Towards the east of the stunning Scottish Highlands, you will find a mountain range and national park that you really don't want to miss; the Cairngorms National Park. From the breathtaking snowy mountain views to the exciting and extensive list of things to do here, there are many reasons that you may wish to visit the Cairngorms National Park. Picture yourself curling up with a warming, delicious hot chocolate while gazing over an awe-inspiring view or climbing some of the trickiest mountains in Britain. Each year, thousands upon thousands of tourists gather here. Here are some things that you may wish to do on your next escape.
Click to view holiday cottages in the Cairngorms
Get active on the river
Luckily for you, this area of the Highlands is rife with rivers aplenty. From the infamous Spey to the Dee and the Tay, there are a great many rivers here. Rather than merely gazing at the beauty of the bubbling waters, why not get a little active? Should you stay in the Cairngorms, you will have the opportunity to try out some incredible sports, including canoeing, rafting, fly fishing and even windsurfing. Before you take your break, it's worth booking your activities ahead of time. That way, you can ensure that you get a chance to experience some of the most thrilling activities on your trip to the Cairngorms.
Learn to ski on the slopes
Of course, you will already know that the Cairngorms are famous for their ridiculously impressive ski slopes. Whether you're a skiing pro or a complete novice, there's certain to be a session that suits your skill set. It's well worth checking out the various ski schools around Cairngorms. If you're a beginner, you may want to start your skiing adventure on the Lecht, which has many nursery slopes for newbies. Should you want something a little more challenging, you may wish to try out the CairnGorm Mountain, which is popular with lovers of both skiing and snowboarding. It is the highest of the mountains in the area, which means that it offers a diverse skiing experience for people of all levels.
Take a ramble in the Highlands
It would be a real crime to head to this stunning region of Scotland without taking the chance to head out for a ramble with your loved ones. If you fancy joining a group for the day, there are many in the area including a 'winter walking' club and a 'photography' walking group. If you're looking to put yourself to the test, why not tackle a mountain? The Cairngorms National Park boasts five of the six highest mountains in the UK. Be sure to make sure that you have a route mapped out and the proper equipment before tackling such a feat. And, if mountain biking is your cup of tea then there are plenty of extreme cycling routes you're sure to love!
See some animals in the Wilds of the Cairngorms
Finally, it's worth mentioning that this wild and rural area of Scotland is home to a vast array of wildlife. You may be so lucky as to catch a glimpse of some of the creatures here while you are out on your adventures, red deer are relatively common. Golden eagles may be spotted gliding silently across the sky. If not, you could take a guided wildlife tour with an expert in the Speyside or Loch Insh areas. While you're out and about, you can always pop into the local wildlife park, where you can be certain to see some fascinating animals. There's one of the most highly-acclaimed parks should you venture over to Kincraig! Be sure to check the opening times in advance to avoid disappointment.
All in all, the Cairngorms National Park offers visitors an exciting array of outdoor activities to enjoy, as well as some of Scotland's most breathtaking and awe-inspiring mountain scenery. Come and feel revived and alive in the Scottish Cairngorms.
Places to stay near the Cairngorms National Park
Ballindalloch is a tranquil village with good access to the Cairngorms and the Spey Valley.