Outdoor activities in The Cairngorms

Outdoor Activities In & Around The Cairngorms

Get ready for an adventure-packed trip to Carrbridge and Aviemore, where you'll experience the great outdoors in all its glory! If you're a cycling enthusiast, you'll be spoiled for choice with the variety of trails and routes available. From the scenic Speyside Way to the adrenaline-pumping Laggan Wolftrax, there's something for every level of experience.

But that's not all – if you love fishing, you'll be in heaven on the River Spey, which is renowned for its salmon and trout. And if water sports are your thing, there are plenty of opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding on the nearby lochs and rivers.

The Cairngorms National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including red deer, golden eagles, and mountain hares. Join a guided tour or keep your eyes peeled on hikes and walks in the area to spot these amazing creatures.

For the ultimate thrill-seekers, why not try zip-lining or quad biking in the Rothiemurchus Estate? With so many options for outdoor activities in The Cairngorms it's the ultimate destination for an unforgettable experience!

Fishing

The Cairngorms is the perfect destination for fishing enthusiasts, with its numerous rivers and lochs offering some of the best fishing opportunities in Scotland. The River Spey is renowned for its salmon and trout fishing, and is a must-visit for any angler. The Spey offers fly fishing at its finest, with its fast-flowing, crystal-clear waters providing a challenging and exciting experience.

If you're looking for something a bit more secluded, there are also several smaller rivers and lochs in the area that offer fishing. These hidden gems are perfect for a peaceful day out, and the stunning scenery surrounding Carrbridge makes it an unforgettable experience. Surrounded by rolling hills, ancient forests, and sparkling lochs, you'll feel truly immersed in nature. 

Fishing at Rothiemurchus

Cycling

With exceptional mountain trails and gentle forest tracks, The Cairngorms are a haven for cycling enthusiasts, with stunning landscapes and challenging routes that offer something for everyone. 

Laggan Wolftrax is one of Scotland's premier mountain biking centres, offering a variety of trails for all levels of ability. Glenmore Forest Park is a beautiful park offering a range of off-road trails that wind through ancient forests and offer stunning views of the Cairngorm Mountains. From easy family-friendly rides to more challenging routes, there's something for everyone.

Find out more about cycling in the Cairngorms, including where you can hire bikes and guided routes.

Cycle round Lochan

Wildlife Watching

The Cairngorms National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife that will leave you awestruck. Keep your eyes peeled for golden eagles soaring above the dramatic mountain peaks, or red deer stags roaming the heather-covered hillsides. If you're lucky, you might even spot a rare pine marten or Scottish wildcat. Don't miss the chance to see playful otters frolicking in the clear mountain streams, or the elusive capercaillie strutting through the ancient Caledonian pine forests.

The Cairngorms are also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 250 species recorded in the area, including the iconic ptarmigan, which changes its plumage to blend in with the snow. With such an array of incredible wildlife, the Cairngorms are truly a nature-lover's paradise.

A Scottish Wildcat or Highlands tiger