Towns and villages
Spanning the counties of Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland, Angus, and Perth and Kinross, the towns and villages of the Cairngorms National Park are home to over 18,000 people.
Since the National Park’s conception in 2003, it has expanded to encompass more towns and villages. Blair Atholl and Spittal of Glenshee joined in 2008 and additional locations in Highland Perthshire and Glenshee became part of the National Park in 2010.
Some of the largest settlements are Aviemore, Ballater, Braemar, Grantown on Spey, Kingussie, Newtonmore and Tomintoul, and each one is unique. Businesses, shops, and people offer a glimpse into the colourful cultures of these places and hint at their heritage, too.
Many showcase typical Victorian architecture: Queen Victoria influenced a new wave of tourism in the region after she found a home in Balmoral Estate. Others feature historical landmarks from different periods, plus geographical elements of interest that point to stories of the past.
Alert
Featured
The new fire byelaw
How the Cairngorms National Park Authority and its partners are tackling the threat of wildfires, including details on the recreational fire management byelaw, in place from 1 April to 30 September each year.
Wildlife
The Cairngorms National Park is home to a quarter of the UK’s rare and endangered species. Its rich habitats are a haven for an array of wildlife, from iconic birds to elusive plants and flowers.
What we do
From pioneering conservation projects to community engagement and active travel, find out more about the range of work happening across the National Park.
Relevant alerts
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There is an ongoing wildfire situation in Glenmore and Strath Nethy within the Cairngorms National Park, albeit the situation continues to improve and the majority of the National Park is unaffected (with Glenmore, Aviemore and Nethy Bridge all open to the public). Click here for all the latest. We would encourage members of the public to follow current guidance and be aware that the situation may change.
Various paths and trails remain closed. Check out our path closures page for all the latest updates.