Aviemore and Grantown: Northeastern Cairngorms

This is the best known part of the Cairngorms National Park with two contrasting centres: the modern resort of Aviemore and the fine old town of Grantown-on-Spey. With a huge variety of scenery on offer and alternative villages such as Nethy Bridge and Carrbridge, the area has become hugely popular.

Cairn Gorm itself is only the northernmost high summit on a vast, arctic plateau. This is the snowiest part of Britain; a fragile, challenging wilderness for the fittest. The lower slopes are clothed with the magnificent Caledonian pinewoods of Rothiemurchus and Abernethy, the most extensive original forest remnants in the country. These offering endless walking opportunities at lower levels together with superlative wildlife, from the famous Ospreys of Loch Garten to the elusive Capercaillie.