Woodland trails, mountain days, and lochside wanderings in the heart of the Highlands
Aviemore is more than just a winter sports hub — it’s a year-round walking paradise. Sitting on the edge of Cairngorms National Park, it offers access to some of the wildest landscapes in the UK: ancient pinewoods, high plateaux, shimmering lochs, and wildlife-rich glens.
Whether you’re after a family-friendly forest stroll or a big Munro day, these top walks from Aviemore give you a flavour of what the Cairngorms do best — space, scale, and silence.
🌲 1.
Loch an Eilein Circular
- Distance: ~7 km loop
- Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Start Point: Loch an Eilein car park (Rothiemurchus)
- Why it’s great: A classic low-level walk through Caledonian pine forest, with reflections of the mountains in the still loch. Spot red squirrels and crested tits, and enjoy one of the most photogenic loch castles in Scotland.
🧗♂️ 2.
Cairn Gorm (1,245 m) via Fiacaill a’ Choire Chais
- Distance: ~10 km circular
- Time: 4–5 hours
- Start Point: Cairngorm Mountain Base Station
- Why it’s great: One of Scotland’s most accessible Munros, with a proper mountain feel. The ascent via the Fiacaill ridge is dramatic but non-technical, with commanding views over Coire an t-Sneachda and the Northern Corries.
🌳 3.
Craigellachie Nature Reserve
- Distance: ~4 km circular
- Time: 1–1.5 hours
- Start Point: Behind Aviemore Youth Hostel
- Why it’s great: Just minutes from Aviemore’s main street, this short hill walk gives you instant access to birch woods, lochans, and a stunning viewpoint over the Spey Valley. A great pre-breakfast leg-stretcher or family option.
🏔️ 4.
Meall a’ Bhuachaille (810 m)
- Distance: ~9 km loop
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Start Point: Glenmore Visitor Centre
- Why it’s great: A standalone Corbett with wide-ranging views. The well-built trail passes through forest and past An Lochan Uaine (The Green Lochan) before climbing steadily to a rewarding summit with views across the Cairngorms massif.
🏞️ 5.
Ryvoan Pass to Nethy Bridge
- Distance: ~13 km one way
- Time: 4–5 hours
- Start Point: Glenmore
- Why it’s great: A linear glen walk following old drovers’ routes and estate tracks. You’ll pass Lochan Uaine, traverse the wild Ryvoan Pass, and descend through ancient pinewoods to the peaceful village of Nethy Bridge. Return via bus or link with other trails.
🧭 Walking Tips for the Aviemore Area
✅ Maps & Navigation: OS Explorer OL57 (Cairn Gorm & Aviemore) or Harvey Maps Superwalker Cairn Gorm
✅ Wildlife: Look out for osprey, ptarmigan, red deer, and even wildcat (if you’re lucky)
✅ Weather: Mountain conditions change rapidly — check MWIS and pack for all seasons
✅ Access: Many routes are on well-maintained tracks, but some higher options require map confidence and experience in remote terrain
✅ Getting Around: Local buses and bike hire make it easy to explore linear routes
Looking to Extend Your Stay?
Aviemore is the perfect base for a weekend or week-long walking trip. With pubs, cafés, gear shops, and frequent public transport, it’s as convenient as it is scenic. And whether you’re climbing Munros or strolling lochs, the Cairngorms deliver something few places in the UK can match: true wildness, right outside your door.
Photo credit: Steve Douglas
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