The Cairngorms - the UK's Last Wilderness

The Cairngorms is a true year-round destination, with each season offering something unique. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, baby wildlife and quieter trails; summer is perfect for hiking, loch swimming, and outdoor adventure; autumn fills the forests with fiery colour and calm reflections; and winter transforms the mountains into a snow sports paradise. For stargazing or seeing the Northern Lights, visit during the darker winter months.

Getting around the Cairngorms without a car is easy and eco-friendly. Aviemore acts as the main transport hub, with regular train services and local buses reaching key destinations such as Braemar, Grantown-on-Spey and Ballater. You can also rent bikes, join guided tours, or use the extensive network of walking and cycling trails to explore sustainably. Seasonal shuttle buses and taxis make remote areas more accessible too.

There are several ideal bases depending on what you want to see. Aviemore is the most popular, with easy access to outdoor activities and family attractions. Braemar offers a gateway to the southern Cairngorms and royal history at Balmoral. Grantown-on-Spey is great for whisky lovers, while Ballater and Kingussie offer scenic charm and quieter escapes. Each has a good mix of shops, restaurants and unique stays.

Yes — it’s strongly recommended. Many activities such as reindeer hill trips, distillery tastings, and guided wildlife walks have limited spots and often sell out in peak months. Booking ahead ensures you don’t miss out, especially for seasonal events like winter skiing or the Dark Sky Park stargazing sessions. Always check opening hours, as some attractions close during winter.

The Cairngorms’ weather can change rapidly, even in summer. Expect cool temperatures, strong winds, and occasional rain — or snow at higher altitudes! Dress in layers, bring waterproofs, and wear sturdy footwear. If you’re heading into the mountains, carry a map, snacks, and always check the forecast before setting out. Local visitor centres can provide up-to-date trail and weather information.

Absolutely — the Cairngorms is one of the UK’s best places for spotting wildlife. Visit Loch Garten for ospreys, Rothiemurchus Forest for red squirrels and deer, and Abernethy or Glen Feshie for capercaillie and other rare species. You might even glimpse a wildcat or golden eagle if you’re lucky. Early mornings and dusk are the best times for wildlife watching.

Yes, several key attractions stay open throughout the year. The Cairngorm Mountain Railway, Rothiemurchus Estate, and many local museums and cafés welcome visitors in all seasons. Distilleries such as The Glenlivet and Dalwhinnie often run tours year-round too. However, outdoor activities may be weather-dependent, and some sites like Balmoral Castle have seasonal closures, so always check before visiting.

Yes — there’s a wide range of accommodation throughout the Cairngorms National Park, from luxury lodges and boutique hotels to cosy cottages, glamping pods, and camping sites. Coolstays lists unique and characterful properties across the region, offering everything from romantic retreats to family-friendly bases. Staying inside the park means you’ll wake up surrounded by incredible mountain and forest scenery.

Yes, wild camping is permitted under Scotland’s Outdoor Access Code, but visitors must do so responsibly. Choose discreet locations away from roads, buildings, and livestock, and always leave no trace — pack out all litter, avoid fires, and protect the fragile landscape. Wild camping gives you the chance to experience the Cairngorms’ wilderness at its most peaceful and authentic.

The Cairngorms is the largest national park in the UK and boasts some of its most diverse landscapes — from ancient Caledonian pine forests and snow-capped mountains to sparkling lochs and heather moors. It’s home to rare wildlife, rich whisky heritage, royal history, and outdoor adventures for every level. Few places combine natural beauty, culture, and adventure so effortlessly.