15 Best Things to Do Near Aviemore, Scotland (2025 Guide)
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Looking for things to do near Aviemore? There’s plenty! This small town is surrounded by the Cairngorms National Park. It’s a gateway to secluded lochs, ancient forests and mountains where wild reindeer roam. Nature and wildlife are right on its doorstep.
Aviemore has a lively atmosphere all year round with outdoor activities such as parasailing and pony trekking in summer and snowsports in winter. It’s also well connected by public transport so driving is optional!
In this guide, you’ll discover the best things to do in and around Aviemore. Here, you can see some of the best sights in Scotland all under an hour away!
A note on sustainable travel… The beauty of the Cairngorms National Park wouldn’t be possible without those who protect it. I’ve deliberately chosen activities that make a positive impact through conservation. I’ve also suggested public transport routes where possible and things to do near Aviemore without a car for a lighter footprint.
Map of the best places to visit near Aviemore
1. See wild reindeer
The Cairngorms National Park is home to Britain’s only free-roaming herd of reindeer. There are approximately 150 of them. Most of them wander the mountains, with the remainder on the Glenlivet Estate.
You can see the reindeer two ways: in the paddock and on a hill walk. The paddock at Cairngorm Reindeer Herd is ideal for those who can’t walk far or if the weather conditions prevent you from seeing the reindeer in the mountains.
They’re wheelchair and pushchair accessible, plus you’ll have an opportunity to learn about the reindeer from a herder. Paddock visits are particularly popular around Christmas so booking in advance is recommended.
An important thing to note, although you’ll be seeing the reindeer up close, you won’t be able to feed or touch them. These beauties are still wild!
From May to December, you can go on a guided hill trip to see the reindeer in their natural habitat.
It starts with a drive followed by a 30-minute walk across rough terrain to catch a glimpse of them. The trip lasts 1.5 to 2 hours and it’s recommended that you wear walking boots.
Hill walks also include a visit to the paddock. This gets booked up fast so make sure you book your tickets online in advance!
Tickets are released 30 days ahead so keep checking the website if your date isn’t available yet.
Location: Reindeer House, Glenmore, Aviemore PH22 1QU
How to get there: It takes 17 minutes to get to the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre via the B970 from Aviemore. You can also take the 37 bus to Glenmore – which takes 13 minutes!
2. Have a picnic at Rothiemurchus
Rothiemurchus is an estate and family-friendly one-stop-shop for accommodation, dining and outdoor activities in Aviemore.
You can stay here in its selection of caravans and campsites or luxury self-catering cottages. Alternatively, visit for the day and get some delicious local produce from the farm shop or stop for a spot of lunch at the Barn café
An absolute must-do at Rothiemurchus is a wander around Loch an Eilein with its 13th-century island castle ruins surrounded by forest.
The trail around the loch is three miles and it’s not uncommon to see a whole host of wildlife including red squirrels, Scottish crossbills and the occasional osprey. If you’re lucky, you might spot the newly reintroduced beavers in the River Spey.
Voted Britain’s Favourite Picnic Spot in 2010, you can’t go wrong with swinging by the cafe first and ordering some sandwiches to take to the loch. Bring a picnic blanket!
If you’re feeling adventurous, the estate has a range of outdoor activities from quad bike treks to horse riding, archery, clay pigeon shooting and more!
Animal lovers can also feed red deer and meet the legendary Highland Cows in a ‘Hairy Coo safari’ at Rothiemurchus Farm.
Location: Rothiemurchus, Rothiemurchus Centre, Aviemore PH22 1QH
How to get there: It’s just 9 minutes from Aviemore via Grampian Road if you’re driving. Alternatively, it’s 30 minutes to walk or 26 minutes with the 37 bus from outside Cairngorm Hotel.
3. Learn about rewilding
One of the best and most impactful things to do near Aviemore is to help restore the natural landscape. SCOTLAND: The Big Picture is a charity that’s working to rewild Scotland.
Although beautiful, the Scottish Highlands are heavily nature-depleted. The Caledonian forest once covered the area, but now only 1% of it remains. As a result, the landscape lacks biodiversity.
There are several ways to support SCOTLAND: The Big Picture’s vision.
You can join one of its Rewilding Journeys, a small group retreat which takes you right into nature. They last five days and feature a packed itinerary featuring wildlife and pioneering rewilding projects.
It’s the perfect experience for nature lovers; I learned so much about the wildlife of the cairngorms.
Another way to support it is by staying at Ballintean Mountain Lodge (the Bungalow, as it’s sometimes known).
Set within a rewilding reserve, the self-catering accommodation sleeps up to 12 and is a land partner of Scotland: The Big Picture. For smaller groups, Ballintean Cottage next door sleeps up to six.
The charity also offers single-day guided hikes through key rewilding sites, overnight photography trips and wellness trips.
Location: Ballintean, Glenfeshie, Kingussie PH21
How to get there: The quickest way to get there from Aviemore is via the B9152. It takes 25 minutes to drive. Alternatively, get the ScotRail train for 11 minutes from Aviemore to Kingussie and then get a taxi or a lift to Ballintean from Kingussie which is about 20 minutes.
4. Admire the Falls of Truim
Falls of Truim is a little out of the way, but trust me, it’s worth it.
This mystical spot on the River Truim has an arched stone bridge and cascading waterfalls tumbling over moss-covered rocks. It’s a sheltered location hidden from view by aspen trees which line the riverbanks.
I visited during autumn when the aspen leaves had turned a bright yellow, framing the river in a golden halo. It was breathtaking!
During this time of year, you might even see an Atlantic salmon leaping out of the water in an attempt to scale the falls.
Your best chance of spotting them is early morning or evening in October and November. Wet weather conditions are perfect too – which shouldn’t be a problem in Scotland!
There’s also a circular trail hike you can do from the Falls of Truim.
Follow the path along the river to sheep-grazing countryside with views of the Cairngorm mountains before descending into Truim Woods. It takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
Location: General Wade’s Military Rd, Newtonmore PH20 1BE
How to get there: The downside is it’s not accessible by public transport. The quickest way to get there is via the A9 southbound to Newtonmore.
Turn off at the sign for Crubenmore and Dalwhinnie and park in the car park. Take the road left to Crubenbeg, walk over the bridge and turn through a kissing gate on the right.
5. See the view from Uath Lochans
For tranquillity, nature and views of mirror-like lochs, take a leisurely stroll around Uath Lochans – pronounced ‘wah lochans’.
This nature preserve is one of the prettiest woodlands in the area. Here, four small lochs are set within a beautiful landscape of tall pine trees. It’s not uncommon to see red squirrels scurrying among the branches.
You can walk around the lochs and admire the trees reflected within them but I recommend taking one of the two marked hiking trails for a bit more of an adventure.
Uath Lochans Trail leads you through a landscape of lush trees, small lochs and wetlands. It takes about one hour to complete.
Farleitter Crag Trail (pictured above) is slightly more strenuous but you’re treated to amazing views down towards the Spey Valley and the Glenfeshie hills for your effort.
Location: Unnamed Road, Kingussie PH21 1NU
How to get there: The quickest way to get there from Aviemore is via the B9152. It takes 26 minutes to drive.
Editor’s tip: Highland Wildlife Park is a 13-minute drive from Uath Lochans. I’m a little on the fence about zoos in general but it’s a Green Tourism gold winner and works a lot in conservation so I thought I’d mention it in case it’s of interest to you!
6. Go bird watching at Loch Garten, Abernethy
Loch Garten is a large freshwater loch in the Strathspey area of the Cairngorms.
It’s situated within the wider Abernethy National Nature Reserve, one of the largest nature reserves in Scotland. It stretches from the River Nethy to the top of Ben Macdui!
Surrounded by ancient pine trees of the Caledonian forest, Loch Garten is a place that feels like you’ve stumbled onto a prehistoric world governed by wildlife rather than people.
Here, birds reign supreme with the likes of capercaillie, goldeneye ducks, great spotted woodpeckers and osprey. It’s not surprising there’s an RSPB centre on its shore.
The RSPB centre has a small shop selling hot drinks and sandwiches as well as binoculars and other RSPB souvenirs. Other facilities include a visitor centre and toilets.
While it closes for the winter in October, you can still use it as a base from which to view Loch Garten, enjoy the picnic area and follow some of the nearby walking trails.
RSPB has an osprey nest at the Loch Garten Nature Centre which has been frequented by breeding osprey pairs since the 1950s. It’s sometimes known as the Loch Garten Osprey Centre!
Location: Abernethy National Nature Reserve, Nethy Bridge PH25 3EF
How to get there: It takes 18 minutes to drive from Aviemore to Loch Garten Nature Reserve via the A95.
Alternatively, get the 34 bus from Aviemore to Grantown on Spey (ask for Raebreck junction) then follow the footpath to the visitor centre.
7. Ride the Strathspey Steam Railway
Travelling IS the experience at the legendary Strathspey Railway. The service is a return trip from Aviemore to Broomhill with a stop at Boat of Garten.
It lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes along part of the original Highland Railway line with views of the Cairngorm Mountains and the River Spey.
The steam train is open from March to October with the exception of the Christmas ‘Meet Santa’ events from the end of November.
You can get a standard adult ticket for £16.75 but to really make the most of the experience, I recommend ordering a light lunch or afternoon tea depending on your travel time.
Book a private First Class compartment or the Coronation Observation Carriage to make it even more glam!
Strathspey Railway has been running since 1978 by a dedicated team of volunteers.
Location: Strathspey Railway – (Aviemore, Station), Station, Dalfaber Rd, Aviemore PH22 1PY
How to get there: Head to Platform 3 in Aviemore Station
Editor’s tip: Heads up, Strathspey Railway is a lot cheaper than the Jacobite steam train that departs from Fort William – or the Belmond Flying Scotsman – so it’s worth considering if you want the steam train experience on a budget!
8. Climb Ben Macdui
Ben Macdui is the tallest mountain in the Cairngorm Mountain Range. It’s also the second tallest mountain in the UK after Ben Nevis.
It’s a formidable mountain. Right at the centre of an arctic-like plateau, the landscape is wild and vast.
Its summit is said to be haunted by the ghost of the Old Grey Man. Whether you believe in him or not, this legend is there to remind you of this unforgiving environment.
Despite its impressive size, its most popular trail is surprisingly easy (for a mountain…) and pretty busy.
The route takes between 6-8 hours to complete. It’s technically labelled as challenging but if you have good levels of fitness and stamina, there’s no reason why you can’t tackle it!
The best bit is the car park is already a third of the way up the mountain so you’ve already got a leg up.
Although I would like to stress that this hike is certainly not one to get complacent about.
Some exposed terrain and arctic conditions require you to have good navigation skills. Bring the right equipment (including layers and sunscreen!) and always check the weather forecast before you set off.
Unless you’re an expert, I wouldn’t recommend going alone or attempting the hike in winter when there’s snow and ice. If you aren’t a confident hiker, it’s possible to do a guided walk.
Location: Cairngorm Ski Area, Aviemore PH22 1RB
How to get there: The most popular trail starts from the Cairngorm Ski Centre car park in Cairngorms National Park. See the full walking route.
9. Explore the wild at Glenfeshie Estate
Glenfeshie is a 4,000-hectare estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. It’s also home to the largest area of the Caledonian forest.
Perhaps controversially, Glenfeshie is an estate belonging to the wider Wildland Cairngorm, a private empire owned by Danish billionaire businessman Anders Povlsen.
However, the richest man in Scotland has dedicated the entire area to rewilding and conservation.
Glenfeshie is an excellent place to walk and see what the Scottish Highlands was once like – naturally forested and bursting with wildlife. There are over 5,000 species of wildlife here including wildcats, pine martens and golden eagles.
One of the most popular marked trails is Upper Glen Feshie and Ruigh Aiteachain which takes between 5-6 hours to complete, but you can turn back at any point.
As you go, admire one of the most beautiful places in Scotland, fed by the icy waters of the River Feshie.
If you really want to enjoy your time here, you can also stay in Glenfeshie’s selection of luxury cottages.
Remote in the heart of the highlands, they’ve attracted many a celebrity – particularly Glenfeshie Lodge which has been a filming location for TV and films. Unsurprisingly, it’s not cheap!
Location: Kingussie PH21 1NX
How to get there: It takes about 45 minutes to drive from Aviemore to Glenfeshie via the B9152.
There’s no direct public transport link but you could get a bus to Kincraig Wildlife Park Road and get a taxi from there to Glenfeshie.
10. Hike through Glenmore Forest Park
If the likes of Glenfeshie are a little too out of reach, the next best thing is Glenmore Forest Park. One of the most popular places to visit near Aviemore, it’s a Scottish National Park that has a remaining remnant of the Caledonian forest.
Within it is Loch Morlich with its long sandy beach fringed by pine trees. It’s a good hangout on a warm summer’s day when you’re looking for somewhere to sunbathe. Other summer activities include canoeing, windsurfing and sailing!
If you want to get the best advice on the area, make sure you start your visit with a stop by Glenmore Visitor Centre.
There are also plenty of hiking trails through the forest or up into the hills from the Sugarbowl – so named as it’s a ravine filled with boulders. In the winter, you can follow the trails on cross-country skis or snow shoes.
Glenmore Forest Park is a member of the Cairngorms Connect partnership, a 200-year project aiming to enhance the heritage and natural habitats within Cairngorms National Park.
Location: Glenmore, Aviemore PH22 1QU
How to get there: It takes 17 minutes to get to Glenmore Forest Park via the B970 from Aviemore. You can also take the 37 bus to Glenmore – which takes 14 minutes!
11. Learn history at the Highland Folk Museum
This is no ordinary museum! Highland Folk Museum is Britain’s first open-air museum which invites you to step back in time to see what Highland life was like back in the 1700s and up to 1950.
The museum has 25 historical buildings to explore which reveal how highlanders lived, worked and enjoyed their leisure time.
You can see collections dedicated to agriculture, households, traditional crafts, architecture, textiles and sports.
Note, the museum is closed from October to April.
Location: Aultlarie Croft, Kingussie Rd, Newtonmore PH20 1AY
How to get there: It takes 25 minutes to drive from Aviemore to Highland Folk Museum via the A9. Alternatively, take the ScotRail from Aviemore to Newtonmore and walk 25 minutes.
12. Do some winter sports
While some attractions close for the winter, Aviemore’s proximity to the Cairngorms National Park makes it a prime base for snowsports up in the mountains. It’s one of the best things to do in Scotland in winter.
The Cairngorms are home to three out of five ski resorts in Scotland. Choose between Cairngorm Mountain which has 30km of ski trails; Glenshee, home of the challenging black run ‘The Tiger’; and the Lecht which is popular with families.
For the more adventurous, why not go ski touring in the mountains? Safely, though!
If skiing isn’t your thing but you enjoy a little fun in the snow, hire sledges from the Glenmore Shop and whizz down Strathspey Lawn (in front of the Four Seasons Hotel) or Hayfield at Glenmore Forest Park. You’ll need to dress warmly in winter, so don’t forget your thermals and coats.
Editor’s tip: Cairngorm Mountain Resort has a funicular with panoramic views of the Cairngorm National Park at the top. It’s open in both summer and winter, weather permitting. I recommend taking a peak even if you don’t plan to ski as you can hike or sit and admire the view.
13. Have a pint at Cairngorm Brewery
One of the easiest things to do in Aviemore, Cairngorm Brewery offers a selection of award-winning beers from continental styles to traditional Scottish Milk Stout.
A great place to go for souvenirs, you can swing by the onsite shop to buy a bottle or two.
For a more immersive experience, tastings are available daily except for the weekends. The only snag is you have to have a minimum number of eight people in your group.
You’ll need to call in advance to book.
Location: Dalfaber Dr, Aviemore PH22 1ST
How to get there: It takes 13 minutes to walk from the centre of the village to Cairngorm Brewery via Dalnabay. It’s possible to drive it in three minutes via the same route.
14. Have fun at Landmark Forest Adventure Park
Probably the best activity near Aviemore for kids, Landmark Forest Adventure Park is a family-friendly theme park with rides, exhibits and interactive games.
There are also a few onsite cafes serving homemade food and drink.
Enjoy attractions such as Dinosaur Kingdom, Tropical Hot House, Wonderwood and Ancient Forest Adventure. A whole host of puzzles and illusions can also be found at Bamboozeleum.
Some attractions are dog-friendly provided they stay on the lead.
Location: Landmark Forest Adventure Park, B9153, Carrbridge PH23 3AJ
How to get there: It’s just 12 minutes to drive from Aviemore to Landmark Forest Adventure Park via the A95 and B9153. Alternatively, take the train to Carrbridge Station and walk for 20 minutes.
15. Explore the Mountain Garden & Coire Cas Viewpoint
Cairngorm Mountain Garden is one of the highest-tended gardens in the UK. Located 650m above sea level, it was created to showcase some of the diverse flora and fauna of the Cairngorms.
It was first established in the 1960s and expanded in 2001 after the construction of the funicular railway.
You can walk around the garden for free and spot the rare plants that grow in this harsh environment. There are detailed signs which tell you all about them.
Make sure you stop by the Coire Cas Viewpoint which has beautiful views of the Coire Cas and Cairngorm Mountain. There’s also a wildlife hide where you can watch birds come to feed.
On a quirky note, you’ll also find the highest working phone box in the UK here.
It’s located on the top terrace and was used to call emergency services if there had been an accident in the mountains. Yes, you can use it to call a friend!
Note, the garden may be closed during the winter season.
Location: Mountain Garden, Cairngorm Mountain, Aviemore PH22 1RB
How to get there: By public transport, take the number 30 bus from Cairngorm Ski Centre to Cairngorm Mountain Car Park, then walk a minute to the garden. It takes 20 minutes. If you’re driving, the fastest route is 22 minutes via the B970 to the car park.
Aviemore activities frequently asked questions
Is Aviemore worth visiting?
Absolutely! Aviemore is one of the most beautiful and accessible towns in the Cairngorms National Park. It’s popular with tourists all year round and there’s so much to see and do in the local area.
There are plenty of hotels and restaurants in Aviemore so you have a choice of where to eat and stay.
How do you get to Aviemore?
If you’re travelling by public transport, Aviemore is easily reachable by train and bus. You can get the ScotRail up from Edinburgh or down from Inverness.
Megabus also operates between Glasgow and Aviemore.
It’s a 2-and-a-half-hour drive from Edinburgh to Aviemore or just 40 minutes from Inverness.
If you’re planning to visit Inverness, read my 3-day Inverness itinerary for the city with highlights including dolphin-watching, Culloden Moor and a day trip to Loch Ness.
Are there any free things to do in Aviemore?
Yes! In terms of the Aviemore area, there’s Ben Macdui, Glenmore Forest Park, Rothiemurchus and countless walking trails, lochs and picnic spots. You can also head to Boat of Garten Community Garden.
As for the town? You can pop into Aviemore VisitScotland iCentre and get the lowdown on the local area. Take a peak at the Strathspey Railway steam train too.
Where to stay in Aviemore?
Recommended places to stay in Aviemore include:
- High Range Lodge Hotel
- Eriskay B&B and Aviemore Glamping
- Cairngorm Hotel
- Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel
There are more options in some of the other nearby towns but it all depends on how far out you want to go.
Booking.comHow do you get around Cairngorms National Park?
The Cairngorms are pretty accessible – considering their remote location. While you might not be able to reach every attraction by public transport, most are possible by either bus, train, bicycle – and of course, by car.
By bike
The Deeside Way is a lovely off-road route through the National Park. It links up Dinnet and Ballater in Royal Deeside.
By train
ScotRail circles around the left side of the National Park from Perth to Inverness. At Aviemore, you can disembark and use the bus routes.
By bus
Local buses connect many of the towns and villages and they can at least get you in the vicinity of where you want to go with perhaps a short walk on the other side. Get up-to-date bus information here.
By car
There are several gateways to the Cairngorms National Park.
The A9 Highland Tourist Route is the most popular but others include the Glenshee Gateway, the Angus Gateway, the Aberdeen Gateways, the Moray Gateway and the Highland Gateways.
Find your best road trip route via the Cairngorms National Park website.
Final thoughts on the best things to do near Aviemore
Aviemore is a pretty town and a gateway to the magnificent Cairngorms National Park. It’s well-connected by public transport, making it a great base from which to explore the wealth of nearby attractions.
The town has plenty to offer in terms of hotels, restaurants and things to do with the wild landscape of the Scottish Highlands right on its doorstep.
I hope this guide inspired you to visit Aviemore and see the beauty of the Cairngorms for yourself. The scenery, wild nature and important conservation work will take your breath away.
Aviemore used to be a great place to go. We are just back from a trip of a few days and I’m sorry to say it is a shadow of it’s former glory. We arrived on Sunday and went for a meal at about 7ish. It was just as well we did, after we went for a walk into town for a drink. Last orders were called and they closed at 2130. All the shops were closed too. We thought a well it’s Sunday but on Monday morning we walked in to get breakfast, that wasn’t easy. Tourist office is closed on a Monday! Again the shops and pubs closed at 2130. We cycled out to do activities which were great but Aviemore its self was dead. There are empty retail units on the main street. Aviemore was never cheap and still isn’t but its not worth it anymore, which is a real shame.
Ah that’s a shame! I used Aviemore as a base to explore around the area but I agree that’s very frustrating if nothing is open around town!