Aviemore

Located in the stunning highland surroundings of Inverness-shire is the town of Aviemore, accessed by the A9 from Edinburgh. Aviemore boasts some of the best walks and cycling trails in Scotland, as well as hosting a ski resort amongst it’s many other winter sport options.

Other features of Aviemore include hill walks through the Cairngorm Mountains, which will transport you to a fantasy world as you witness the views shrouded in mist or basking in sunshine. Nearby you will find the Highland Wildlife Park, a great safari experience that is the home of the only Polar Bear in the UK and her fabulous wild enclosure, as well as the other great collections of animals, such as Amur Tigers, Red Pandas and Arctic Foxes.

The Highland Wildlife Park is also responsible for the conservation of the Scottish Wildcat in the area, which may be spotted on the walks you will enjoy in the surroundings of Aviemore. There are a number of places to stay in Aviemore, including the Aviemore Estate and a 45-minute drive will bring you to Inverness and the world-famous Loch Ness, where you can endeavour to spot a famous monster!

 

 

Strathspeys Steam Railway
5steam trains travel a long a 10mile track between Aviemore and Bromhill

Cairngorm Mountain
This is Scotland’s biggest ski area, and offers 19 runs over 23 miles of Piste. The snow season here is from December until April, however, the snowfall here can be unpredictable

Cairngorm Mountain Railway
This modern funicular will transport you over 1000metrs in 8 minutes to the top of the Cairngorm Plateau. Britain’s highest restaurant is located here, the Ptarmigan, where on the right evenings the sunsets are divine.

Craigellachie Nature Reserve
This reserve is great for short hikes but is quite hilly in sections. A great spot for bird watching, especially between April to July when you can spot the the Peregrine Falcons

Rothiemurchus Estate Visitor Centre
Not just a visitor centre but the access point to over 50miles of walking tracks through the striking Caledonian Pine forests. There is also a nature trail around the loch where you can spot the castle ruins.