The Cairngorms is the largest national park in the UK, covering 4,500sq. km and is also home to the 6 highest mountains in the country. The park certainly doesn’t run short of lush green forests, chocolate-box villages, stunning lochs and an array of rare wildlife species. Well known for its ski slopes and outdoor activities, the Cairngorms offers much for thrill-seekers as well as wildlife enthusiasts and keen walkers. With every day that you spend exploring the Cairngorms you will discover beautiful scenery, friendly people and welcoming restaurants, pubs and activity centres.

For a varied holiday to suit the whole family, the Cairngorms is a fantastic choice and you will, without a doubt, be in awe of the magnificent views and stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. We offer a range of fantastic self-catering holiday cottages within the national park suitable for couple’s getaways or large family get togethers. Many of our cottages are happy to welcome dogs, which is great because your four-legged friend will love exploring the alpine forest, swimming in the lochs and relaxing by the open fire in the evenings. As well as that some of our properties offer hot tubs and games rooms for when you don’t want to venture outside.

Why visit the Cairngorms?

Made up of both striking rural landscapes and pretty villages, there is so much to explore and experience in the Cairngorms. If you’re not exploring the rural country-side, spotting mountain hares and pine martins, then you might be tearing down the side of a mountain or enjoying a relaxing pub-lunch overlooking a calm loch. The Cairngorms is also home to Scotland’s only funicular railway which takes you to the Ptarmigan restaurant, which, at 3,500m, is the highest restaurant in the UK and boasts spectacular panoramic views. You will also find the highest post box in the British Isles – you could send a postcard home!

There is always something to do in the Scottish Highlands, whether it is the height of summer or the coldest months of the winter, every town or village will have something to offer. The town of Aviemore is a fantastic place to visit, home to a number of unique and award winning attractions including Craggon Outdoors, voted the Best Visitor Attraction in the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards 2012. Visit Tomintoul, the highest village in the Highlands, found on the Glenlivet estate or Newtonmore, home to the unique Wildcat Experience and popular Wildcat Trail.

Step away from the villages and you can take in the peaceful lochs, search for rare wildlife such as capercaillies, mountain hares, pine martins and red squirrels to the more common red deer, golden eagles and Scottish crossbills. The River Spey meanders through the scenery, also attracting much attention and adding an instinctive image to the Scottish backdrop.

The great outdoors

In almost every town in the Cairgorms you will be able to find numerous outdoor activities to keep you busy including skiing, fishing, golf, mountain biking and clay pigeon shooting. There is no better way to explore the breathtaking scenery than to set off on foot and throughout the park there are numerous tours and trails to help you make the most of it. Braemar Highland safari will take you on a fantastic vehicle tour along mountain tracks and through thick forests. An experienced guide will travel with you providing a wealth of knowledge on the wildlife, management of the land and ancient folklore. Another great way to explore the area is by bike; Cairngorm Mountain offers guided mountain bike tours from the top station of the funicular railway all the way to the Rothiemurchus estate which includes a 3000ft descent. Alternatively, you could take to horseback, quad bike or mountain bike to explore the scenery. You can also trek with the UK’s only reindeer herd at the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre and meet the dogs at the family-run Cairngorm Sleddog Centre. From here you can enjoy a spectacular day or night selddog ride, a fantastic way to take in the scenery.

Castles, lochs and the wildlife

The Cairngorm landscape is made up of mysterious and silent lochs, enchanting castles and imposing mountains. With every day that you explore the national park you will discover a hidden Scottish gem. Delve deep into the Scottish history and imagine bloody battles as you come across both fully functional castles such as Braemar, Crathese and Balmoral and the remains of those that once stood great and tall. You can also follow the Victoria Heritage Trail which starts within Aberdeenshire and encompasses the spectacular buildings.

Discover beautiful lochs, alive with stunning birdlife, skimming across the calm waters and resting on the edge. Loch an Eilien found within the Rothiemurchis estate has been voted Britain’s Best Picnic Spot with an idyllic 13th century castle sitting on its island. The long sandy beach that runs alongside Loch Morlich was awarded a Rural Beach Award by Keep Scotland Beautiful. Found within Glenmore Forest Park, it also offers water sporting activities and angling in the summer.

The Cairngorm National park is home to 25% of Britain’s threatened species and therefore there is a huge emphasis on protecting these wonderful creatures. Every summer magnificent Ospreys flock to Scotland from Africa and for years have been found on the Rothiemurchus estate where there are two fantastic osprey watching sights. You can also visit the RSPB Osprey Centre founded at Loch Garten or head to the Highland Wildlife Park near Kingussie where you’ll find Scottish wildlife alongside exotic residents including tigers, red pandas and polar bears. As you stroll through the forests you might see red squirrels dart across in front of you and if you are very quiet you might even spot deer as they drink from the loch.