Aviemore, Rothiemurchus and the Northern Cairngorms
This is the best known part of the Cairngorms National Park, including the modern resort of Aviemore, and it is one of the most popular areas of Scotland for outdoor activities.
Cairn Gorm itself is only the northernmost high summit on a vast, arctic plateau. This is the snowiest part of Britain; a fragile environment but providing a magnificent wild challenge for the fittest. The lower slopes are clothed with the magnificent Caledonian pinewoods of Rothiemurchus, dotted with jewel-like lochs such as Loch Morlich - with its sandy beach - and Loch an Eilein with its ruined island castle. Undoubtably this is one of the finest areas of Scotland for easier, lower level forest walks. The wildlife-watching opportunities too are simply superlative; this is the stronghold of the Red Squirrel as well as the elusive Capercaillie, crested tits and Scottish crossbill.
We have separate sections to cover walks in the Grantown, Nethy Bridge and Boat of Garten area to the east (which includes Abernethy Forest), and the Newtonmore and Kingussie area to the west.
Accommodation
Open Walkhighlands Big Map for this area
