Scenic view of a lake at sunset with rippling water, distant mountains, and trees on the shoreline.
Scenic landscape with autumn-colored trees and a river winding through a valley under a cloudy sky.
A solitary, leafless tree stands in a forested landscape with a backdrop of distant, snow-capped mountains under a cloudy sky.
Group of seven women smiling with backpacks, hiking in a forest with a river in the background.
A sandy beach with a wide expanse of water under a dramatic sky filled with clouds. In the background, there are silhouettes of trees and distant hills.
Tall pine tree with expansive branches surrounded by smaller pine trees with a clear blue sky in the background.
Five women in outdoor clothing posing playfully with outstretched arms in a forested area beside a river.
Pine trees by a turquoise lake with hills and a cloudy blue sky in the background.

Cairngorms National Park - Adventure & Explore

Join us for a 5-night walking adventure in Aviemore, set in the Cairngorms National Park. This trip offers guided walks through diverse landscapes, from ancient forests to serene lochs, with chances to see Scottish wildlife. Enjoy evenings in Aviemore, exploring local pubs and perhaps sampling the goods from Speyside's whisky distilleries. Transport is included and our expert guide will lead the small group, exploring this magical part of the Highlands.

Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration: 5 nights
Accommodation: Hostel
Meeting Location: Glasgow or Aviemore
Group Size: Maximum 8
Level: Leisurely Plus
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs

In a Nutshell:

  • Scenic Base in Aviemore: Enjoy a 5-night stay in Aviemore, located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, offering a mix of guided walks through stunning landscapes including rugged mountains, ancient forests, and picturesque lochs.

  • Wildlife Watching: Opportunities to spot an array of Scottish wildlife, including red squirrels, golden eagles, red deer, and more, particularly during the rutting season (Sept-Nov).

  • Diverse Walking Routes: From tranquil trails around Glenmore Forest Park, including the enchanting green waters of An Lochan Uaine, to spectacular views from Craigellachie National Nature Reserve or Cairn Gorm, the walks are designed to showcase the best of the Cairngorms' natural beauty.

  • Cultural and Culinary Experiences: Evenings spent exploring Aviemore's pubs and restaurants, with the option to sample local drams from surrounding Speyside - renowned for its whisky distilleries.

 
 

5-Night Walking Adventure in Aviemore, Cairngorms National Park: Wilderness & Wildlife Exploration.

Our 5-night walking adventure is set in Aviemore, a charming town nestled in the Cairngorms National Park, in the Scottish Highlands. While Aviemore is widely recognised as a ski destination, thanks to its proximity to Cairn Gorm mountain and its snow sports facilities, it also offers a wealth of year-round outdoor activities.
Exploring this region on foot offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in its stunning landscapes, featuring rugged mountains, ancient Caledonian pine forests, secluded moorlands, and picturesque lochs of varying sizes.

The area is also a sanctuary for wildlife. During our walks, we'll be on the lookout for an array of species including red squirrels, black and red grouse, capercaillies, crested tits, golden eagles, pine martens, ptarmigans, mountain hares, otters, leaping salmon, and red deer, especially during the rutting season (Sept - Nov).

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1

Today, is all about the journey, as we head to our hostel in Aviemore, the base for our 5-night adventure. For those wishing to meet us in Glasgow, we offer a pickup from the city centre at 9am or Glasgow International Airport at 9:15am. Alternatively, you're welcome to travel to Aviemore independently and meet us there.

The drive north from Glasgow takes around 3 hours. En route, we'll stop for a short walk in Perthshire, where you'll have the chance to stretch your legs and enjoy one of the area's picturesque routes. One such stop could be at the Hermitage, offering a stunning woodland walk alongside the River Braan, with its impressive waterfalls and the chance to spot salmon leaping. This location is known for its towering Douglas firs and the quaint folly of Ossian's Hall.

If you're making your own way to Aviemore, we'll welcome you at the hostel from 5pm. After settling in, we'll gather for dinner (at your own expense), followed by an overview of the plans for the coming days. This will also be a great opportunity to get acquainted with your Large Outdoors host and fellow group members.

Days 2 - 5

After breakfast each day, we'll prepare packed lunches and set off on our daily adventure, aiming to explore the diverse walking routes and stunning vistas the Cairngorms National Park offers.

All of our Adventure & Explore trips, including this journey to the Scottish Highlands, are rated as Leisurely Plus (see how we grade our walks here). This rating reflects that some of the routes in the Highlands may not be as well-defined as those in other parts of the UK. Most of our walks will range between 6-12 miles, focusing on lower-level trails to enjoy the stunning scenery through more leisurely walks - this trip is not aimed at mountain walking.

Here are some of the walking possibilities:

  • Loch an Eilein & Rothiemurchus: This popular route circles Loch an Eilein (pronounced ‘loch an yellen’), offering picturesque views of an ancient island castle. The walk through Rothiemurchus Estate is enveloped by native Scots pines and an undergrowth of birch, rowan, juniper, and heather, crafting a wild and inviting landscape.

  • Cairn Gorm Mountain: We aim to experience Scotland’s only mountain railway, ascending to 1,097m above sea level. A 90-minute return walk to the summit of Cairn Gorm (over 1,244m) will be guided by a local expert, who will share insights into the unique ecosystem, local flora and fauna, and the geological history of the landscape. Please note that the Cairngorm Mountain Railway is currently closed for repair works and so this walk is subject to services being resumed in time for our trip.

  • Glenmore Forest Park: Explore the tranquil trails of Glenmore Forest Park, where paths wind through dense forest and along serene loch shores, offering a peaceful retreat into nature. This area is ideal for spotting wildlife and wildflowers - much of the forest park is a National Nature Reserve - and enjoying the quiet beauty, with lots of route options to choose from.

  • An Lochan Uaine (The Green Loch): A gentle walk to this enchanting green-colored loch nestled amidst the forest. The vivid colors and mystical atmosphere make it a magical spot, perfect for a leisurely walk and a moment of reflection.

At the end of each day, we'll dine in one of Aviemore's delightful pubs or restaurants (at participants' own expense). For whisky enthusiasts, we're ideally located next to Speyside, boasting over 50 whisky distilleries, offering ample opportunity to sample a local dram. You are also welcome to stay in the hostel and make use of the self-catering facilities if you prefer.

Day 6

Sadly, it's time to bid farewell to the Cairngorms National Park. After enjoying our final breakfast together, we'll check out of our accommodation (by 10am).

For those who booked the Pickup from Glasgow, we can drop you back off there too, but if you made your own way to Aviemore then it’s time to say cheerio to your Large Outdoors host and the other participants. To make the return to Glasgow more enjoyable, we'll include a stop along the way - possibly at Pitlochry to enjoy the lovely surroundings on offer there.

We aim to be back in Glasgow between 3-5pm, with drop-offs in the city centre or at the airport. If you’ve travelled via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility with the return time - we will allow for stops on the journey but we (sadly!) can’t control the traffic.

  • Meeting Time: From 9am - your Large Outdoors host will meet you in Glasgow for one of the Pickups (see details below), or you can make your own way to Aviemore if you prefer.

    Pickups (Day 1): when booking you can let us know which of the two Pickup locations below you’d like to be collected from.

    Glasgow City Centre (Hotel) 9am at the ibis Styles, Glasgow Central, 116 Waterloo Street, Glasgow, G2 7DN. Please note: a discount code for this hotel is available if you plan to stay in Glasgow the night before/after the trip - details will be shown on your booking confirmation email.

    Glasgow International Airport 9:30am at the Pick-up & Drop-off area located outside the main terminal building in Car Park 2.

    Returning to Glasgow (Day 6): We can return you to Glasgow on the final day. We aim to be back in Glasgow between 3-5pm and can drop you back in the city centre or at the airport. Please book onward travel accordingly, to allow for flexibility with the return time to the city centre or airport - we (sadly!) can’t control the traffic.

    Meeting Location (if not booking a Pickup):
    Aviemore Youth Hostel
    25 Grampian Road
    Aviemore
    PH22 1PR

    Parking: There is parking available at the hostel.

    Public Transport: SYHA Aviemore is located 0.4 miles (approx. 9 minute walk) from Aviemore Train Station, with services to/from Inverness, Edinburgh, Newcastle, York and London.

    Finish Time: We will aim to leave Aviemore by 10am (Day 6). If you book the Pickup from Glasgow, we can drop you back off there too, between 3-5pm. If you’ve travelled via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility with the return time to Glasgow - we will allow for stops on the journey but we (sadly!) can’t control the traffic.

  • We’ll base ourselves at the excellent Aviemore Youth Hostel for this getaway, heading out each day in the Large Outdoors vehicle to explore the Cairngorms National Park. The hostel accommodation offers comfortable rooms, lounge and dining areas (which will also be shared with non-Large Outdoors participants), a handy laundry/drying room and Wi-Fi.

    Bedding and a towel is provided, but don’t forget to bring your own toiletries.

    Room Types:
    You can book one of the following options, subject to availability:
    Bed in a Shared Female Room
    Bed in a Shared Male Room
    Twin Room (shared bathroom)
    Single Room (shared bathroom)

    At this hostel there are primarily Shared Rooms, where you’ll be sharing a room - with bunk beds or single beds - with other participants (room sizes vary and bathrooms are shared).
    Twin Rooms sleep up to two participants booking together - with bunk beds or two single beds (bathrooms are shared with other rooms).
    Single Rooms are for one participant and have a single bed (bathrooms are shared with other rooms).

  • Included:

    • Pickup service from Glasgow, or you can meet us in Aviemore - see the Meeting Location & Time section above - and all transport during the trip.

    • 5 nights’ accommodation at Aviemore Youth Hostel.

    • A Large Outdoors host/guide to welcome you and deal with the logistics for your experience.

    • Guided walks to explore the Cairngorms National Park and surrounding areas.

    • A DIY breakfast each morning (toast, cereals, fruit and yoghurt provided).

    • A DIY packed lunch (sandwich and snacks) for Days 2-5. Please ensure you bring a lunch box or dry bag - to reduce waste, we do not supply cling film or sandwich bags.

    • Tea (including decaf and herbal options), coffee (including decaf option), and squash at the accommodation.

    • Bedding and a towel - but don’t forget your own toiletries.

    • The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.

    • Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.

    Not Included:

    • Travel to and from the meeting location (Glasgow or Aviemore).

    • Dinner on 5 evenings - we’ll book a table at a local pub or restaurant to enjoy dinner as a group and you can purchase whatever you fancy from the menu available.

    • Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost, e.g. visitor attractions.

    • Bottled water - tap water and squash are available at the accommodation, so please ensure you bring sufficient water bottles or carriers to fill up and take out with you.

    • Alcoholic drinks - there’ll be opportunities to pick up some local tipples during the trip and the hostel sells a small selection.

    • Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.

    • Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.

  • Please see our Residential (Walking) Kit List.

    The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.

    Please note: although the walks on our Adventure & Explore experiences are generally classed as more leisurely options, you will need walking boots. There will be short steep sections and rocky/boggy/slippery ground to navigate, so it’s important you have suitable footwear.

  • • What level of fitness is needed?
    This trip is graded as Leisurely Plus. Our Adventure & Explore experiences are all about discovering the best each area has to offer. They are designed to be great fun for all, with more leisurely walks interspersed with visits to historical and cultural sites, off-the-beaten-track cafés, wildlife-watching, and much more. Click here to see Large Outdoors’ Experience Levels.

    • Can I attend on my own?
    Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.

    • I am currently on a specific diet / have an allergy - can you cater for me?
    Unfortunately, we are generally unable to cater for a wide variety of diets or food preferences due to the nature and cost of our catered trips and/or the use of shared kitchens. However, we can offer vegetarian meals, vegan meals, provide meals with gluten* free ingredients, and/or provide dairy* free meals - these options can be selected when booking. This particular experience offers a little more flexibility catering wise, as evening meals are taken at local restaurants, so please contact us if you’d like to check whether it is suitable for your dietary needs.
    *Please see our general FAQs for more information about dietary options.

    • What transport is provided during this experience?
    We offer transport with a Pickup service (see Meeting Location & Time section above) and transfers from the accommodation to the activity start points and back.

    • Can I bring my dog?
    Dogs are not allowed on this experience, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment/accommodation, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary.

  • The Cairngorms National Park, nestled in the heart of Scotland, stands as the UK's largest national park, spanning over 4,500 square kilometers. It's a haven for hill walkers, boasting five of the UK's six highest peaks and 43 Munros. The park offers a vast array of walking opportunities, from scaling lofty summits to gentle strolls through extensive forests, including the ancient Caledonian pines, alongside fast-flowing rivers, and around picturesque lochs.

    The Cairngorms are home to 9 nature reserves, making it a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts. The park's diverse habitats support a range of iconic species. Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels, black and red grouse, capercaillies, crested tits, otters, and salmon. The majestic red deer are also resident, especially notable during the rutting season. Higher up, the rugged terrain provides a backdrop for spotting golden eagles, ptarmigans, and mountain hares.

    Interesting Facts:
    The Cairngorms National Park contains some of the best-preserved ancient woodlands in Europe, with remnants of the Caledonian Forest that once covered much of Scotland.

    The park's high plateau is unique in the UK, offering an Arctic-like environment, which is home to some of Britain's rarest plants and animals.

    Loch Morlich, within the park, boasts the highest beach in Britain, offering water sports in an unparalleled setting.

    The Cairngorms plays a crucial role in Scottish water supply, with its rivers feeding into major waterways and reservoirs.

    It's a year-round destination, with winter sports, hiking, wildlife watching, and stargazing among the many activities visitors can enjoy.

 

This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.