Here are our expert-recommended campsites and attractions in and around the Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms is a mountainous National Park which covers an area of 1748 square miles in central Scotland. Accessible from Pitlochry and Blair Atholl in the South and Aviemore in the North-west; there are no roads through the heart of the park other than the A93 via Braemar, which provides access to the Glenshee Ski Centre; and the Old Military Road which leads to the Lecht Ski Centre. The park comprises 55 Munros (peaks over 300ft tall) with Ben Macdui, the highest being the second highest peak in the British Isles (Ben Nevis, the highest isn't in a National Park, but is part of the Ben Nevis and Glen Coe National Scenic Area.) Carirn Gorm itself is only the sixth highest mountain in the UK, but it is bigger than the whole of Luxembourg.
The Cairngorm National Park could be considered to be the heart of Scotland, both geographically and historically. Home to the geographical centre point of this historic nation and the summer residence of the British royal family, the region's geological formation dates back to more than 40 million years before the last ice age. Much of the land is owned by the National Trust for Scotland, the RSPB and other private landowners.
Skiing is a popular winter pastime with runs at the Lecht, Glenshee and Carin Gorm; Access to the slopes above Aviemore was serviced by a funicular built-in 2000/01. This closed for extended repairs in 2018 and is expected to re-open in early 2023; however, you can still access many of the slopes via T-Bar or Poma during the ski season.
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Top Cairngorms National Park Attractions
Loch An Eilein - Cairngorms
The Cairngorms is the largest National Park in the UK and is home to some impressive castles; The impressive 13th century Blair Castle, just outside Blair Atholl is the ancestral home of the Murray Clan and Balmoral needs no introduction as the Scottish residence of the British royal family. Scotland and Whisky are synonymous and the park is home to several distillers; Dalwhinnie and Royal Lochnagar are among the most famous, but if gin is more your thing then a trip to the Balmenach Distillery is worth a visit to pick up a bottle of Caorunn.
As you would expect, the park is home to an abundance of wildlife, but if you're looking for something different then a trip to the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre allows you to meet the UK's only herd of free-ranging reindeer. The park is also home to the geographic centre of Scotland, at a point just outside Newtonmore, the centre itself is a little underwhelming, but is marked with a plaque attached to a large boulder.
Braemar Caravan Park and Camping Pods are the perfect base for walking, hiking, cycling, photography, snow sports, history, arts and crafts and much more. Braemar Caravan Park is situated In the beautiful village of Braemar, Royal Deeside, at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Operated by the Invercauld Estate, managed for wildlife, sport, recreation and community. The Estate hosts Scotland’s highest 18-hole golf course at Braemar and the Glenshee Ski Centre, which can offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the UK. The Estate also provides salmon fishing and mile upon mile of glorious walks.
Granton-on-Spey Caravan Park is peacefully situated on the outskirts of the town, with views of the mountains in the distance. There are 125 well-tended gravel and grass pitches for caravans and motorhomes, all with 10/16 amp electricity and 69 offer fresh and wastewater facilities. In addition to this, a number of super pitches also offer 16 amp electricity, Wi-Fi and individual Freesat TV box.
This site is attractively laid out in a fairly informal style in several adjoining areas connected by narrow, part gravel, part tarmac roads, with access to the lochside. One of these areas, the Pinewood Area, is very popular and has 28 hardstandings (some distance from the toilet block). Of the 206 marked pitches on fairly level, firm grass, 78 have 16A electricity. This site, with something for everyone, would be great for family holidays. The Glenmore Forest Park lies close to the sandy shore of Loch Morlich amidst conifer woods and surrounded on three sides by the impressive Cairngorm mountains. There is regular snowfall in the winter months. Large motorhomes are accepted but check availability with site in advance.
Aboyne Loch Caravan Park is in an idyllic setting – peaceful, attractive and natural which has excellent facilities locally. Stay by the calm waters of a Loch in Royal Deeside and explore fantastic hill walking and cycling in the area. The family run site welcomes dogs with a request to remain on a lead, there are dog walking areas nearby. The site has 15 pitches, on offer are fully serviced pitches as well as standard pitches with stunning views over the loch. A holiday home and caravan are available for rent.
Feughside Caravan Park offers holiday makers the chance to relax in this lovely peaceful area of Scotland. Surrounded by the stunning scenery of Royal Deeside and the perfect location to enjoy an active or relaxing holiday. Many lovely walks are on the doorstep, including the marked forestry trails at the Shooting Greens. A small trout loch, the rivers Dee and Feugh are a delight for the fishermen. Golfers of all standards will find several fine courses nearby. Mountain biking, horse riding and a variety of water sports are also available. The site has 30 pitches.
This attractive, well kept park is set in the grounds of Blair Castle, the traditional home of the Dukes of Atholl. It has a wonderful feeling of spaciousness with a large central area left free for children’s play or for general use. There is space for 250 touring units, all with 10/16A electricity connections, 63 with hardstanding and 44 fully serviced pitches with water and waste water facilities. Caravan holiday homes, 85 privately owned and 18 for hire, are in separate areas along with five woodland lodges also available for hire. A quality park, quiet at night and well managed. The castle is open to the public, its 30 fully furnished rooms showing a picture of Scottish life from the 12th century to the present day, while the beautiful grounds and gardens are free to those staying on site.
The quite caravan park, Milton of Fonab is located on the banks of the River Tummel, just south of the Highland town of Pitlochry. The site accommodates tents, caravans and motorhomes, all with electric hook up available. The site also has around 30 static caravan, holiday homes for hire which are set around a central green. The site is very well maintained, with large pitches, modern washrooms and a small, but well stocked shop which is open every day. Booking in advance is essential during the Highland Games.
Tarland by Deeside Camping & Caravanning Club Site is positioned on the east of Scotland just outside the Cairngorms National Park, in an area admired by royalty. Hence it shares the same spectacular scenery as Balmoral Castle. The area surrounding the site is tranquil, beautiful and rich in historic and pre-historic sites. Trees line the site and are dotted throughout separating the pitches into smaller, intimate areas. The site also has a wooded dog walk. The village of Tarland is a five minute walk from the site and has shops, a golf course and bowling green. From here you can pick up the ten kilometre Tarland Way walking and cycle path which runs from the village to Aboyne. The site has 50 grass or hardstanding touring pitches (some seasonal) most with electricity hook-up point. There are also 47 private holiday homes.
