Cairngorms National Park

Plan Your Visit

Whether you are looking for an adventure, fun for the whole family or just a break from the every day- the Cairngorms National Park has a lot to offer so let us help you plan your visit

Loch Insh

Getting Here

The Cairngorms National Park is the largest park in the UK and is situated in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

You can get to the Park by road, rail, *air and even on foot.

*Although we appreciate not everyone has the choice, please consider alternatives to flying where possible in order to help tackle the climate emergency. Why not visit the other 14 UK National Parks? Or view some other ethical travel alternatives here.

Information for charging your electric vehicle along the ElectricA9.
For the latest bus and train information visit Traveline Scotland.
To find out about the latest delays or road closures visit Traffic Scotland.

Accommodation

There are a variety of places and styles of accommodation on offer in the Cairngorms National Park, from B&B’s and hotels, self-catering cottages and log cabins to campsites and hostels.

Find your perfect accommodation with Visit Cairngorms Accommodation Finder.

Whether you’re bringing a tent, camper van or caravan, camping is a fantastic way to experience the Cairngorms. Find the right campsite for you at Visit Cairngorms.

Planning to wild camp? Find out more about camping in the Park and familiarize yourself the Scottish Outdoor Access Code to find out how you can take care of the area you choose to camp in.

If you want to check the weather ahead of your camping trip to the Park visit the Met Office for the latest weather reports.

Things to do

There are hundreds of attractions across the Park. Visit museums and castles, adventure parks and breweries, art venues and garden centres.

Depending on the time of year you choose to visit there will be different events to attend from a Husky Rally to a Whisky Festival.

Of course, there are many activities from winter sports to hill walking, mountain biking to water sports.

Experience some of the world’s most unique and rare wildlife and landscapes with a visit to one or more of the nine National Nature Reserves in the Park.

And be sure to sample the local food and drink at the many restaurants, cafes, coffee shops and pubs throughout the Park.

Visitor Information

There are many visitor information centres throughout the Park, they are the best place to plan your onward travel, discover and explore the area you’re visiting and pick up leaflets and maps such as the Cairngorms National Park Welcome Leaflet.

Visit Scotland’s Visitor Information Centres can be found in Pitlochry, Ballater and Aviemore.

Also, look out for the Nethy Bridge Visitor Centre, NTS Killiecrankie Visitor Centre, Loch an Eilein Visitor Centre, Glenshee Pottery and Visitor Centre, Glenmore Visitor Centre and the Strathdon Stores Visitor Information Point.

Cairngorms National Park Visitor Information Map

There are also a number of Local Information Centres around the Park in Blair Atholl, Crathie, Dulnain Bridge, Glenshee, Kingussie, Laggan, Nethy Bridge, Tomintoul, Newtonmore and Braemar.

Download a PDF version of the map here

Each part of the Park has its own unique history, character, and culture, to help you to narrow down where you want to visit be sure to check out Visit Cairngorms, Visit Aberdeenshire, Visit Grantown on Spey, Visit Ballater, Braemar Scotland, Visit Glenshee, Carrbridge, Boat of Garten – the Osprey Village, Newtonmore and Kingussie.

Countryside Rangers

There are 10 ranger bases throughout the Park who are there to welcome visitors and help you to discover and appreciate the landscape and nature of the Cairngorms.

You can visit the ranger bases at any time and take part in Ranger events that are run throughout the year. Find out more about the Ranger Bases and the Ranger Events here.

Paths and Trails

There are hundreds of miles of paths and trails to explore throughout the park. Take a stroll alongside a river or climb above the woodlands for stunning views across the park.

Whether you’re looking for a short 15-minute walk or a longer 3-hour trek the paths and trails across the Park offer a mix of nature, heritage, and adventure.

Access for all

If you or a family member are disabled or have accessibility requirements there are plenty of easy access paths to enjoy, accessible activities and attractions to visit as well as accessible facilities and services available to you.

For more information visit Access for All in the Cairngorms National Park.

On a shoestring

If you’re travelling on a budget, there are many things to see and do in the Park that won’t break the bank and some that are completely free.

Find places to go without costing you anything, find low-cost accommodation, save money by using public transport around the Park and find packages for groups that include accommodation, activity equipment, and instruction.

It's a walk in the Park!

Volunteer Cairngorms

Cairngorms 2030

Cairngorms Landscape Toolkit