The best walks and hikes around Aviemore

Embark on the Drakes Circuit for an easy hike that immerses you in the tranquil forest surroundings of Cairngorms National Park. This circular route offers a peaceful walk, allowing you to enjoy lovely views across Loch an Eilein, with the historic Loch an Eilein Castle prominently perched on its island. Covering 3.4 miles (5.4 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 100 feet (30 metres), you can comfortably complete this outing in about 1 hour and 24 minutes. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you explore the serene atmosphere.

Planning your visit to the Drakes Circuit is straightforward, as the trail is generally accessible and well-maintained. You will find parking typically available near the trailhead, but it is always a good idea to arrive early if you plan to hike during peak seasons to secure a spot. There are no specific warnings regarding snow conditions, road closures, or permits mentioned for this route, making it a reliable choice for a short outing. Consider starting your hike in the morning to enjoy the quietest moments on the path.

The Drakes Circuit stands out as a perfect short outing for those seeking a gentle walk amidst beautiful scenery within the Cairngorms. Its appeal lies in the combination of accessible terrain and the captivating presence of Loch an Eilein Castle, offering a unique visual anchor. This route provides an excellent opportunity to experience the natural beauty and peaceful ambiance of the national park without committing to a strenuous journey. It is an ideal choice if you are looking for a relaxing escape into nature.

Embark on the difficult Ben Macdui loop from Cairngorm Base Station, a challenging hike covering 10.5 miles (16.8 km) with an elevation gain of 2498 feet (761 metres), typically taking 5 hours and 51 minutes. The trail begins on well-constructed paths before transitioning to rugged mountain terrain, extensive boulder fields, and stony tundra. You will traverse the vast, arctic-like Cairngorm Plateau, offering a wild and remote feeling with panoramic views from the summit of Ben Macdui and glimpses of the serene Lochan Buidhe, considered the highest body of water in the British Isles.

This loop demands a very good level of fitness and sure-footedness, as much of the route is exposed above the treeline. You should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and potential low visibility, which can make navigation challenging across the featureless plateau. Sturdy shoes, alpine experience, and strong navigation skills using a map and compass are essential for your safety on this demanding route. Snow patches can linger into late spring, further adding to the trail's character.

The Ben Macdui loop is notable for leading you to the summit of Ben Macdui, Scotland's second-highest mountain at 1,309 metres. Starting from the high elevation of the Cairngorm Mountain ski station car park, the trail offers a unique opportunity to experience an arctic-like environment rare in Scotland, complete with rolling tundra and the potential for year-round snow. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as ptarmigan, golden eagles, and even reindeer as you explore this remote and wild corner of Cairngorms National Park.

Embark on the Cairn Gorm and the Northern Corries Trail, a challenging hike that takes you through dramatic scenery and varied terrain in Cairngorms National Park. This difficult route covers 7.1 miles (11.4 km) and involves a significant elevation gain of 2389 feet (728 metres), typically requiring about 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete. As you ascend, you'll experience paths that sometimes disappear on the plateau, leading to glorious views across the vast mountain range, including the Rothiemurchus forest, and sensational vistas down into the corries.

Planning your visit requires careful consideration, as this trail is highly exposed, and weather conditions at the summit can be extremely difficult, with high winds being common. A good to very good level of fitness is essential for this hike. In winter, the difficulty escalates significantly, demanding exceptional navigational skills, an ice-axe, and crampons due to avalanche risks and obscured cliff edges. Always check the forecast and be prepared for rapid changes in conditions.

From the Cairn Gorm Summit, you are rewarded with impressive 360-degree views of the Scottish Highlands, where mountain ridges intertwine into the horizon. This alpine semi-tundra habitat is unique, and you might even spot patches of snow year-round. The route is best suited for experienced hillwalkers who are comfortable with demanding conditions and navigating in potentially challenging environments.

Embark on the Lochan Uaine and Ryvoan Bothy loop, a moderate hike covering 5.1 miles (8.3 km) with 371 feet (113 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking 2 hours and 14 minutes. You will wind through forests, mountains, and moorland, experiencing a gentle climb along the lower slopes of Meall a' Bhuachaille. The highlight is An Lochan Uaine, also known as "The Green Loch," famous for its striking turquoise water, surrounded by ancient Scots pines. Be prepared for a slightly steep and rugged section on the descent to the loch.

Good walking shoes are recommended to support you on the varied terrain, which includes accessible paths, unpaved sections, and gravel tracks. This popular route is generally considered suitable for most skill levels, offering a picturesque experience in the Cairngorms National Park. You can also find refuge at Ryvoan Bothy, a classic Scottish shelter with a stove and sleeping benches, making it a convenient stop.

This trail is rich in history, following part of the ancient "Thieves' Road" once used by cattle raiders in the 17th century. The distinctive green hue of An Lochan Uaine is attributed by legend to pixies washing their clothes, though scientific explanations point to algae or mineral particles. The route also passes through Glenmore Forest Park, an area with a past of timber extraction and even a training ground for Norwegian resistance fighters during WWII.