Cairngorms National Park

A national park located in north east Scotland, Cairngorms National Park was established in 2003 by the Scottish parliament. Once the largest national park in the British Isles, it encompasses an area of about 1,800 square miles in Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland, Angus, Perth and Kinross Regions.

Spectacular to view, the park is recognized as a category 5 national parks and includes a large upland plateau region. Divided into regions, each offers its own special and unique features.

Badenoch – The upper Spey Valley curves around the northern end of the Cairgorm range. It includes the towns of Kingussie and Newtonmore. Ideal for walking tours, they range from easy to hard and offer stunning views of the plateau region.

Northern Cairngorms – The most famous region, this part of the park includes the resort city of Aviemore. Renowned for its outdoor recreation, it is located on the high summit and Britain’s snowiest region. Including the pinewoods as the many lochs, it also offers castle ruins and vast natural areas.

Grantown-on-Spey, Nethy Bridge and Boat of Garten – Located east of Aviemore, this part of the park is known for its popular villages as well as an ancient Caledonian Forest and natural areas. Visitor centers, wild animals, pathways and more.

Upper Deeside – Including the famous village of Braemar, this village is one of the highest in all of Scotland. Great for hiking and known for its rivers and more, it is stunning throughout the year.

Ballater and Balmoral – Set back high in the hills filled with Scots Pines, rivers and castles, lochs and more, it also includes the popular destinations of Ballater, popular for generations of tourists.

Upper Strathdon – Home to the illustrious Glenlivit and Tomintoul, this is the east side of the Cairngorms. Much different than the other parts of the park it is much hillier and less mountainous than the other regions. Known for its whiskey and more, it is fantastic for a walk in the glen or a stroll to the distillery.

Created to protect and preserve this stunning region of Scotland, it is home to not just nature but many small towns and villages, ideal to really experience this part of the world.From walking to biking, boating to skiing, golf to horseback riding, the Cairngorms are the ideal place to travel in Scotland.