Aviemore: Forests, Lochs & Whisky Country

Aviemore sits in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, surrounded by ancient pine forests, sparkling lochs, and mountains that rise in sweeping ridges. Once a modest railway stop, it has grown into a lively year-round resort, known as much for its winter ski slopes as for its summer trails and nearby whisky country. This is a base where you can wake to the sound of the River Spey, step into a forest alive with red squirrels, or drive east into Speyside for distilleries that have defined Scotland’s liquid gold. The photo above was taken at Blair Atholl, near Pitlochry, a recommended destination in th 5 day itinerary.

Adventures for Every Traveller

Aviemore is surrounded by landscapes that shift with the seasons: cross-country ski trails that double as walking paths in summer, lochs that shine with paddlers by day and mirror sunsets by night, and forests that hold both wildlife and history. Here are the highlights within easy reach:

• Rothiemurchus & Loch an Eilein: One of Scotland’s oldest estates, Rothiemurchus is a vast sweep of Caledonian pine forest where red squirrels, deer, and ospreys are often seen. At its heart lies Loch an Eilein, a mirror-calm loch with the ruins of a 14th-century castle on a small island. Paths loop gently around the water, making it a favourite for walkers, cyclists, and families.
• Cairngorm Mountain: The Cairngorms are Britain’s largest high plateau, often holding snow well into spring. Trails range from ambitious ridge walks across tundra-like ground to shorter outings near the funicular railway and ski centre. On a clear day, the panorama reaches far across the park and westward toward Ben Nevis. Note: The funicular has had periods of closure for repairs in recent years — check its operating status before you go.

• Speyside distilleries: East of Aviemore begins whisky country. Dufftown, Aberlour, and Craigellachie anchor the Malt Whisky Trail, where household names like Glenfiddich, Macallan, and Aberlour open their doors for tours and tastings. This is a day to mix heritage with flavour, and an easy change of pace after time in the hills.
• Lochs & rivers: Loch Morlich is unique in the Highlands for its sandy beach, a popular spot for swimming, canoeing, and sailing in summer. The River Spey, one of Scotland’s great salmon rivers, runs nearby. It offers canoe trips, fishing, and gentle riverside walks through open countryside.

Where to Stay

Aviemore spreads along the River Spey, with accommodation ranging from large hotels near the station to cottages tucked in forest clearings. The town itself is walkable, while nearby villages and estates offer quieter nights within easy driving distance.

• Hotels: Clustered near the station and main road, handy for those arriving by train and looking for easy dining and bus connections.
• Guesthouses & B&Bs: Found on quieter side streets or just outside town, often with views toward the Cairngorms and homely breakfasts.
• Self-catering: Cabins and cottages are scattered through the woods and estates, offering privacy and good bases for families or longer stays.
• Resort lodges: Purpose-built complexes south of town combine pools, leisure facilities, and direct trail access.

No Car? No Problem.

Aviemore is one of the easiest Highland bases to reach without driving. Trains from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness stop here, and local buses cover the main lochs, forest trails, and even the lower slopes of Cairngorm Mountain. For more remote corners, taxis and tours step in.

• Rail: The Highland Main Line links Aviemore with Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, and Inverness. Views unfold of moors, passes, and forests along the way.
• Buses: Local routes connect to Glenmore, Loch Morlich, and the Cairngorm ski area. Others follow the Spey Valley, reaching Grantown-on-Spey.
• Taxis & tours: Useful for linking trailheads or arranging a one-way hike where you don’t want to circle back.

Taste the Cairngorms

Food in Aviemore reflects its setting: venison from the hills, salmon from the rivers, and game stews that fill hungry walkers after a day outside. Cafés serve hearty breakfasts before the trails, while pubs pour local ales and malts. Speyside adds the whisky dimension, and for families, bakeries and fish-and-chip shops keep things easy. On summer evenings, you may catch a ceilidh—fiddles, dance, and Highland spirit rolled into one.

Suggested Itineraries

Pick and mix according to weather and energy. Forest trails and lochs suit cloudier days, while the mountain and whisky tours shine in clear or calm conditions.

2–3 Days (No Car)

• Day 1: Spend the morning in Rothiemurchus, following woodland paths to Loch an Eilein and its island castle. Return to Aviemore for an afternoon of cafés and riverside strolls.
• Day 2: Take the bus to Glenmore and Loch Morlich. Swim or paddle if it’s warm, but the water is cold year-round; hire centres provide wetsuits and buoyancy aids. Or simply walk the shoreline with the Cairngorm peaks behind. Add the Reindeer Centre for a family-friendly stop.
• Day 3: Ride the bus or a taxi to the Cairngorm ski area. Choose a short walk near the funicular base, or, if conditions allow, join a guided walk higher onto the plateau. On clear days the views stretch for miles.

5 Days (With a Car)

• Day 1: Rothiemurchus & Loch an Eilein — Begin in Rothiemurchus, a sweep of ancient Caledonian pine forest alive with red squirrels and birdsong. Easy trails lead to Loch an Eilein, where a ruined 14th-century castle crowns an island in the still water. The circular path is gentle and atmospheric, and with a car you can add nearby lochans or detour toward the Forest Visitor Centre at Glenmore.
• Day 2: Cairngorm Mountain — Drive up to the ski centre and step into Britain’s largest mountain plateau. The funicular railway, when operating, carries you into a tundra-like landscape where snow often lingers into late spring. Short, well-marked trails near the top offer sweeping views across the national park, while longer ridge routes tempt those ready for a bigger challenge. Having a car also lets you combine the mountain with loch or forest stops on the return.
• Day 3: Loch Morlich & Glenmore — Spend the day beside Loch Morlich, a freshwater loch with a sandy beach framed by pine forest and mountain peaks. In summer, kayaks and sailboats dot the water; in winter it’s a quiet place for snowy reflections. From the Glenmore Visitor Centre, forest trails lead into glades and up to wildlife hides. With a car you can continue deeper into the forest tracks or stop at quiet lay-bys for secluded picnics.
• Day 4: Speyside Distilleries — Head east into Speyside, the heart of Scotland’s whisky country. The drive itself is part of the experience, following the River Spey through wooded valleys and farmland. Towns like Dufftown and Aberlour anchor the Malt Whisky Trail, home to Glenfiddich, Macallan, Aberlour, and many more. Tours mix history, craftsmanship, and tastings, while cafés and shops in the villages offer relaxed breaks between stops. With a car, you can shape the day freely—whether two distilleries and a long lunch, or a fuller circuit linking several names.

• Day 5: Pitlochry via the Drumochter Pass — South of Aviemore the A9 climbs through the Drumochter Pass, Scotland’s highest main road, where the wide glacial valley feels wild and open. In winter the surrounding hills are often snow-dusted; in summer the moorland glows with heather.

  It’s worth pausing at lay-bys for the big-sky views or stopping at Dalwhinnie, one of the country’s highest distilleries, before continuing south to Pitlochry (about 1 hr 15 min from Aviemore). Pitlochry’s Victorian main street is lined with cafés and shops, the Salmon Ladder and Dam lets you watch fish leaping upriver, and two local distilleries—Blair Athol and Edradour—welcome visitors. On the return north, you can break the drive in Kingussie or Newtonmore, smaller Highland villages with a quieter, local feel.

Practical Planning

• When to go: April–June and September bring long days and mild weather. July–August are busiest. Winter is ski season, with short days but snow-covered peaks.
• Weather: Conditions shift quickly—layers, waterproofs, and sturdy shoes are essential year-round.
• Driving shape: The A9 is the main north–south road through Aviemore; expect holiday traffic in summer and snow gates in winter.
• Bookings: Reserve ski passes in winter and distillery tours in summer; both sell out in peak weeks.
• Status checks: The Cairngorm ski road, funicular, and some forest car parks can close in severe weather — check local status before you set out.

Accessibility & Families

Aviemore is one of the most family-friendly Highland bases, with easy paths, accessible lochs, and attractions that mix outdoors with learning.

• Level routes: Loch an Eilein’s circuit and the Rothiemurchus paths are flat and well-maintained.
• Easy viewpoints: Loch Morlich’s beach and the Cairngorm ski car park both give big views with minimal walking.
• Family extras: The Highland Wildlife Park (15 minutes south) and the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre add variety for younger travellers.