YOUR WEEKEND IN...
As the de facto ‘capital’ of the Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore is an ideal hub to explore some of Scotland’s 昀椀nest high and lochside places. James Roddie is your guide
AVIEMORE is justi昀椀ably one of the most popular destinations for outdoor recreation in the Scottish Highlands. As the de facto ‘capital’ of the Cairngorms National Park, it is a busy and bustling place for much of the year, but it is hard to beat as somewhere to base yourself for a weekend in the outdoors. There really is something for everyone here.
You barely have to leave town before entering Rothiemurchus Forest – one of the largest areas of ancient Caledonian woodland remaining in Scotland. The forest here really is special, and it is common to spot red squirrels amongst the pine trees, or ospreys overhead. There is an extensive network of footpaths and cycling trails throughout Rothiemurchus and neighbouring Abernethy Forest. You can easily 昀椀nd solitude only a few minutes from the town centre.
A cycle or drive of 7 miles from Aviemore brings you to Loch Morlich, a popular spot for sailing, kayaking and swimming. Looming over the loch beyond is the main event – the Cairngorm plateau. The summits and corries here are a much-loved area for hillwalking, skiing and winter climbing. Several of the highest Munros can be ‘bagged’ in a weekend, thanks to the ski centre car park at 600m altitude at Cairngorm Mountain Resort. The ski centre has divided opinion for years, but love it or hate it, the approach road allows some of the most easily accessible hillwalking and climbing anywhere in Scotland. Whilst it can get very busy around the ski centre, you don’t have to walk far until you are in quiet, serious mountain backcountry.
Only a few miles south of Aviemore lies Glen Feshie. This is easily one of the most beautiful of all Scottish glens. Extensive rewilding efforts have allowed the forest to 昀氀ourish and extend up the hillsides once more. Several Munros are reached via walks from Glen Feshie, and energetic mountain bikers will 昀椀nd challenging routes to keep them entertained. If you just want some quiet and solitude, then the glen itself is a 昀椀ne place to enjoy a wild camp amongst the pine trees.
If the weekend weather ends up being unkind there is plenty to do away from the hills. The RSPB Loch Garten Nature Centre is well worth a visit in the summer months – most years there are nesting ospreys to be seen. The Highland Folk Museum and the Highland Wildlife Park are also close by, both great options for a family day out.
YOUR WEEKEND SORTED
Climb Ben Macdui, the UK’s second highest mountain, via a classic Grade 1 scramble, or take an easier route over Cairn Gorm and the Northern Corries. As luck would have it, Britain’s second highest mountain can be approached by one of the best
