. It's one of Scotland's most spectacular regions, combining ancient Caledonian pine forests, dramatic mountain ranges, peaceful lochs and vast open glens. The park is a paradise for outdoor adventure, scenic drives, wildlife spotting and exploring charming Highland towns.
The Cairngorms mountains offer something special whatever time of year you visit. In winter, the Cairngorm Mountain Resort becomes a hub for skiing, attracting visitors from across Scotland and beyond. When the snow melts, the same slopes transform into brilliant routes for hill walking and hiking, with panoramic views across the surrounding mountain range.
At 4,076 feet, Cairngorm Mountain is the sixth-highest mountain in Scotland and one of the park's most recognisable landmarks.
For experienced hikers, the Lairig Ghru is one of the most iconic routes in the Highlands. This dramatic mountain pass cuts straight through the heart of the Cairngorms, reaching a height of around 770 metres (2,526 feet). Its rugged terrain showcases the National Park's wild, untamed character and offers a rewarding challenge for seasoned walkers.
The Cairngorm Mountain Railway is one of the most popular attractions in the national park. This railway carries visitors up Cairngorms, offering stunning views over the surrounding mountains and forests. It provides easy access to the mountain plateau and the ski resort in winter, and is a great option for visitors who want to enjoy the scenery without a long hike to enjoy the gin bar at the top.
The Cairngorms aren't just for mountaineers. Loch Morlich and Glenmore Forest Park are two of the most popular places for families and visitors looking for a relaxed day out.
Loch Morlich is famous for its sandy beach with towering mountains in the background, while Glenmore offers woodland trails, picnic areas, watersports and easy walking routes.
Nearby, Rothiemurchus is one of the most beautiful remnants of the ancient Caledonian Forest. It's a peaceful area for nature walks, wildlife watching and exploring rivers, lochs and quiet woodland paths.
The Cairngorm Mountain Ski Resort is the most well-known skiing destination in the park, offering slopes for beginners and experienced skiers alike. The resort provides equipment hire, lessons and a range of runs, with cross-country skiing routes available throughout the winter season.
The Cairngorms are incredible to explore by car, with two of Scotland's most scenic routes running through the park.
Both routes make the journey just as memorable as the destinations themselves.
Several Highland towns make perfect bases for exploring the national park, including:
The Cairngorms are a true year-round destination, with each season offering something different.
Winter (December–March):
Perfect for skiing, snowboarding and crisp winter hiking. The mountains look spectacular when covered in snow.
Spring (April–May):
One of the best times for wildlife spotting, with milder weather and quieter trails.
Summer (June–August):
Ideal for hiking with the extended daylight, water activities, forest walks and family days out. Loch Morlich is especially popular on warm days.
Autumn (September–November):
Forests glow with red and gold, making this a brilliant time for photography and peaceful walks.
The Cairngorms are known for dramatic mountain scenery, Caledonian pine forests, peaceful lochs, and excellent outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching. It is the largest national park in the UK.
Aviemore is the most popular base, offering easy access to skiing, walking routes and family attractions. Other great options include Braemar, Kingussie, Grantown-on-Spey and Tomintoul.
Ben Macdui is the highest peak at 1,309 metres (4,295 feet), making it the second-highest mountain in Scotland after Ben Nevis.
Winter is best for snow sports, summer for hiking and outdoor activities, spring for wildlife and autumn for colourful forests and quieter trails.
Yes. While the park has challenging mountain routes like the Lairig Ghru, it also offers beginner-friendly walks, scenic driving routes, lochside beaches, wildlife parks and visitor centres ideal for families.
The Ptarmigan Top Station is 635 meters up the mountain and home to the UK’s highest restaurant and the Cairngorm Gin Bar, offering panoramic views across Strathspey and the surrounding mountain range. It’s the final stop on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway and a fantastic place to enjoy the scenery, relax with food and drink, and take in some of the best views in the Cairngorms.
To ensure that you get on Scotland's only Funicular Mountain Railway tickets should be booked online in advance.
