Best trails in Cairngorms National Park
Situated around the mountain range of the same name, the Cairngorms National Park is a striking natural landscape. The area is characterized by lakes, rivers, moors, and enormous Munros (mountains above 914 meters in height).
Visitors flock to the park for a variety of activities, including walking, cycling, mountain biking, climbing, and canoeing. The park contains nine National Nature Reserves within its boundaries. As with all large natural areas in the UK, visitors here are sure to see a variety of birds and unique vegetation.
Top trails
1
(1531)
•Hard
•5.4 mi
•Est. 3.5–4 hr
Meall a' Bhuachaille is easily accessible and has the benefit of great paths to the summit and superb views. This is a chance to experience the beauty and wildness of the Cairngorms. This walk offers great variety, with ancient Caledonian pine forests, lochs, and a windswept ridge.
Starting from the Glenmore Visitor Centre near Loch Morlich you will first pass the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre which has daily guided mountainside visits to feed and stroke the UK's only wild reindeer herd.
It is...
2
(1112)
•Easy
•3.5 mi
•Est. 1.5–2 hr
This scenic woodland trail circles Loch an Eilein and passes through Rothiemurchus Forest. It offers stunning views over the lochan to the castle on its island. This 13th-century castle was likely connected to the shore by a causeway. While exploring the forest, look out for wildlife such as red squirrels and deer. Be cautious on the rougher, wetter sections of the trail and wear suitable footwear. It’s also wise to carry warm, waterproof clothing in case the weather turns worse.
Parking...
3
(1079)
•Moderate
•5.4 mi
•Est. 2.5–3 hr
This is a shorter choice of routes that takes in the cairns of Balmoral (see Crathie, Easter Balmoral and Cairns Circular for a longer route, starting at the same trailhead).
This trail takes in the cairns of Princess Beatrice, Prince Albert, Princess Helena, Prince Louise, and Prince Leopold, with an optional extension to see Prince Arthur's cairn. There is a fee to enter the grounds in the summer. For more information, please visit https://balmoralcastle.com/
It's a beautiful hike...
4
(975)
•Hard
•9.3 mi
•Est. 6–6.5 hr
This is an easy trail to begin with, although when you get to the back of Corrie Fee trail can be a little tricky, stout footwear is advised along here. After this section, the trail becomes easy once again.
The start of the trail follows the historic Jocks Road, the history of which is closely entwined with the history of land access rights in Scotland.
The views along the Corrie Fee alone are worth the hike but add in the views from both Mayar and Driesh and it makes a truly special day...
5
(850)
•Moderate
•8.1 mi
•Est. 4.5–5 hr
This route takes in 3 Munros in a single hike. The route starts in the Glenshee Ski Centre and makes its way up to the first Munro, Carn Aosda which requires a short out and back before continuing along the ridge to the furthest Munro, Carn a'Gheoidh. The trail then doubles back to reach The Cairnwell and the final Munro in this hike.
The fact that this trail starts at 650 meters above sea level means there is relatively little climbing to be done before you reach your first munro. This...
6
(684)
•Easy
•3.6 mi
•Est. 1.5–2 hr
Loch Morlich has something for everyone. The sandy beach is a great spot to relax and offers various water sports. The loch is relatively shallow, so it warms up faster than many other Highland lochs. The woods around the loch are crossed by several beautiful trails.
The nearby Reindeer Centre also provides a chance to get close to these stunning animals, as well as hill days to see Britain's only wild herd. The visitor center shares information about the Norwegian commandos who trained in...
7
(359)
•Easy
•3.9 mi
•Est. 1.5–2 hr
This beautiful woodland is home to red squirrel and deer, as well as a wonderful variety of bird life.
Lochain Uaine itself has a stunning green colour to the water, the name itself means Green Lochan in Scots Gaelic.
This is a relatively easy walk on well-maintained paths, perfect for a family day out.
There are benches by the lochan to sit and enjoy the view, and early in the walk, you will pass the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, where you can see these wonderful animals up close.
The...
8
(587)
•Hard
•11.0 mi
•Est. 7–7.5 hr
This is a fantastic trail heading up to Ben Macdui, and visiting Stob Coire an t-Sneachda and Cairn Gorm on the back to the trailhead. Not to be underestimated, this trail takes you over very rough terrain and in poor weather conditions this route becomes increasingly difficult to navigate.
The weather changes rapidly on these exposed mountains with frequent high winds and low clouds, so please come prepared with the appropriate footwear, warm layers, food and water, and a downloaded...
9
(497)
•Hard
•10.0 mi
This challenging out-and-back hike will take you to the summit of Ben Macdui, Scotland's second-highest mountain.
For a long time it was thought that Ben MAcdui was indeed the tallest, and when it was discovered that Ben Nevis tops be just a few meters, the idea of building a large cairn, so that Macdui could regain its crown as the highest peak, was considered.
The summit of this mountain is said to be haunted by the mysterious Grey Man of Ben Macdui, a tall, shadowy figure that is said...
10
(654)
•Moderate
•1.6 mi
•Est. 1–1.5 hr
This beautiful trail will take you along the Bruar Gorge and to the Upper Bruar Falls where you will be treated to beautiful views of the river and the distant Cairngorms.
First made famous by Rabbie Burns, who visited in 1787 and was so inspired by the beauty of the place who wrote the poem 'Humble Petition of the Bruar Water'. The 4th Duke of Atholl later memorialised Burns by constructing the trail, and viewing platforms, and creating a nature garden.
The slight incline can be a...
Showing results 1–10 of 442
Visitor info
Contact
Phone
01479 873535
Trail reviews for Cairngorms National Park
Great hike with really interesting landscapes. The beginning is lame as you just walk through a lumber yard but it eventually opens up to a valley that looks straight out of a fantasy film. Really fantastic. I did the full loop and the views from the top were really spectacular looking out over the Cairngorms National Park. Highly recommend.
Difficulty: Moderate
Absolutely beautiful trail that I would 100% recommend! If you are in the area and you want to get the true cairngorms experience this is the one. It also a great opportunity too see a golden eagle if your lucky!
Conditions: Bugs, Well maintained
Meall a' Bhuachaille
Beautiful trail in the Cairngorms, from vast expanses of heather covered hills to fragrant pine forests. Not the easiest terrain - quite rocky so would recommend boots with ankle support
Parking: Paid, Medium lot
Meall a' Bhuachaille, Craegan Gorm, and Craiggowrie Circular
Very steep downhill section but lovely views of Aviemore and the cairngorms from the top!
Parking: Free
if you dont have a car i think the closest you can get on a bus is to about edzell woods and then its about 20 miles on foot but there is an offroad path the majority of the way there up until the old church with easy access to water the whole way aswell, would definitely reccomend if you like doing long distance and trying to get a path into the cairngorms
Difficulty: Hard
Really nice hike. Great views of the cairngorms. No castle views.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Cairngorms National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Cairngorms National Park is Meall a' Bhuachaille, which has a 4.8 star rating from 1,531 reviews. This trail is 5.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,984 ft.
What is the longest trail in Cairngorms National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Cairngorms National Park is Aberdeen to Glasgow Trail. This trail is estimated to be 268.0 mi long.
How many trails are in Cairngorms National Park?
There are 442 trails in Cairngorms National Park. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 32,904 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Cairngorms National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Cairngorms National Park has you covered. Aberdeen to Glasgow Trail boasts the most elevation gain with 33,763 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Cairngorms Circular, which will get you 25,764 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Cairngorms National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 73 camping trails in Cairngorms National Park and the most popular is Loch Morlich with an average 4.5 star rating from 684 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Cairngorms National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 310 running trails in Cairngorms National Park and the most popular is Meall a' Bhuachaille with an average 4.8 star rating from 1,531 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Cairngorms National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 101 biking trails in Cairngorms National Park and the most popular is Loch Morlich with an average 4.5 star rating from 684 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Cairngorms National Park?
Yes, there are 209 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Cairngorms National Park, including Meall a' Bhuachaille, Glen Clova Mayar and Driesh Circular, Carn Aosda, Carn a'Gheoidh, The Cairnwell, Ben Macdui, Stob Coire an t-Sneachda, Cairn Gorm Circular, and Ben Macdui Summit.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Cairngorms National Park?
Yes, there are 39 trails with waterfalls in Cairngorms National Park, including Bruar Gorge and the Falls of Bruar, Meikle Pap, Cac Carn Mor, Lochnagar and Loch Muick, Lower Falls of Bruar, Linn of Dee and Lui Water Circular, and Killiecrankie and Loch Faskally Circular.
Are there any trails with cliffs in Cairngorms National Park?
Yes, there are 12 trails with cliffs in Cairngorms National Park, including Creag Choinnich Circular, Loch Brandy, Ben Macdui and Loch Avon Circular, Braemar Castle and Creag Choinnich, and Loch Brandy Trail and Trout Loch Path.
Are there any trails with lakes in Cairngorms National Park?
Yes, there are 75 trails with lakes in Cairngorms National Park, including Meall a' Bhuachaille, Loch Morlich, An Lochan Uaine, An Lochan Uaine Circular, and Ryvoan and Lochan Uaine Circuit.
Are there any trails with rivers in Cairngorms National Park?
Yes, there are 239 trails with rivers in Cairngorms National Park, including Glen Clova Mayar and Driesh Circular, Loch Morlich, Bruar Gorge and the Falls of Bruar, Invermark and Mount Keen, and Loch Muick Circular.
Are there any trails with huts in Cairngorms National Park?
Yes, there are 66 trails with huts in Cairngorms National Park, including Meall a' Bhuachaille, Ryvoan and Lochan Uaine Circuit, Loch Muick Circular, Lochnagar and Loch Muick Circular, and An Lochan Uaine and Meall a' Bhuachaille.
Are there any trails with historical monuments in Cairngorms National Park?
Yes, there are 16 trails with historical monuments in Cairngorms National Park, including Morrone Circular, Creag Choinnich Circular, Braemar Circular via Queen's Drive, Braemar Two Rivers Ramble, and Braemar and the Dee Circular.
Are there any trails with castles in Cairngorms National Park?
Yes, there are 39 trails with castles in Cairngorms National Park, including Invermark and Mount Keen, Ballater Bridges and Knock Castle Circular, Creag Choinnich Circular, Loch Lee, Glen Esk Circular, and Braemar Castle and Creag Choinnich.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Cairngorms National Park?
Yes, there are 24 trails with scenic viewpoints in Cairngorms National Park, including Burn O'Vat, Morrone Circular, Dinnet, Loch Kinnord, and Burn O' Vat, Killiecrankie and Loch Faskally Circular, and Glen Tanar Short Circular.
Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Cairngorms National Park?
Yes, there are 26 trails with archaeological sites in Cairngorms National Park, including Ballater Bridges and Knock Castle Circular, Dinnet, Loch Kinnord, and Burn O' Vat, Aviemore to Craigellachie Circular, Burn O'Vat, Culblean and Loch Kinord Circuit, and Loch an Eilein, Loch Gamhna, and Old Logging Way Circular.
Are there any trails with historical ruins in Cairngorms National Park?
Yes, there are 30 trails with historical ruins in Cairngorms National Park, including Morrone Circular, Creag Choinnich Circular, Loch Lee, Glen Esk Circular, Braemar Circular via Queen's Drive, and Invermark to Falls of Damff.
Are there any trails with picnic areas in Cairngorms National Park?
Yes, there are 8 trails with picnic areas in Cairngorms National Park, including Loch Brandy, The Wildcat Trail, Loch Brandy Trail and Trout Loch Path, Green Hill and Ben Tirran Circular, and East Highland Way: Newtonmore to Kincraig.
Are there any trails with bird hides or bird blinds in Cairngorms National Park?
Yes, there are 4 trails with bird hides or bird blinds in Cairngorms National Park, including River Tromie and Beinn Bhuidhe Circular, East Highland Way: Newtonmore to Kincraig, Speyside Way: Aviemore To Newtonmore, and Dalraddy to Kingussie.
Are there any trails with caves in Cairngorms National Park?
Yes, there are 5 trails with caves in Cairngorms National Park, including Burn O'Vat, Dinnet, Loch Kinnord, and Burn O' Vat, Burn O'Vat, Culblean and Loch Kinord Circuit, Muir of Dinnet and Cnoc Dubh Circular, and Dinnet to Ballater.
Are there any trails with ponds in Cairngorms National Park?
Yes, there are 12 trails with ponds in Cairngorms National Park, including Inverdruie, The Lily Loch and Loch an Eilein, Lochan Mor, Loch an Eilein and Loch Gamhna Circular, The Devils Point from Sugarbowl Car Park, Lairig Ghru from Linn of Dee, and Blair Atholl to Aviemore.
Are there any trails with springs in Cairngorms National Park?
Yes, there are 5 trails with springs in Cairngorms National Park, including The Wildcat Trail, Newtonmore and Craggan Circular, Tomnavoulin - Càrn Daimh Circular, East Highland Way: Laggan to Newtonmore, and Glenlivet Estate: Lecht Mine and Carn Dulack.
Are there any trails with weather shelters in Cairngorms National Park?
Yes, there are 5 trails with weather shelters in Cairngorms National Park, including Carn Aosda, Carn a'Gheoidh, The Cairnwell, Glenshee, Carn Aosda and The Cairnwell Circular, Glenshee Downhill, Glas Maol, Cairn of Claise, Càrn a' Gheòidh and Cairnwell Circular, and Old Road to Glenshee.