Walking

The stunning landscapes of the Cairngorms are easily enjoyed on foot, whether it’s a soothing loch-side stroll, a woodland wander or for the more experienced, a high mountain hike. A stroll in the National Park will connect with nature and soothe the mind, as much as it stretches the legs.

There are networks of paths that lead out from each community giving easily accessible routes to explore, while discovering the National Park’s rich culture and natural heritage. From Newtonmore you can follow the Wildcat trail, enjoy the stunning Falls of Bruar at Blair Atholl or from Nethy Bridge discover a history of forest logging following the Puggy Line. There are lots of great family friendly routes to explore such as Loch an Eilein at Rothiemurchus or the geological wonder of the Burn o’ Vat near Ballater.

• Family foraging walk in Anagach Woods Rachel Keenan

  

  
• Hillwalkers and their dogs enjoy the Braemar countryside Jakub Iwanicki

  

  
• Taking a break to enjoy nature Mark Craig

  

  

Many of the National Park’s longer walking routes also hint at the area’s rich heritage. The Speyside Way, which starts in Newtonmore, journeys along the mighty river and past Ruthven Barracks echoing with Jacobite history. The Deeside Way from Ballater follows the old railway line once graced by Queen Victoria on her travels to Balmoral.

For the experienced hillwalker and mountaineer, there are more than 50 Munros in the National Park, along with some stunning, but remote, hill tracks. But there are numerous mountain experiences for first time explorers eager to conquer a mini mountain too, such as Creag Beag in Kingussie, Meall a’Buachaille in Glenmore or Creag Choinnich in Braemar.