View from Cairn Gorm

Introduction

Aviemore is a popular visitor destination in the Cairngorms region of the Scottish Highlands. Population is 3,600 and location is thirty-one miles S.E. of Inverness. Aviemore benefits from road, rail and bus communications plus an airport at Inverness.

At Aviemore the emphasis is on outdoor activities which (depending on the season) include skiing, climbing, hiking and bird watching.

Cairngorms

Aviemore village is synonymous with the Cairngorms (located in north- central Scotland) which ranks as the highest massif in Britain. The Cairngorm Mountains consist of a series of peaks and ridges which reach altitudes of up to 4,300 feet ( 1290 m). The mountains (granite) comprise two contrasting landscapes: smooth, rounded summit areas and deep troughs and corries. This massif constitutes the most extensive area over 3000 feet in Scotland.

Snow-Capped Cairngorm Mountains, Aviemore

The coincidence of landform and climate has given rise to ideal skiing conditions.The high elevation results in extensive snowfall which stays in situ for long periods thus allowing skiing to continue well into the Spring.

Winter Scene, Cairngorms

Remoteness of the mountains has fostered a diverse wildlife which includes golden eagles, ptarmigan, capercaillie and other species coupled with unusual alpine flora.

Winter Scene, Cairngorms

There are four key peaks which dominate the Cairngorms, viz: Ben Macdhui (4295 ft.), Braeriach (4294 ft.), Cairn Toul (4242 ft) and Cairn Gorm (4085 ft.).

Local visitor sites

The key visitor sites in the area are listed below. Check respective websites for opening times and other information.

• The village of Aviemore which is focused on skiing and other outdoor activities.
• Rothiemurchus Estate which offers a diverse range of outdoor pursuits set in a landscape of mountains, lochs and pine forest.
• The Strathspey Steam Railway which operates from Aviemore to Boat of Garten.
• The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Visitor Centre at Aviemore.
• A furnicular railway up the flank of Cairn Gorm to the ski area. See video clip immediately below covering downward trip.

• Ospreys on Loch Garten.

• Loch Morlich which is surrounded by pine and spruce forest and benefits from a sandy beach and watersports centre.

• Ruthven Barracks near Kingussie.
• Highland Wildlife Park near Kingussie.

More information

For more information on touring Scotland please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4