Cairngorms National Park
National park · Aberdeenshire
United Kingdom
Highlights
Stunning scenery, hiking, wildlife watching, skiing, whisky distilleries
Stunning scenery, hiking, wildlife watching, skiing, whisky distilleries
"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
"Cairngorms National Park in Scotland is noted as the second most cost-effective location for observing the Northern Lights, with hotel rates beginning at $71 per night." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"Our next stop, the Cairngorms National Park, in the forested heart of Scotland, about three hours' drive from Edinburgh, isn't as well-known to foreigners as the western coast or the Highlands."
"Walking in the Footsteps of Scotland's Revolutionary Mountain Women - On a trek across the Scottish Highlands' Cairngorms National Park, one writer encounters awe-inspiring nature while unearthing unsung history."
Leonardo Barca
Laura Williams
Nancy Woods
Yingying Du
Mantvydas Ū.
Gary Smith
Jamie Green
Bernie Newton
