Walks in Cairngorms National Park

Strive to reach the summit (932 m) of Scotland’s second-highest mountain on the gripping Ben Macdui and Cairngorm Walk in Aviemore, Scotland. The 17.5 km hillwalk is certainly not your average walk in the park, but for those seeking to conquer one of the more challenging hillwalks in Cairngorm National Park, this walk is for you! Featuring incredible views from the Cairngorm Plateau, wild river crossings and a triumphant final ascent across Ben Macdui’s northern flanks to reach the summit, this was packs a punch and if up for the challenge, you won’t want to miss it.

The Loch Muick Circular Walk weaves history and the natural beauty of the Cairngorms National Park masterfully, inviting walkers to explore the grounds of the grand Balmoral Estate, purchased by the British royal family in 1852. The 12.5 km circular walk takes in the Glas-allt-Shiel, a lodge on the shores of Loch Muick, and several other highlights on the estate grounds, namely, the Balmoral Castle itself. Sound tracks and paths as well as a lack of elevation gain make this a suitable walk for families, as long as the wee ones can manage the distance.

Lording over the town of Pitlochry, which is nestled at its foot, sits Ben Vrackie (841 m), a classified Scottish Corbett and makes for a cracking hillwalk in Cairngorms National Park. The 10.0 km walk can be done in under 4 hours and is a great way to seize some incredible views across the park following a well-worn path. The ascent is steep, but walkers will be well rewarded by the views from the summit. It’s a popular hillwalk in the area, particularly for those visiting or staying in the town of Pitlochry.

Escape to walk among the towering pines of the Rothiemurchus Forest and see their reflection on the dazzling waters of Loch an Eilein on the Loch an Eilein Walk. The 7.0 km trail is one of Scotland’s most popular, and for a good reason! Unfolding around the entire perimeter of the loch, this route also features a lovely extension to take in neighbouring Loch Gamhna, a quieter and less travelled shoreline. Great paths and lack of ascent make this a top choice for families looking to experience the beauty of Cairngorms National Park.

The Mount Keen (939 m) From Glen Esk Walk invites you to tackle the most easterly Munro with a thrilling ascent from Glen Esk. The 17.5 km walk unfolds on tracks and a well-worn hill path leading to the trig point at the summit, where you’ll uncover atypical views of sprawling moorlands instead of peaks. The route features some steep sections, a few river crossings, and a dose of history with a look at the Queen’s Well, where Queen Victoria stopped during one of her treks in the Angus glens by pony.

The Burn O’ Vat and Culblean Circular Walk is a lovely 6.5 km forest trail that invites you to enjoy the beauty of the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve in Aboyne, Scotland. Pinewoods flank the trail that leads to the impressive Burn O’ Vat, a deep geological bowl that can be explored up-close via stepping stones. The walk is great for adults with older children who can manage the stone steps throughout the Burn O’Vat.

The 4km Craigendarroch Walk in Ballater Scotland is a popular, small hillwalk that features fantastic views of the surrounding hills, most notably Lochnagar, whose corrie and cliffs are guaranteed to steal the show on a clear day! At 402 m high, Craigendarroch may not be one of the tallest hills in the Cairngorms National Park, but it’s a challenging little hillwalk nonetheless, with some steep sections that are bound to get your heart rate going. This walk is an excellent choice for those looking to work towards tackling some of the park’s higher peaks and also for those walking with older children who are ready to take on a summit climb.

The Cairn Gorm and the Northern Corries Walk is a thrilling 11.0 km hillwalk, beginning at the Cairngorm Ski Centre in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park near Aviemore, Scotland. With an elevation of 1,244 m (1,245 m), Cairn Gorm is a classified Scottish Munro and is the most popular and most often-walked mountain in the Cairngorms range. Climbing Cairn Gorm is no small feat, and this walk is best reserved for experienced hillwalkers with a good set of navigational skills due to a significant pathless section.

At a mere 2.5 km, some may assume that The Falls Bruar Walk is just a short, leisurely stroll, but in truth, this short walk packs quite the punch! The hilly route consists of some steep sections that are sure to get the heart rate going while providing a nice little work-out for the legs. Due to the gorge edge featuring significant drops, this walk is best suited to adults walking with older children who can manage the steep inclines and remain vigilant when walking near the gorge edge. The route features a picnic area overlooking the falls, perfect for those looking to enjoy lunch while soaking up the marvellous scenery!

The Morrone Walk is a 12.0 km circular hillwalk located near Braemar, Scotland. This is the perfect way to soak up the incredible beauty of the Cairngorm peaks on a thrilling half-day excursion, and the views from the summit won’t disappoint! The return route features a lovely riverside stretch, providing the perfect cooldown following a relatively strenuous climb.

The Linn of Dee Circular Walk is a pleasant walk that the whole family can enjoy. The 3.0 km route unfolds on clear paths and tracks with helpful waymarkers that make navigation a breeze. There is plenty to see on this relatively short walk, including the beautiful River Dee itself, a charming old stone bridge arched over the water, pretty pine woodlands, and a waterfall.

The Glen Tanar Walk is a pleasant 8km waymarked route that unfolds on the Cairngorms south side near Aboyne. The easy trail follows scenic forest paths and tracks and is suitable for the whole family. Keep your eyes peeled on the walk for an array of wildlife, including red squirrels, crested tits, and if luck is on your side, even Capercaillie!

The Anagach Woods and the River Spey Walk is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. The trail immerses you in a world of towering Scots pinewood accompanied by the gentle flow of the River Spey. As one of the longer waymarked trails through Anagach Woods, this walk allows you to enjoy the tranquil forest as well as the peaceful riverbank of the River Spey.

The Balmoral Castle Walk is a wonderful family-friendly adventure in Cairngorms National Park that will take you around the grounds of Queen Elizabeth II’s Scottish estate. While out walking the trail, you will follow closely along the banks of the River Dee, before looping around Balmoral Castle to inspect its beautiful architecture. Walkers should take note that dogs are permitted at Balmoral Castle; however, they must be kept on a lead at all times.

The Blair Atholl and Glen Tilt Loop is an awesome intermediate length walking route in Cairngorms National Park that will take you along a riverbank to explore a beautiful glen. While out walking the trail, you will traverse an atmospheric stretch of forest landscape, continuing along the winding banks of the River Tilt while taking in the beauty of the surrounding mountains. This is a fantastic excursion for casual and experienced walkers alike.

The Meall Chuaich Walk is an exceptional adventure on the edge of Cairngorms National Park that will take you uphill for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. While out walking the trail, you will make your way along Allt Cuaich and pass by the shores of Loch Cuaich to reach the summit of Meall Chuaich, where you will have an amazing sightline across the park. Although there is a fair bit of elevation gain, this is a wonderful adventure that is well-suited to both casual and seasoned walkers.

Walking the Creag Beagh and Loch Gynack Circular Trail is a great activity in Cairngorms National Park that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and a nearby loch. While out walking the trail you will pass through the village of Kingussie and make your way around Loch Gynack, before looping around the rugged slopes of Creag Bheag. This is a fantastic intermediate route that offers beautiful scenery and a nice challenge, without being too difficult.

The Creag Dhubh Walk is a great intermediate length walking route in Cairngorms National Park that offers views of Loch an Eilein and the surrounding Cairngorms landscape. While out walking the trail, you will make your way through the forest to visit the shores of the lake, before climbing up the mountainside to the summit of Creag Dhubh for spectacular views of the park. As with any route in Cairngorms National Park, views will likely be limited if you end up walking in misty weather.

The Glas Tulaichean and Gleann Taitneach Circular Walk is a lengthy route in Cairngorms National Park that will take you through the rugged mountains to visit a charming loch. While out walking the trail, you will follow along the banks of Glen Lochsie Burn and traverse the summit of Glas Tulaichean, before visiting the secluded shores of Loch nan Eun. This is a fantastic adventure if you are looking to take in the undulating terrain of the Cairngorms.

The Loch Muick and Broad Cairn Walk is a spectacular excursion in Cairngorms National Park that offers stunning views of a nearby lake and mountains. While out walking the trail, you will climb uphill along the shores of Loch Muick and enjoy views overlooking Glas-allt-Shiel of Balmoral Estate, before heading even further uphill to the rugged summit of Broad Cairn. This lengthy out-and-back route is a great way to take in the beauty of the park.