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    Cairngorms National Park

    Walks in Cairngorms National Park

    Region in Scotland, United Kingdom

    Revel in sub-Alpine terrain and an unruly mountainscape in Scotland's supernatural Cairngorms National Park, where endless adventure awaits. One of the best ways to immerse in the wild and experience the natural wonders stretching across the United Kingdom's largest national park is via foot. That's right. There are some epic walks in the Cairngorms!

    But one of the best things about exploring this area is Scotland's rule around wild camping: you can walk to a magical location and set your tent up lochside, on a hilltop, or in any unenclosed space in the park. The walks in this area are unreal, and we'll tell you all about some of the best below!

    The Greatest Walks In Cairngorms National Park

    Where do you even start when it comes to walking in Cairngorms National Park? You can find a range of walks tailored for whatever you want to experience, whether that's community walks, taking on a Munro (mountains that are 914 m feet high or more), heritage trails embroidered with history, hill tracks carved deep into the wilderness. Check out a list of the greatest walks in the Cairngorms below to choose an adventure that caters to your adventure mood!

    • Ben Macdui and Cairngorm Walk - The Ben Macdui and Cairngorm Walk is one of the most challenging walks in the national park as it leads you to the summit of Scotland's second-highest mountain! Bask in fantastic views of the Cairngorm Plateau before taking on the final climb to the top. It is definitely worth taking on if you want a challenge.
    • Loch Muick Circular Walk - The Loch Muick Circular Walk intertwines history with the natural wonders sprawled across the national park. You'll get to explore the Balmoral Estate on the walk, which the royal family bought in 1852. However, this 12.5 km loop takes in several highlights while staying at a minimal elevation gain, making this fun for families with older children.
    • Ben Vrackie Walk - Gain 787 m in elevation in just 10.0 km on the Ben Vrackie Walk! However, despite the daunting, challenging elevation gain, this hillwalk unveils unreal views across the national park and follows a well-worn path. If you’re staying in Pitlochry, you’ll definitely want to do this walk!
    • Loch an Eilein Walk - Walk below a canopy of pines lining the Rothiemurchus Forest and admire their reflection shimmering in Loch an Eilein on this 7.0 km walk! The Loch an Eilein Walk is a popular route for almost all ages. But while Loch an Eilein may be busy, you’ll also travel to Loch Gamhna, where a quieter shoreline awaits.
    • Mount Keen from Glen Esk Walk - Take on another challenging route in Cairngorms National Park. Completing the Mount Keen from Glen Esk Walk is no easy feat, but it always feels good to bag a Munro! This 17.5 km walk wavers between a worn-in hill path, steep sections, river crossings, and a quick glimpse of history at the Queen's Well. Revel in moorlands and phenomenal scenery on this walk!
    • Burn O' Vat and the Culblean Circular Walk - Immerse between pinewoods on the 6.5 km Burn O’ Vat and Culblean Circular Walk that leads to Ben O’Vat, a geological bowl. However, you will navigate stepping stones to see the bowl up close, making this more of a walk for older children.
    • Craigendarroch Walk - While this walk is only 4.0 km, the 315 m elevation packed into it will amp up your heart rate. If you're looking to take on some of the higher peaks in Cairngorms National Park, the Craigendarroch Walk is a great place to start—it's also an excellent choice for older children ready to tackle a summit walk. Bask in views of Lochnagar!
    • Cairn Gorm and the Northern Corries Walk - Starting at the Cairngorm Ski Centre, the Cairn Gorm and the Northern Corries Walk leads you up one of the most popular Scottish Munros: Cairn Gorm. One section is pathless, making this a fantastic adventure for experienced hillwalkers!
    • The Falls of Bruar Walk - Don’t let the 2.5 km distance propel you to think that the Falls of Bruar Walk is a pleasant, leisurely stroll! This walk may be short, but it will get your heart pumping, thanks to the undulations throughout. You will navigate a gorge edge, making this walk more suitable for older children who can stay vigilant when meandering this section. Bring a picnic along and spend some time soaking in the falls!
    • Morrone Walk - Looking for a scenic half-day adventure? The 12.0 km circular Morrane Walk unveils quality views of the Cairngorm peaks from the summit. On your way back, you’ll enjoy walking along the river, where you can cool down after a heart-pumping climb.

    When Is The Best Time To Walk in Cairngorms National Park?

    The best time to walk in Cairngorms National Park is during spring and summer when the weather is warmer. However, if you're looking to bag a Munro, summer is your go-to month as the longer light gives you more time to finish your walk!

    Best Regions for Walking in Cairngorms National Park?

    You'll find phenomenal walking opportunities all over Cairngorms National Park, but the best place to stay if you're looking to set up a base is Aviemore, a small town that acts as a gateway to several trails.

    Other Outdoor Activities in Cairngorms National Park

    Other outdoor activities in Cairngorms National Park are mountain biking and cycling, water sports, climbing, skiing and wild camping! Mountain bikers will enjoy the 64km of off-road tracks, and those keen on rafting, canoeing, river tubing, swimming will find a water source that suits their desired activity, whether that's more on the relaxing side or bent towards more thrill. Meanwhile, climbers in the south of the park will find routes around Creag Dubh Loch and Lochnagar in the southern Cairngorms, and those in the north will discover climbs around The Shelterstone Crag. When snow blankets the land, snowboarders and skiers can hit up any of the three ski resorts in the Cairngorms.

    Cairngorms National Park Adventure Tours

    Sometimes the best way to experience a beautiful area is by booking an adventure tour. If you want to explore the park with local guides, or on your own, but without the whole hassle of planning your own trip, check out the tours in Cairngorms National Park.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why do people visit Cairngorms National Park?

    Besides the world-class scenery flanking the area, Cairngorms National Park also boasts of exceptional wildlife, such as arctic reindeer and wildcats roaming the forests. Keep an eye out for golden eagles when you’re on your walks!

    How many Munros are in Cairngorms National Park?

    You’ll find 55 Munros standing at 914 m tall (or higher) standing tall across Cairngorms National Park. The highest Munro is Ben Macdui, which intimidates at 1,309 m.

    Where should I stay when I visit Cairngorms National Park?

    Most people head to Aviemore, a lovely small town bordered by incredible scenery. However, you can always look into wild camping throughout the park or one of the campsites that offer a more upscale wilderness experience. Some notable spots are Eriskay Ecocamp, Glamping Aviemore, Blair Castle, and Braemar Caravan and Camping. There are also lodges around the park!

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    Best Hikes in Cairngorms National Park

    Showing 41 to 60 of 94
      Open details for Ben Gulabin Walk

      Ben Gulabin Walk

      Hard
      6.8 km
      507 m
      2.5-3.5h

      The Ben Gulabin Walk is a challenging adventure in Cairngorms National Park that will take you on a fairly direct route up the mountain for views over the valley. While out walking the trail, you will climb up steep, rocky, and often eroded paths to reach the summit, where spectacular views of the surrounding landscape await. Walkers should take note that this route is only suitable for the summer months, as the peak is covered with snow and ice during the winter and requires experience using and ice axe and crampons.

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      Open details for Allt Scheicheachan Bothy Circular Walk

      Allt Scheicheachan Bothy Circular Walk

      Moderate
      23.5 km
      843 m
      6.5-9h

      The Allt Scheicheachan Bothy Circular Walk is a lengthy adventure in Cairngorms National Park that will see you head up into the mountains for some wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. While out on the trail, you will pass by the grounds of Blair Castle and traverse the wooded slopes of Glen Tilt, before climbing uphill across the rugged terrain of Carn Dearg Mor to reach the Allt Scheicheachan Bothy. This is a long and rugged adventure, so be sure to pack the proper gear and supplies for a lengthy day on the trails.

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      Open details for The Wildcat Trail

      The Wildcat Trail

      Easy
      12.6 km
      410 m
      3.5-4.5h

      The Wildcat Trail is a fun family-friendly walking route in Cairngorms National Park that will lead you around the village of Newtonmore. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill to traverse the rugged hills to the north, before looping around the village along the winding banks of the River Spey. This is a fantastic activity to do if you are looking to take in the beauty of the highlands without much in the way of difficulty.

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      Open details for Ballater and Old Railway East Walk

      Ballater and Old Railway East Walk

      Easy
      4.2 km
      46 m
      1h

      The Ballater and Old Railway East Walk is a charming adventure in Cairngorms National Park that follows an old stretch of rail set alongside the River Dee. While out walking the trail, you will leave behind the village of Ballater and cross the countryside, passing by Tullich Chapel and The Souterrain. Walkers should take note that this is a one-way trail, meaning that you will need to either retrace your steps or take public transit for the return.

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      Open details for Craig Mellon Circular Walk

      Craig Mellon Circular Walk

      Moderate
      16.4 km
      641 m
      4.5-6.5h

      The Craig Mellon Circular Walk is a great adventure in Cairngorms National Park that will lead you through two charming glens that flank Craig Mellon. While out walking the trail, you will pass through Glendoll Forest and follow along the banks of White Water to the northwest, before traversing the rugged terrain of the mountains to make the return alongside the River South Esk. This is a fantastic route that offers a good variety of terrain and plenty of scenic views.

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      Open details for Dun-da-Lamh Walk

      Dun-da-Lamh Walk

      Moderate
      7.2 km
      580 m
      3-4h

      The Dun-da-Lamh Walk is a fantastic outdoor excursion in Cairngorms National Park that features scenic views from atop a peak that is also an historical site. While out walking the trail, you will climb uphill through the forest to reach the summit of Dun-da-Lamh, which offers fantastic views overlooking the Spey Cam Reservoir and was once the site of a Pictish fort. While there is a fair amount of elevation gain on this moderate length trail, it is still suitable for casual adventurers.

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      Open details for Glas Tulaichean and Carn an Righ Walk

      Glas Tulaichean and Carn an Righ Walk

      Moderate
      23.8 km
      1,385 m
      8-11.5h

      The Glas Tulaichean and Carn an Righ Walk is a rugged adventure in Cairngorms National Park that will take you up two tall peaks for amazingly scenic views. While out walking the trail, you will follow along winding streams and enjoy lovely valley views, before the gruelling task of summiting both Glas Tulaichean and Carn an Righ. While the route may be tough, the breathtaking views that spread out as far as the eye can see are well worth the effort… as long as you catch them on a fair weather day.

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      Open details for Carn a’ Chlamain via Tilt Glen Walk

      Carn a’ Chlamain via Tilt Glen Walk

      Hard
      29.3 km
      1,457 m
      9-13h

      Walking up Carn a’ Chlamain via Tilt Glen is a very long and challenging adventure in Cairngorms National Park that features rough terrain and scenic views. While out walking the trail, you will follow along the winding banks of the River Tilt, before making the steep push up to the summit. Walkers should take note that this is a very difficult route that should only be undertaken by those who have experience with long mountain walks.

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      Open details for Carn na Caim and A’ Bhuidheanach Bheag Munro Walk

      Carn na Caim and A’ Bhuidheanach Bheag Munro Walk

      Hard
      19.5 km
      1,041 m
      6.5-9h

      The Carn na Caim and A’ Bhuiheanach Bheag Munro Walk is a rough and challenging adventure in Cairngorms National Park that will take you up to the top of two peaks with views of the surrounding terrain. While out walking the trail, you will traverse the boggy landscape of the moor to reach the summit of Carn na Caim, before heading south to the top of A’ Bhuiheanach Bheag Munro Walk. There is certainly a fair amount of rugged terrain along this route, so be sure to wear proper walking boots to safely traverse the trail.

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      Open details for Lairig Ghru Walk

      Lairig Ghru Walk

      Easy
      15.9 km
      500 m
      4-6h

      The Lairig Ghru Walk is a long but laidback excursion in Cairngorms National Park that will expose you to the natural beauty of the forests within the region. While out walking the trail, you will make your way across a vast expanse of woodland landscape to reach the Rothiemurchus Lodge at the base of the mountains, before making the return along the banks of Druie. This is an excellent walking route if you enjoy exploring lush woodland landscapes.

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      Open details for Creag Choinnich Walk

      Creag Choinnich Walk

      Moderate
      5.8 km
      313 m
      2-2.5h

      The Creag Choinnich Walk is a great family-friendly walking route in Cairngorms National Park that will lead you to the summit of a forested hill for beautiful views. While out walking the trail, you wil;l climb up to the summit of Creag Choinnich for some beautiful views of the surrounding area, before looping around the hill to visit the 17th Century Braemar Castle. Although there is a bit of uphill walking, this is a fantastic route for the entire family to enjoy.

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      Open details for Craig Coillich Walk

      Craig Coillich Walk

      Moderate
      4.0 km
      239 m
      1.5-2h

      The Craig Coillich Walk is a short but steep walking route in Ballater that will take you uphill for some beautiful views of the surrounding Cairngorms NP terrain. While out walking the trail, you will cross over the River Dee and traverse the forested hillside to reach the summit of Craig Coillich, which offers wonderfully scenic views of Deeside. This is an exceptional adventure whether you are looking for a spot of exercise or simply to take in the scenery.

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      Open details for Ballater to Cambus o’May Circular Walk

      Ballater to Cambus o’May Circular Walk

      Moderate
      12.7 km
      241 m
      3-4h

      The Ballater to Cambus o’ May Circular Walk is a fantastic adventure in Cairngorms National Park that passes by several historical sites and returns through a beautiful riverside setting. While out walking the trail, you will follow along an old railway line that will take you past Tullich Chapel and the Souterrain, before looping around the Cambus o’ May Cheese Factory for a return along the River Dee. This is a great intermediate length trail for beginner and casual adventurers.

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      Open details for Creagan Riabhach Walk

      Creagan Riabhach Walk

      Moderate
      11.9 km
      444 m
      3.5-4.5h

      The Creagan Riabhach walk is a spectacular day-walk from Ballater that will take you up into the hills for views of Cairngorms National Park. While out walking the trail, you will skirt around the slopes of Craigendarroch and climb up to the summit of Creagan Riabhach, where you will enjoy splendid views across Deeside. This is a fantastic walking adventure in the Cairngorms if you are looking to get the lay of the land.

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      Open details for Creagan Riabhach and Craig of Prony Circular Walk

      Creagan Riabhach and Craig of Prony Circular Walk

      Moderate
      14.6 km
      483 m
      4-5.5h

      The Creagan Riabhach and Craig of Prony Circular walk is an exceptional adventure in Cairngorms National Park that will see you traverse several rugged hills for views overlooking the surrounding area. While out walking the trail, you will leave Ballater behind and climb above Deeside to the summits of Creagan Riabhach and Craig of Prony, where you will enjoy some breathtaking views of the valley and nearby mountains. This is a great intermediate length route for casual and seasoned walkers alike.

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      Open details for Crathie, Easter Balmoral and Cairns Circular Walk

      Crathie, Easter Balmoral and Cairns Circular Walk

      Moderate
      9.5 km
      331 m
      2.5-3.5h

      The Crathie, Easter Balmoral, and Cairns Circular is a wonderful adventure in Cairngorms National Park that will see you explore a beautiful stretch of woodland terrain dotted with fascinating monuments. While out walking the trail, you will climb uphill through the forests near Balmoral Castle to view a series of stone cairns that are related to the life events of several members of the royal family. This is a lovely walk for anyone who enjoys exploring the woodlands or learning about the British monarchy.

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      Open details for Capel Mounth and Loch Muick Circular Walk

      Capel Mounth and Loch Muick Circular Walk

      Hard
      27.5 km
      1,302 m
      8.5-12h

      The Capel Mounth and Loch Muick Circular Walk is a very long and very challenging excursion in Cairngorms National Park that is geared towards well-seasoned walkers. While out on the trail, you will pass through a glen and traverse several mountain peaks on the way to the shores of Loch Muich, before returning along the boggy landscape of the moor. While very fit adventurers will be able to complete this walk in a single day, it is often done as a multi-day excursion.

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      Open details for Cairn of Gowal Loop

      Cairn of Gowal Loop

      Hard
      26.2 km
      1,125 m
      7.5-11h

      The Cairn of Gowal Loop is a rough and rugged excursion in Cairngorms National Park that will take you over a number of peaks for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. While out walking the trail, you will climb uphill through a glen along the River South Esk, before traversing a series of peaks overlooking Loch Muick and Dubh Loch. This is no doubt a challenging adventure, but the stunning mountain scenery and feeling of accomplishment will certainly be worth the effort.

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      Open details for Loch Morlich to Nethy Bridge Walk

      Loch Morlich to Nethy Bridge Walk

      Moderate
      15.4 km
      387 m
      4-5.5h

      The Loch Morlich to Nethy Bridge Walk is a fun one-way trail in Cairngorms National Park that will lead you through a variety of terrain with scenic views. While out walking the trail, you will leave the picturesque shores of Loch Morlich behind to traverse the hills to the northeast, after which, you will pass through a vast atmospheric stretch of woodland terrain on the way into Nethy Bridge. Walkers should take note that this is a one-way trail, so be sure to make travel arrangements for the return leg of the journey if you wish to head back to Glenmore.

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      Open details for Loch an Eilein, Loch Gamhna, Old Logging Way Loop

      Loch an Eilein, Loch Gamhna, Old Logging Way Loop

      Moderate
      13.7 km
      348 m
      3.5-4.5h

      The Loch an Eilein, Loch Gamhna, Old Logging Way Loop is a wonderful walking trail in Cairngorms National Park that features a variety of terrain and interesting historical sites. While out on the trail, you will enjoy scenic views of Loch Eilein and its 14th Century island castle, before passing through the boggy terrain surrounding Loch Gamhna and the woodland landscape to the northeast. This is a wonderful route if you enjoy historical, wildlife, or nature views.

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