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Best trails in Cairngorms National Park

Best trails in Cairngorms National Park

4.4(32,102 reviews)

·

Scotland
#2 of 2 national parks

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.

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Trail reviews for Cairngorms National Park

41,529 trailgoers Busiest in August
Sep 2, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkDog-friendlyGreat conditionsGreat views

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
Aug 20, 2025Hiking
Great conditionsGreat views

Very steep downhill section but lovely views of Aviemore and the cairngorms from the top!

Parking: Free
Craigellachie and Loch Puladdern
Aug 13, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableDog-friendlyGreat conditionsGreat views

A wonderful first hill walk in the Cairngorms. Again great info from the walkinghighlands website. Plenty of up but generally a well formed track and little chance of getting lost with the great conditions we had toda

Meall a' Bhuachaille
Apr 10, 2025Hiking

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
Invermark and Mount Keen
Jul 15, 2025
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Really nice hike. Great views of the cairngorms. No castle views.

Balmoral Castle, River Dee and Prince Albert's Cairn Circular
Jul 11, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

An awesome trail taking and loch views and the top of a mountain with views towards Kingussie and the Cairngorms. The trail is in fantastic condition curated throughout and easy on the feet no boots required.

Difficulty: Hard
Creag Bheag from Kingussie
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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 1,480 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 440 trails in Cairngorms National Park. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 32,102 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 665 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Cairngorms National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 309 running trails in Cairngorms National Park and the most popular is Meall a' Bhuachaille with an average 4.8 star rating from 1,480 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Cairngorms National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 100 biking trails in Cairngorms National Park and the most popular is Loch Morlich with an average 4.5 star rating from 665 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Cairngorms National Park?

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Cairngorms National Park?

Are there any trails with cliffs in Cairngorms National Park?

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?

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?

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?

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, Invermark to Falls of Damff, and Braemar Circular via Queen's Drive.

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?

Are there any trails with ponds in Cairngorms National Park?

Are there any trails with springs in Cairngorms National Park?

Are there any trails with weather shelters in Cairngorms National Park?

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