At the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, this valley of the River Spey with its ancient pinewoods, boasts some of Scotland’s finest attractions and a great range of outdoor activities.
Find accommodation around the mountain resort of Aviemore by the River Spey. Select your accommodation type below.
Wildlife park, waterslides, preserved steam railway, Britain’s highest funicular railway and lots more – all set against a backdrop of mountains and pinewoods.
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Learn to windsurf or dinghy-sail, take a canoe on the Spey, go pony-trekking (the sport was invented here), shoot clays, fish, golf – or go walking. There’s a huge choice in the Cairngorms National Park.
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Wildlife of the Cairngorms »With crested tits and crossbills in the pinewoods, and ospreys now common, this is great country for birdwatchers. Among the mammals, reintroduced reindeer are a local speciality.
Great Golf Courses »This valley of the River Spey has some of the best heathland golf in Britain. Golfers who have discovered the Cairngorms came back time and time again.
Beaches »No where else in-land has such great sandy beaches. Loch Morlich, with a wide stretch of fine sand beside the pine trees, is the place to be on a hot sunny day. Loch Laggan in the west has an equally large beach accessed from the A86, at the east end of the loch.
Adventure »With such spectacular terrain, there are plenty of adventure and activity operators in the Cairngorms National Park, offering courses and organised experiences in everything from extreme winter survival to watersports.
Family Fun »Family attractions are a feature of this area, with the ever-popular Landmark Forest Adventure Park at Carrbridge a great day out - as is the Highland Wildlife Park at Kincraig along with both the Leault Working Sheepdogs and the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre at Glenmore.
Cruises & Railways »The Strathspey Railway captures the atmosphere of an old Scottish branch line and has fine views of the Cairngorms, the setting for Britain's highest funicular railway.
Towns & Villages »The communities and little towns of the Cairngorms National Park have a variety of origins – but all welcome visitors and make excellent bases for further exploring.
Local Area Websites »Access up to date information on the latest local events and things to see and do in and around Aviemore and the Cairngorms
Download PDF guide »Want to find out more about the area and pass it onto friends? Download our FREE regional guide for things to do in Aviemore and the Cairngorms now.
