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Places to Eat
Dramatic, rugged and wild; the nature of the landscape nurtured in the Cairngorms National Park is reflected in its food & drink…
Few regions in Scotland encapsulate the traditional and world-famous cuisine of the country as well as the Cairngorms. Venison from deer that roam freely. Beef from Highland cattle and hardy rare breeds. Salmon and trout from pristine rivers and lochs. Whisky from age-old distilleries. All sold in the Park’s wealth of independent retailers.
Eat, drink and be merry!
Make sure that The Foresters Restaurant at Landmark is high on your list of great value eateries in and around the Aviemore Area. We specialise in fresh and – wherever possible – locally sourced food with lots of traditional home baking, too home made soup.
Best places to eat
La Taverna Great place for a pizza pasta buffet. Very reasonable, the kids will love it 🙂 Ryvoan Coffee Shop, The View and The Explorer Cafe are all great for that quick afternoon coffee or something stronger. They Also have great cake menus, well worth a try 🙂
Old Bridge Inn
The Old Bridge Inn Lovely Evening meals , with a huge whisky collection with some unique tastes.
Cairngorm Hotel station
Great place to sample Scottish cuisine, a fantastic traditional lunch and dinner menu where you can sample over 20 platefuls of Scotland’s favourite foods.
Macdui’s
Good atmosphere , right next to the railway station too.
La Taverna
Great Food with great views . The beer is Amazing 🙂
The Balavoulin
From full meals to Burgers to Snacks Large ranges of Gins & Whisky, local beer on tap. Great Atmosphere
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New adventures begin, around our Amazing Place in Aviemore
Wildlife in The Cairngorms National Park
Wild Discovery is a pioneering wildlife-watching company with sustainability and conservation at its core. Experience remarkable wildlife with experts by your side: travel with purpose, tread lightly and experience more. Founded by husband and wife team Dan & Rachael Brown, they bring passion and expertise to every expedition.
Let them take you behind the scenes on their fully inclusive tours, bringing you amazing wildlife and meeting conservation heros to see and hear first-hand about the incredible work being undertaken on species and habitats. Do you only 3 or 4 days to spare? Wild Discovery Short Tours are a perfect option bringing you the BEST VALUE birding and wildlife experiences. Wild Discovery also run tailor-made days exploring the best of the Cairngorms National Park and Royal Deeside.
The Mountains in The National Park
The Cairngorms National Park is home to some of Scotland’s most iconic and highest mountains, making it a paradise for hikers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Among the towering peaks is Ben Macdui, the second-highest mountain in the UK, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Close by is Braeriach, the third-highest peak, known for its stunning corries and unique high-altitude plateau.
Cairn Toul comes next, standing as a remote and majestic challenge for adventurous climbers. Neighboring peaks like Sgor an Lochain Uaine, often called the Angel’s Peak, and Cairn Gorm, from which the park takes its name, add to the grandeur of the range. These mountains not only boast striking beauty but also house unique arctic-alpine ecosystems, supporting species like ptarmigans, mountain hares, and rare alpine plants.
With so much wildlife to choose from in this area let Dan and Rachael help you experience the best bits over half, full or multiple days.
Or let us curate your very own private tour across Scotland or further afield on dates and budget to suit you. Add a shot of adrenaline to your experience and join us on an eSafari – wildlife watching from mountain eBikes through the impressive Cairngorms National Park and Highland mountains.
If you’re planning a vacation in Scotland and want to experience the beauty of nature, the Cairngorms National Park is a must-visit destination. This park is not only home to stunning landscapes but also a diverse range of wildlife that will take your breath away. From the native red squirrel and the elusive pine marten to the majestic golden eagle and the largest population of red deer in the UK, the Cairngorms is a wildlife lover’s paradise.
Further enriching the park’s mountainous landscape are Beinn a’ Bhuird and Ben Avon, characterized by their sprawling plateaus and distinctive tors. Each mountain offers its own blend of challenges and rewards, from steep climbs to panoramic vistas.
Together, these peaks create a landscape of unparalleled beauty and ecological importance. Whether scaling their summits or admiring them from afar, the mountains of the Cairngorms stand as symbols of Scotland’s wild and enduring spirit.
To fully immerse yourself in this natural wonderland, consider staying in one of the vacation rentals in the area. With a range of options available, from cozy cabins to spacious lodges, you can choose the perfect accommodation that suits your needs. And the best part is, by using vacation rental SEO keywords like “Cairngorms vacation rental” or “Cairngorms accommodation,” you can easily find the perfect place to stay that’s also optimized for search engines.
So, whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a wildlife photographer, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, the Cairngorms National Park has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the magic of this unique landscape and the amazing creatures that call it home. Book your vacation rental today and start planning your adventure!
Cairngorm’s Mountain Experience
For adventurers and nature enthusiasts, the mountains present endless opportunities. Whether you’re hiking, climbing, or simply gazing at their beauty, the Cairngorms’ peaks leave a lasting impression. The ancient geology of these formations tells the story of a land shaped by time and nature’s forces.
As a symbol of resilience and majesty, the mountains of the Cairngorms are more than just a landscape—they are a haven for wildlife, a playground for explorers, and an iconic part of Scotland’s natural heritage.
This is the perfect reason to get together and share an adventure with your friends. For a water-based, wildlife adventure, enjoy the Hebrides and the west coast of Scotland from your own private vessel.
Wild Discovery offers tailor-made, guided small group cruises around the spectacular West Coast of Scotland – a perfect option for small groups. Build your field skills on a Wild Discovery Identification Workshop for birds, moths, mammals and plants.
Fun For Kids
Cairngorm Mountain Railway
Hop on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway and experience a breath taking ride through the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, and discover the wildlife that calls this area home. (Rating: 8/10) “The family loved the scenic journey on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway, and the kids were excited to spot some local wildlife!”
Landmark Forest Adventure Park.
The Landmark Forest Adventure Park is a fantastic day out for families, offering a range of thrilling rides, high ropes courses, and water activities. (Rating: 9/10) “We had an absolute blast at Landmark Forest Adventure Park, and the kids couldn’t get enough of the adrenaline-pumping rides!”
Strathspey Steam Railway
Step back in time aboard the Strathspey Steam Railway and experience the charm of vintage locomotives as they carve carefully through the picturesque Scottish countryside. (Rating: 8/10) “The kids loved the Strathspey Steam Railway, and it was a nostalgic trip down memory lane for the whole family.”
Loch Morlich Watersports
Loch Morlich Watersports – Loch Morlich Watersports is the perfect place for water-loving families to try their hand at kayaking, sailing, and stand-up paddleboarding. (Rating: 9/10) “We had so much fun out on the water at Loch Morlich, and the kids are already asking when we can go back!”
The Reindeer Centre
Get up close and personal with Britain’s only free-ranging reindeer herd at the Reindeer Centre. Learn about these majestic animals and enjoy a guided walk to visit them in their natural habitat. (Rating: 10/10) “The Reindeer Centre was a magical experience for the whole family, and the kids were thrilled to meet the friendly reindeer.”
Rothiemurchus Estate
Explore the stunning Rothiemurchus Estate on foot or by bike, and enjoy activities such as clay pigeon shooting, fishing, and off-road driving. (Rating: 9/10) “Rothiemurchus Estate offered a great mix of activities, and the whole family had a fantastic time trying out new experiences.”
TreeZone Aerial Adventure
Challenge yourself and your family to a thrilling day at TreeZone, an aerial adventure course featuring zip lines, rope bridges, and Tarzan swings. (Rating: 10/10) “TreeZone was a hit with the whole family, and even the little ones were brave enough to conquer the high ropes!”
Highland Wildlife Park
Join a guided wildlife tour at Highland Wildlife, where you can spot red squirrels, ospreys, and even the elusive Scottish wildcat. Don’t forget the Polar Bears and Wolves(Rating: 9/10) “The Speyside Wildlife tour was an educational and fun experience for the family, and we loved learning about the Polar Bears and Artic Fox’s.”
Loch an Eilein
Take a leisurely stroll around the beautiful Loch an Eilein, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the surrounding Caledonian Pine Forest. (Rating: 7/10) “Loch an Eilein was a relaxing break from the more adrenaline-filled activities, and the kids enjoyed exploring the forest trails.”
Cairngorm Sleddog Centre
Experience the thrill of dog sledding at the Cairngorm Sleddog Centre, where you can meet a pack of friendly huskies and even take the reins for an unforgettable ride. (Rating: 10/10) “Dog sledding at the Cairngorm Sleddog Centre was a unique and exhilarating experience, and the kids fell in love with the huskies!”
Adventure Outdoors
The Rothiemurchus Estate and Glenmore
The Cairngorms is one of the best places in the world for hiking because it offers such variety, to suit all, in terms of length and difficulty, all set in stunning surroundings…
Walking in the Cairngorms is by far the most popular activity in the National Park. The joy of hiking here is that whether you are a beginner starting out in search of a scenic lowland trail, or an experienced Munro-bagger on the hunt for your next big challenge, you will find an adventure that will live with you long after you leave.
There are leaflets available on local path networks around the National Park. Ranger Services throughout the National Park run many guided walks and events.Walk Highlands is a very useful resource detailing many different walks for different abilities throughout the Park.
Walking in the Cairngorms.
