Cairngorms landscape views

The Cairngorms landscape is viewed by people in different places at various times. This creates a collective impression of our distinct surroundings - from the everyday to the exceptional - and affects people’s perceptions and their wellbeing.

Views of the Cairngorms are influenced by who sees them, what can be seen, how they are experienced and why people are looking. Within the National Park, there are a wide variety of views, from panoramic vistas from high mountain summits, to framed views along rivers and glens, or enclosed views within settlements and woodland.

In 2024, we undertook an online survey of the ‘best views of the Cairngorms National Park’. This was so we could understand better the types of view that were important to people. You can find a link to the results below. Click or tap on the red map pins to see people’s insightful descriptions and images of their chosen views.

See the views submitted

View of the Northern Lights/Aurora Borealis over the plateau of a mountain watched by a lone camper.

People view the landscape while travelling along routes, as well as from specific places. There are many roads and paths within the Cairngorms that offer spectacular views, but one in particular is recognised for its unique qualities as it winds through mountains, over moorlands, and between distinct towns and villages. This is the Snow Roads Scenic Route, which runs between Blairgowrie in the south and Grantown-on-Spey in the north of the National Park.

Other places offering spectacular views are identified within our community path leaflets and occur at high vantage points, such as from Munros (mountains over 300 feet high), Corbetts (2,500-3,000 feet) and Grahams/ Fionas (2,000-2,500 feet), which are marked on hillwalking maps such as those produced by Walkhighlands.

Views of the Cairngorms landscape change over time, reflecting changes in physical, cultural and social factors. These changes are not necessarily good or bad. This will depend on the siting, design and / or management of the landscape change; for example, whether a new feature appears prominent or discrete, aesthetically positive or incongruous.

Where proposed developments or land use changes are likely to result in significant effects on views, a ‘Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment’ may be required. This is a standard technical process usually carried out by landscape architects, informed by the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (2013, 3rd edition).

We are continuing to explore how different communities view the Special Landscape Qualities of the Cairngorms National Park. You can find out more about this work as part of the Cairngorms 2030 Landscape and Communities project.