This National Park Has a Royal-favorite Castle, Whisky Distilleries, and a 90-mile Scenic Drive

"Driving north from Edinburgh, I suddenly noticed the landscape shift into rolling moorland, rounded peaks, and photogenic pastoral scenery — the Cairngorms is the largest national park in the U.K. and a populated park with more than 18,000 residents living in small towns and villages. I spent a week here wild swimming in crystal-clear rivers, hiking across heather-covered hills, and driving narrow, winding roads to some of Scotland’s best views; the park also offers skiing in winter, water sports, whisky distilleries, and even a five-star hotel that doubles as an art museum. It's home to Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer, and I found it best experienced slowly (experts recommend spring or fall for flowers and autumn color); be prepared for changeable weather, midges in summer, and to follow Scotland’s “right to roam” and leave-no-trace principles when camping or exploring." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com.  Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines