Travel bucket list idea:
Cairngorm National Park [Mountain biking & hiking]
Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Last updated: 12 March, 2024
This, the largest national park in the UK at 4,528sq km, covers almost 10 percent of Scotland. The land is blanketed in ancient Caledonian pine forest and heather-clad moorland, scarred by deep glens, and you’ll find five of Scotland’s six highest mountains here.
It’s a world-class adventure playground for skiers, munro-baggers and mountain-bikers, and is one of the best places in Britain for spotting wildlife, including Britain’s largest mammal, the red deer, plus golden eagles, ospreys, and pine martins.
While you’re there
Bag an effortless (summer) Munro by taking the funicular up Cairn Gorm, the 6th highest Scottish mountain. To reach the summit you have to pay for a guided walk. Alternatively, walk it all for free, from the car park.
Logistics
Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 6+
When: All year around
Duration: -
Getting there & doing it
The Cairngorms is a year-round destination depending on what you want to do.
Aviemore, Scotland’s most famous ski resort and sports capital, is a good base and the jumping off point for skiåers, snowboarders, munro-baggers and tourists generally. Its streets are lined with specialist mountaineering and outdoor equipment stores and you can pick up visitor information on activities, walking routes and local attractions. There are nine visitor information centres and 10 ranger bases.
When to do it
The National Park is open all year round. The activities you will be able to do will depend on the season and weather conditions. Skiers and snow-boarders obviously have a fixed season in winter. Summer is high season for families and walkers.
