Cairngorms National Park Tours
Stretching over 1,500 square miles, Cairngorms National Park is a popular destination for mountain bikers, nature lovers, sea kayakers, and hikers. The park has been named one of the world’s Last Great Places by National Geographic and is the perfect place to enjoy Scotland’s renowned wild landscapes of granite mountains and deep lochs.
The Basics
The dramatic landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park were formed 40 million years ago, before the last ice age. The park has five of Scotland’s highest mountains and attracts outdoor enthusiasts looking to hike to the top of Cairngorm’s namesake mountain, which can also be reached via a funicular.
Stay in the resort town of Aviemore in the heart of the park, and enjoy the dramatic castles, mysterious stone circles and ancient Caledonian pine forests of Braemar Highland; sip whiskey at Dalwhinnie Distillery; or, in winter, hit the slopes near the mountain’s ski center. You can also opt for a single- or multi-day tour of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh or Glasgow that includes time in the park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Don’t forget waterproof shoes and raingear; the ground may be soft underfoot.
- The national park is home to many endangered birds, so bring your binoculars if you want to do some birdwatching.
- There are often snow-related road closures in the park in winter.
How to Get There
It’s easy to reach Aviemore from Scotland’s major cities: The town is approximately a 30-minute drive from Inverness and a 2.5-hour drive from Edinburgh or Glasgow. Trains and buses run to the park for these cities as well. You can also opt for a guided tour that includes transportation from Edinburgh or Glasgow.
When to Get There
Cairngorms National Park is busiest during the summer, when international travelers join locals in their highest numbers. That said, the park offers a variety of sights and adventures in any season, including skiing in winter. Be prepared for rain at any time of year.
Royal Appeal
The famous Balmoral Castle is also located in Cairngorms National Park. The castle and the park around it were purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852 and have belonged to the royal family ever since. Queen Elizabeth II spends every summer here, and visitors can tour the estate at certain times of year or even rent a small cottage on the grounds.
Address: Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore, Scotland
2 Tours and Activities to Experience Cairngorms National Park
Sort by:Featured
Luxury Whisky Experience at The Macallan Distillery
Your Luxury Private Tour to The Macallan Whisky Distillery in the Speyside region of Scotland includes Door to Door service along with an experienced Local Scottish Driver and Luxury vehicle, allowing you to enjoy the stunning Scottish scenery and importantly a dram or two of our famous Scottish Whisky. With no waiting for other passengers it is your tour your way, we can customise the tour to suit and create your very own experience.
With Door to Door service from Glasgow, complimentary Scottish Breakfast Rolls and Hot Drinks while en-route to the distillery. Your Distillery Tour is included, The Macallan Heritage Experience offers you a 2 Hour tour through the distillery and the journey from Cask to Glass, also included a tutored tasting in the iconic Cave Privee. You will also receive your own Macallan Copita Glass as a souvenier to take home from your experience.
…More
From
$1,811.25
per group
From
$1,811.25
per group
Loch Ness Luxury Private Tour with Scottish Driver
Discover the legends and the beauty of Loch Ness during this full-day private tour from Glasgow. Board your private vehicle fit for a maximum of six passengers and create your itinerary for the day. Drive through the Scottish Highlands, visit the village of Pitlochry favored by Queen Victoria, and explore the city of Inverness before heading to Loch Ness for a boat trip to search for the Loch Ness monster.
…More
From
$635.58
Price varies by group size
From
$635.58
Price varies by group size
Things to do near Glasgow
- Things to do in Stirling
- Things to do in Edinburgh
- Things to do in Belfast
- Things to do in Inverness
- Things to do in Newcastle-upon-Tyne
- Things to do in Aberdeen
- Things to do in Londonderry
- Things to do in Middlesbrough
- Things to do in Blackpool
- Things to do in Liverpool
- Things to do in York
- Things to do in Manchester
- Things to do in Northeast Scotland
- Things to do in The Scottish Highlands
- Things to do in North East England