Visitor and local information centres

Across the Cairngorms National Park, you’ll find visitor and local information centres, as well as ranger bases. These are great places to call in for some inspiration, friendly advice or specialist knowledge to enhance your visit.

Where to find local help and information

Angus Glens

Start your adventure in the Angus Glens at the Glen Doll ranger base, an information centre where you can find out about the special wildlife, botanics and landscapes of the Glens and set out on walks and routes leading to Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve and nearby Munros. There are accessible toilet facilities on site.

Aviemore

Visit the Aviemore iCentre in the centre of the village, just 200 yards from the train station and bus stop. Run by VisitScotland, the team on site offer help with accommodation, transport and travel enquiries, as well as local wildlife tips and suggestions on where to eat and drink.

Ballater

Visit the Ballater iCentre in the heart of Ballater, in the Old Royal Station. Run by VisitScotland, the team can help you make the most out of your visit to Royal Deeside with local knowledge and ideas for things to see and do in the area. There is also a gift shop where you can browse a range of local suppliers.

Balmoral

The Spittal of Glen Muick visitor centre is opened and maintained by the Balmoral Ranger Service throughout the year. A member of the team is usually on hand in the early morning and late afternoon each day, to provide advice and information to visitors exploring the estate. Up to date weather forecasts are displayed every day, as well as avalanche forecasts during the winter months.

Ballater station visitor information centre Kenny Lam / VisitScotland

Blair Atholl and Killiecrankie

The Blair Atholl information centre is an unmanned space offering interpretation panels, information and family friendly activities for visitors enjoying the area.

On the road that connects Pitlochry and Blair Atholl, Killiecrankie visitor centre offers a friendly welcome in Highland Perthshire. Visitors can refuel in the café, explore information boards, browse the shop or use the toilet facilities.

Boat of Garten

Nestled in the ancient Caledonian pine forest, Loch Garten Nature Centre has information about the Nature Reserve, a wildlife viewing area and knowledgeable staff and volunteers on hand to make your visit memorable. There is a shop, changing places and toilet facilities on site.

Cairngorm Mountain

Visit the Cairngorm Mountain ranger service in the base station throughout the year, offering guidance, advice and weather information to visitors exploring the area. Just next door, you’ll find the day lodge, complete with the mountain shop, Cas Bar, Cairngorm Café and public toilets.

Crathie

In the old stables at Balmoral Castle, visitors can find exhibitions on the estate such as the virtual capercaillie lek experience. Exhibitions aren’t open all year round, so remember to check the website for up to date information and opening times for the estate grounds, gift shop and the restaurant. The Balmoral ranger service also has a base in the estate office.

Dinnet

Explore Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve from the Burn O’Vat visitor centre, the ideal base for local walks and trails through the woodland around Loch Kinord. Here you’ll find information on the reserve’s habitats and places to visit as well as find details of upcoming events and the latest nature sightings. The toilets are open all year round and are a short distance from the visitor centre.

Dulnain Bridge

The Speyside Centre is a family run garden centre with an information point, restaurant, café, gift shop and toilets near Dulnain Bridge.

Glen Tanar

Run by the Glen Tanar Charitable Trust, the Glen Tanar visitor centre is a great starting point to explore the surrounding landscapes. Complete with a permanent exhibition and toilet facilities, the ranger team is also around to provide advice and information to visitors.

Glenmore visitor centre Rachel Keenan

Glenmore

Learn more about this popular forest park at the Glenmore visitor centre, just beyond Loch Morlich, where you can seek advice from staff, explore the range of trails and activities in the area or relax in the café. Accessible public toilets are available in the visitor centre, and additional facilities are 1 minute walk away, near the bus stop in Glenmore Village.

Glenshee

The Lair is a cafe and gift shop as well as the local visitor and information centre for the area. Here you can find information, maps and walking guides, and discover the local history, wildlife, myths and legends of Glenshee.

Grantown on Spey

Located behind the Town House on the Square, the Grantown on Spey museum is home to the town’s local information point where visitors can find information on local attractions, walks in the area and public toilets.

Laggan

The Laggan Wolftrax Centre and café is a great place to start a local walk, get more information, learn about local attractions, or experience the thrill of mountain biking on the dedicated trails. There is also a café and toilet facilities on site for visitors.

RSPB visitor centre, Abernethy Rachel Keenan

Nethy Bridge

Found in the Nethy Bridge community centre, the visitor centre for Abernethy National Nature Reserve is run by local community group Explore Abernethy, offering visitor information and family friendly interactive displays. The centre is also the starting point for a network of walks in the area and has a public toilet open 24 hours a day all year round.

Newtonmore

The Wildcat Centre is a community information point in Newtonmore that marks the start of the ‘walk the wildcat trail’, a 10km orbital path around the village. Visitors can also take part in the wildcat experience, a family friendly treasure hunt in the community.

Rothiemurchus

Located one mile from Aviemore, the Rothiemurchus centre offers information about local walks, a café, farm and gift shop, as well as local outdoor activities. Why not walk or cycle there from Aviemore along the traffic-free Old Logging Way?

Tomintoul

Located in the village square, Tomintoul and Glenlivet Discovery Centre and Museum is run by the local community with staff and volunteers on hand to offer advice and information to visitors. Explore the virtual reality exhibit, learn about the area's heritage or discover one of the most northerly Dark Sky Parks in the world. There are accessible toilet facilities on site.

At the very end of Main Street in Tomintoul, you’ll find the Glenlivet Estate Visitor Centre, where visitors can find out more about the landscapes of Glenlivet and how the estate is managed, speak to the helpful staff on site and make use of the accessible toilet facilities.