15 Wonderful Things to do in Aviemore, Scotland

Aviemore is a popular town with adventure travellers, as it serves as a gateway to the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands. This page provides a list of things to do in Aviemore, plus a map showing each location, restaurant recommendations and hotel suggestions too.

In addition to its natural beauty, Aviemore provides a warm Highland welcome with its charming local pubs, restaurants serving traditional Scottish fare, and access to nearby historical sites and whisky distilleries.

Hi 👋 I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger regularly travelling between London and Scotland for my day job. I’ve made it my priority to explore both places as much as possible and share my insights with you.

There’s a map at the bottom of the post, and I’ve also included tour links (from Viator) and hotel links (from Booking.com) where appropriate.  

Things to do in Aviemore.

Read on for my guide to things to do in Aviemore, Scotland.

1. Explore the Cairngorm mountains.

Firstly, about the Cairngorms: this is the largest national park in the UK, and the mountains are spectacular. Lots of things to do in Aviemore involve the Cairngorms in one way or another.

The Cairngorms contain five of the UK’s highest mountains, and over 4500 square feet of incredible landscapes.  There are lochs, forests, rivers and all sorts of wonderful wildlife to see.

Now onto outdoor activities: the Cairngorm mountains are one of the main attractions in Aviemore, offering skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. 

During the winter months, it’s a popular destination for snow sports, while in the summer, it becomes a great spot for hiking and taking in panoramic views of the Highlands. 

You can also take the funicular railway up the mountain for an easier route to the top.

2. Visit Loch Morlich.

Loch Morlich is a beautiful freshwater loch surrounded by the Cairngorm Mountains. It’s a beautiful place to relax or enjoy watersports. 

Known for its sandy beach, you can swim, kayak, or simply take a leisurely walk around the loch’s shores. 

The sand is slightly pink, owing to the granite of the Cairngorm mountains. This was ground down by glaciers and rivers over thousands of years ago.

There is also a small amount of glass in the sand, and this has been traced back to WWII, when the area was used as a commando training ground.

There is a cute little shop selling snacks, cakes and drinks.

3. Explore the Rothiemurchus Estate.

The Rothiemurchus Estate is a vast area of forests, rivers, and lochs that’s perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching. 

This is a view from the Broomhill bridge over the River Spey in the Rothiemurchus estate.

The estate offers a true Highland experience with amazing scenery and plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. You can try your hand at fishing, archery, and even clay pigeon shooting. 

4. Ride the Strathspey Steam Railway.

For a more relaxed experience, hop on the Strathspey Steam Railway, which runs through the stunning Highland scenery between Aviemore and Broomhill. 

This heritage railway offers a nostalgic journey, complete with vintage carriages and spectacular views. It’s a wonderful way to see the countryside at a slower pace.

5. Visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre.

The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre is an amazing experience for families and animal lovers. 

Here, you can learn about and meet the UK’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer. 

Guided tours take you out into the hills to see these majestic animals in their natural habitat. 

The tours have very specific times, and you must book in advance. You must also have the correct gear (waterproofs, proper hiking boots etc) or you will be refused entry. They are very strict about this. Check the website for clothing requirements before visiting!

6. Go hiking in the Cairngorms National Park.

Aviemore is a gateway to the vast Cairngorms National Park, which is filled with hiking trails for all levels of experience. 

Whether you’re a casual walker or an experienced mountaineer, the park offers routes that will take you through ancient forests, past scenic lochs, and up majestic mountains. It’s gorgeous regardless of the season.

Don’t miss the chance to hike through Glenmore Forest Park or along the Lairig Ghru pass.

7. Enjoy watersports at Loch Insh.

Loch Insh Watersports Centre offers a range of activities for those who love the water, including paddleboarding, windsurfing, and sailing. 

The loch is set against a backdrop of rolling hills and forests, and you can rent bikes and explore the surrounding trails.

There are also some chalets and the Insh Hall hotel, which also has a dry ski slope, and offers skiing and boarding lessons too.

8. Go mountain biking in the hills.

Aviemore is a fantastic (and famous) destination for mountain biking, with a network of trails suitable for all abilities.

Glenmore Forest and Rothiemurchus Estate have some of the best routes, offering a mix of easy-going paths and more challenging trails through rugged Highland terrain. 

Bike hire is readily available in town, making it easy to hit the trails. The Cairngorm Mountain Bike Park has limited opening hours, so be sure to check the website first.

9. Take a wildlife safari.

Join a wildlife safari tour to explore the vast wilderness of the Cairngorms and spot local wildlife, including red deer, golden eagles, and pine martens. 

Located just a short drive from Aviemore, the Highland Wildlife Park is home to a variety of native and exotic animals, including snow leopards, polar bears, and wildcats. 

Their guided tours take you off the beaten track and into some of the most remote and beautiful areas of the park. It’s probably the best way to experience the rich biodiversity of the Scottish Highlands.

10. Visit the Speyside whisky distilleries.

Aviemore is situated near the famous Speyside whisky region, known for producing some of Scotland’s best whiskies. 

Many of the distilleries in the area offer tours and tastings, where you can learn about the whisky-making process and sample a dram or two. 

Popular distilleries to visit include Glenfiddich, Macallan, and Glenlivet.

11. Explore Loch an Eilein.

Lots of things to do in Aviemore involve lochs!

Loch an Eilein is a tranquil loch with a picturesque ruined castle on an island in the middle, surrounded by ancient pine forest. 

The ruins in the middle of the loch are that of a small 14th century castle.

A 5km circular walk around the loch offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. There are toilets, a visitor centre and a car park.

‘Loch an Eilein’ comes from Scottish Gaelic language, and means ‘Loch of the island’.

12. Marvel at the Aviemore stone circle.

One of the more unique things to do in Aviemore is the ancient Aviemore Stone Circle. Also known as the ‘Aviemore Ring Cairn and Stone Circle’, it is located on the outskirts of Aviemore and is part of Scotland’s ancient heritage.

This circle dates back to the Bronze Age, roughly 4,000 years ago, and is believed to have been used for ceremonial or ritualistic purposes, as with many ancient stone circles in Scotland.

Originally, the circle had a larger collection of stones, but some were removed or displaced over time due to development in the area.

13. Enjoy local food and drink.

Aviemore is home to a variety of cafes, restaurants, and pubs where you can enjoy local Scottish cuisine. 

Restaurant recommendations in Aviemore:

• The Old Bridge Inn features a log fire, excellent food and a fine selection of cask ales and malt whiskies.
• The Rowan Tree Hotel offers award-winning dining in a picturesque setting by Loch Alvie.
• At the Cairngorm Hotel, you’ll find an extensive menu paired with warm, efficient service.
• The Balavoulin serves delicious bar meals with friendly service.
• The Winking Owl is a pub which serves a great Sunday roast (pictured above).
• The Macdonald Aviemore Resort has a variety of dining options, from formal to casual settings.
• For a post-golf meal, the Steak House at Spey Valley Golf and Country Club is an excellent choice.

I recommend booking your table in advance, as I found that most of the restaurants listed above were fully booked on the day. Aviemore is a popular place!

14. Go skiing in the Cairngorms.

The Cairngorms National Park offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Scotland, with the Cairngorm Mountain Resort near Aviemore as its main hub. This is probably the most popular of all of the things to do in Aviemore.

The resort provides a variety of slopes catering to all levels, from gentle beginner runs to challenging terrain for more advanced skiers.

During the season, which typically runs from December to April, the slopes come alive with skiers, snowboarders, and families enjoying the fresh mountain air and spectacular views.

Along with well-maintained trails and lift systems, Cairngorm Mountain Resort offers equipment rentals, ski and snowboard lessons, and a funicular railway that takes visitors up the mountain.

On days when the weather is clear, the views from the summit extend over the surrounding Highlands, creating an unforgettable backdrop.

15. See the old packhorse bridge at Carrbridge.

The Packhorse Bridge in Carrbridge is one of Scotland’s most iconic historical landmarks and the oldest stone bridge of its kind in the Highlands.

Built in 1717, this arched stone structure was designed to help locals cross the River Dulnain even during the most turbulent floods, allowing safe passage for people and horses carrying goods.

Despite weathering over 300 years of Highland storms, the bridge’s single span still stands, though it’s no longer safe for crossing. It looks particularly lovely during the autumn season (pictured above in 2024).

Map of things to do in Aviemore.

This Google Map shows all of the things to do in Aviemore as listed in this post. If you are viewing on a phone, you can use two fingers to pinch and drag the map.

Quick links for things to do in Aviemore.

Here are some links that may interest you when planning your trip to Aviemore.

• Reserve your Aviemore Hotel early (they sell out fast).
• Compare Aviemore Rental Cars before choosing a hire car.
• Check out Aviemore merch on Amazon before or after your trip.
• Book Aviemore tours in advance (no payment required up front).
• Remember to get a Universal Plug Adaptor if you need a UK plug.
• Packing cubes are a traveller’s best friend. I recommend these ones.

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