Most people who visit Scotland want to sample some of the local whiskies and explore some of the country’s distilleries. Scotland is laden with loveable lochs, dreamy mountaintops and verdant countryside, ideal for experiencing in the winter months. ️ This time of year when the snow falls can turn an already beautiful landscape into something spectacular. Those on two wheels will want to check out the local cycle paths and mountain bike paths, which range from flat paved family-friendly routes to difficult mountain routes. Cairngorms National Park, Badenoch and Strathspey: Address, Phone Number, Cairngorms National Park Reviews: 5/5. Cairngorms National Park entrance sign in winter, largest national park in the British Isles at Badenoch and Strathspey in the Highlands of Scotland. Don't miss out on our exclusive monthly giveaways with lots of fun travel and photography related prizes! Exploring Scotland’s national parks is popular for those from the UK but they are not as well-known outside of Scotland. If you are interested in visiting the Cairngorms as part of a guided tour, we can recommend Rabbie’s Travel which is an Edinburgh based small group tour company. The Whisky seems like a good idea, considering how cold it looks up there. They also run special holiday train services for Christmas and New Years. And plenty of ways to have some quality downtime like the distilleries too! If hurtling downhill doesn’t take your fancy then the Park is a great place for cross-country skiing with centres at the Slochd and Glenmore where miles of ski trails and forest tracks means you can explore and get away from the crowds. Ballater Information Centre. Jessica. One of the most popular winter activities in the Cairngorms National Parks is skiing. Bicycles can be rented within the park. These include things like ruined castles (e.g., Drumin Castle), art trails (e.g., Frank Bruce Sculpture Trail), Pictish ring forts, clan history centers, and old parish churches. Within the UK, the park can be reached by car, regular train (check ScotRail and London North Eastern Railway for service), overnight sleeper train (check the Caledonian Sleeper route and schedule), or bus (check National Express for services). Cairngorms National Park: Winter wonderland - See 221 traveler reviews, 433 candid photos, and great deals for Aviemore and the Cairngorms, UK, at Tripadvisor. Impressed that you went in the winter – all I want to do in the winter is go and hike somewhere warm! Ptarmigan are perfectly adapted to living high up in the mountains in the arctic conditions of the Cairngorms National Park, transforming their camouflage from the grey mottling of the granite to the bright white of freshly fallen snow. Wow, I’ve never even heard of Cairngorms, but it seems just beautiful! Please check your e-mail to confirm your sign-up. Just note that the winter weather can make mountain biking more challenging and potentially dangerous so do check on trail conditions and weather forecasts before setting out. Your email address will not be published. These include things to do in Edinburgh, Edinburgh in winter guide, things to do during winter in Scotland, things to do in Aberdeen, guide to skiing in Scotland, a 2 day Aberdeen itinerary, a guide to visiting Loch Lomond National Park, things to do in Glasgow, and a North Coast 500 road trip guide. Walker. To make the most of a trip to the Cairngorms National Park, we would definitely recommend spending at least a night or two to see the highlights of this area. Cairngorms National Park entrance sign in winter, largest national park in the British Isles at Badenoch and Strathspey in the Highlands of Scotland. The Cairngorms National Park has everything from castles and distilleries to family attractions and outdoor fun… The UK’s largest National Park, in the Scottish Highlands, offers masses of things to do including watersports, snowsports, wildlife watching, and some incredible high and low level walking and cycling routes. Wow I didn’t realise just how much there is to do in the Cairngorms! One of the most popular winter activities in the Cairngorms National Parks is skiing. Cairngorms National Park Authority Aviemore is the active outdoor area of the Cairngorms National Park with activities suitable for all ages and abilities. I haven’t made it to the Cairngorms yet, but it looks lovely. One is TreeZone in Aviemore which offers two forest rope obstacle courses for children age 7 and up. It offers a 25-minute trek on an excellent track to the crystal clear waters of Lochan surrounded. Check out this page for a full list of golf courses located within the Cairngorms National Park. The historical and cultural sites look particularly inviting. The Nature, Scenery & Landscape episode comes to you from the beautiful mountains, valleys and glens of the Cairngorms National Park. Visitor centers and cafes are great places to stop to ask for recommendations on things to do and to learn about local events. From our base in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, we may also make excursions in search of red deer and mountain hare – or simply to enjoy photographing the amazing Highland landscape. If you are planning to travel around the Cairngorms without a car, I’d check out this brochure (just note it was last updated in 2015) for an idea of the bus, train, and national cycle routes. As mentioned earlier, we recommend making sure you have basic safety and emergency gear in your car and we recommend traveling with a set of snow chains during the winter months just in case they are needed. You can read more in our Ethics Code about how we accept work.**. Live from the snowy Cairngorms. ️ It's a Cairngorms Winter Wonderland! Speciality bird species on the plateaux include breeding ptarmigan, dotterel, snow bunting, golden eagle, ring ouzel, and red grouse. More info. Snow often arrives in … The guides are not only familiar with the area and the local species, but they share daily updates with each other about the best places to spot different birds and animals. There are also a few other year-round family-oriented attractions in the Cairngorms. January and February are the coldest months on record not only in the Cairngorms but in Britain, with -27.2 degrees Centigrade recorded in both 1895 and 1982 in Braemar. This area boasts what was for a time probably the world's hardest traditionally protected mixed climb: "The Hurting", grade XI. The park believes that captive breeding of these native animals may be needed to help boost wild numbers in the future. The high slopes of the Cairngorms are a perfect setting for learning mountaineering skills. It is a mountain of contrast. The pull of the mountains white with snow means that winter sports have always played a big part of life in the Cairngorms. Restaurants and grocery stores may also close earlier than you expect. There are numerous ski resorts thanks to the Park's rare sub-arctic climate. During the day we saw red squirrels, red deer, a golden eagle, black grouse, red grouse, pheasants, and feral goats. The park does have a number of small museums, castles, and heritage centers, but almost all of these close for the winter and then don’t reopen for the new season until April. We shall spend a day in the Cairngorms National Park for Snow Bunting, Ptarmigan and Mountain Hare in their winter white; head up a Highland Glen looking for Golden and White-tailed Eagle and with luck manage close views of Red Deer. Aviemore and Braemar are lively hubs for skiing where you can hire all that you need and relax after a hard day on the slopes. There are options for just about every age and levels of fitness. I like being able to take care of a few meals on my own and not have to eat out all the time. Top 5 Things to Do in the Cairngorms in Winter. mountain hare (lepus timidus) running through snow. So if most of the attractions you want to see are in the eastern part of the park, I’d look for places to stay there. - cairngorms national park stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images 100,000 Welcomes . This 3 day tour from Edinburgh follows the Speyside Malt Whisky Trail and spends 2 nights within the Cairngorms National Park. Our friends Annie Le (@a_girl_outside) and Huw Oliver set out from their home for a snowy overnighter in Scotland’s beautiful Cairngorms National Park for their Good Night 2020 Campout.Along the way, Annie made this video to bring us along for the ride, complete with time-lapse footage and loads of beautiful winter scenery from the Cairngorms. For example the Uath Lochans near Kincraig offers two main forest hikes, an easier and more family-friendly 1.5 mile hike as well as a more difficult 2.5 mile hike. Explore stories and hidden gems in … They now roam the high Cairngorms, after being re-introduced in 1952 by a Swedish herdsman. The easiest way to get around Cairngorms National Park is by car or bus, although you can also get around the area by train, bike, taxi, or hiking. The Landmark Forest Adventure Park also offers a forest trail, a butterfly house, an indoor illusions room, and a family-friendly restaurant. The snow also drives some animals, like deer, out of the mountains to seek more food at lower elevations so winter is a great time to spot them. I have never heard of this National Park before, but this part of Scotland certainly looks beautiful! In the Spring and Summer months you have even more options as there are also many seasonal museums, heritage centers, castles, and outdoor amusement areas that generally re-open around April each year. If you make a purchase using one of these links it means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. So it is best to think about dining options at least a couple of hours in advance, especially for dinner. It was also located within a short drive from a grocery store and there was a hiking trail nearby. An 11 mile hike combines these two popular munros, and ski touring is a good way to explore these two mountains during the winter if there is a good snow covering. Things to see and do in the Cairngorms National Park. Nothing stirred in the landscape, save a few car lights snaking their way up to the ski car park. New to skiing, check out our guide to what to pack for a ski trip. In addition to offering beautiful scenery, the route also links together a series of natural, cultural, and historic attractions. Laurence was lucky as he had a perfect ski day but the resort was closed the following day due to high winds. Dining options can be limited in certain areas of the park as some cafes and restaurants close during the winter months or have more limited winter hours. Winter also means that sunrise is not too early and sunset is not very late, so easy to capture both in one day without sacrificing any sleep! Cairngorms Collection. There is also this 1 day whisky tour of the Cairngorms National Park from Inverness. Note that winter conditions makes winter hiking more difficult and potentially dangerous, as snow and ice regularly cover the paths, especially those within the mountains. The Abernethy Forest National Nature Reserve, where the centre is located, is a great place to hike and spot birds and other wildlife year-round. Many people don’t associate skiing with the UK, but you can indeed ski in several places in Scotland during the winter! A Wildlife Watchers and Adventure Seekers Paradise. The Cairngorms National Park is the largest National Park in the UK and it is home to four of the five highest mountains in the UK. The park is a mixture of small towns (there are no large towns or cities within the park) and rural areas so it is easy to find a peaceful spot. On the edge of the village is the Landmark Forest Adventure Park, which is a popular family attraction. Enjoy a picturesque hike around a local loch off the tourist trail, complete with mountains framing the banks, pristine strands of ancient Caledonian Pine forest and a ruined castle sitting on a tiny island in its centre. If so, do you have any places you’d add to this list? I would like to do some whisky tasting and also wildlife spotting. As always, this article contains only our own honest thoughts and opinions. Hello, Local train services are operated by ScotRail or London North Eastern Railway, and you can check the local bus services and routes online (most are operated by Stagecoach). If you are not into skiing (like me) or have kids who are not ready to ski, you might consider sledding (or sledging as they call it in the UK) if there is enough snow on the ground. Hi Lolo, Yes, you need to come to Scotland and visit the Cairngorms! If you don't see the confirmation e-mail, please check your spam folder. Cairngorms National Park is located in northeast Scotland, officially established as a park in 2003. If you are planning to ski here, you can read about Laurence’s experience skiing in the Cairngorms and our recommend skiing packing list. They can tailor a tour to suit based on what you want to see, your group size, the amount of time you have, and your level of mobility. In the winter there are good skiing facilities. Cairn Gorm Mountain is the sixth highest mountain in the UK and has the UK’s highest funicular railway. A Winter Camp in the Cairngorms The night was cold but still as we left the Sugarbowl, crossing the rushing Allt Mor in darkness. Find out more here . Unfortunately the steam train does not operate on any normal schedule during most of the winter and does not run every day. 14 The Square Our Distillery Shop is now open to the public, with a selection of our gins, craft … All regular trains depart from Aviemore and make stops in Boat of Garten and Broomhill. The Snow Roads also go past two of the three ski resorts in the park, Glenshee and Lecht. However, they do run special services in the winter so do check the schedule if you are interested. Loch Lee, Angus, Scotland. Here is the official brochure for more information about the route and where it goes. If you want to see the reindeer, you can join a daily guided hill trip that starts at the Reindeer Centre, or you can visit the exhibition and see a few of the reindeer at the paddocks in Glenmore. ), Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips. Carrbridge is a great little town with a nice bridge and spotting the wood sculptures is fun. The park offers a bit of everything for just about any age group from small rides to water rides to a parachute jump simulator. If you have a question about an upcoming trip to Scotland, just leave us your question in the comments section at the end of the post and we will happily try to help. Travelled right through the cairngorms on a lovely sunny day. The scenery is simply stunning, and if you enjoy the outdoors, the Cairngorms is for you. And there is no better place for those who love nothing more than getting in and about snow than the Cairngorms National Park, easily the largest national park in the UK. We would have never have been able to see this amount of wildlife on our own. If you are hoping to visit this area mainly for the whisky, you might consider doing a tour from Edinburgh or Inverness so that you can enjoy the tastings at the distilleries without having to worry about driving. Before heading to any of the ski resorts in the Cairngorms, be sure to check the weather and snow forecasts first, as high winds, lack of snow, severe weather, or avalanches can cause ski resorts to temporarily close during the winter. But there are also much easier munros to hike such as The Cairnwells, so you can find one suitable for your fitness and time. Most of the mentioned distilleries and breweries give regular public tours and tastings, but some you’ll need to book in advance. We read about the Snow Roads route and decided to do it north to south via Grantown on Spey, Tomintoul, Ballater, Braemar and Blairgowrie. We did have one particularly bad storm this winter that even coated Edinburgh in snow for a few days but that is unusual. The steep corries of the mountains have hosted winter climbers eager to test their skill against the elements and many of Scotlands classic routes can be found here. It looks like a paradise for people like me who love their trips to be as active as possible. Winter can be a wonderful time of year to visit the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland as there are scenic winter landscapes, fewer people, and the opportunity to enjoy winter sports. Day 5: We head west and a little way out of the national park to the “mountain of the old woman”, Beinn a’ Chaorainn. If there is a lot of snow on the ground, you can do it just about anywhere outside of the ski resorts in the Cairngorms. The three ski centres in the National Park cater for all levels of skill and discipline … The Cairngorms National Park is home to three ski resorts: CairnGorm Mountain near Aviemore, Lecht near Tomintoul, and Glenshee near Braemar. If you are thinking about skiing elsewhere, you can check out this full breakdown of all the ski resorts in Scotland. The train route runs through the Cairngorms National Park, making stops in several towns within the Cairngorms, including Aviemore, Carrbridge, and Dalwhinnie. Some seasons we get less snow so it is hard for the ski slopes to operate throughout the winter. For many, winter sends a shiver down the spine but for a few of us it’s a tingle of excitement. Plum Guide Review: A New Alternative to Airbnb? It might be helpful to first make a list of the things you want to do and places you want to visit and see where they are in the park before deciding on lodging. Carrbridge is best known for its old packhorse bridge dating back to 1717 which is the oldest stone bridge in the Scottish Highlands. Ballater Information Centre. It goes across the highest public road in Britain. The park can be traversed via hundreds of miles of footpaths and bike paths, offering visitors the choice of a wide variety of short easy trails to long-distance mountain trails. I plan to visit in December from India so this will come in very useful to us! Finally, there is the Wildcat Experience in Newtonmore where families can go in search of over 100 painted wildcat models hidden all over the village. Hi Seana, Yes, the Cairngorms is a great place for wildlife, especially for birds in Scotland! We did hikes within the Craigellachie National Nature Reserve near Aviemore, to Loch an Eilein at Rothiemurchus (a good picnic spot, note there is a small parking fee), around Abernethy Forest near Nethy Bridge (this trail was just outside of our cottage), a couple of the local riverside and forest village paths around Carrbridge, and a hike in Allean Forest (just south of the park). PH26 3HG. Each of the ski resorts are worth visiting, and you can easily spend a day or two at each resort. Click a thumbnail to view the image gallery. One option is a hike close to our accommodation, a favourite of the locals. Currently, the most popular attraction at the park is the polar bears. ~ Jessica. If there is a specific distillery tour or tasting you really want to do, I’d book it in advance if possible as some can be very popular. View from the snowy summit of Craigendarrock in the Scottish Cairngorms. Popular: Booked by 118 travelers! 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