Walks in Cairngorms National Park

Strive to reach the summit (932 m) of Scotland’s second-highest mountain on the gripping Ben Macdui and Cairngorm Walk in Aviemore, Scotland. The 17.5 km hillwalk is certainly not your average walk in the park, but for those seeking to conquer one of the more challenging hillwalks in Cairngorm National Park, this walk is for you! Featuring incredible views from the Cairngorm Plateau, wild river crossings and a triumphant final ascent across Ben Macdui’s northern flanks to reach the summit, this was packs a punch and if up for the challenge, you won’t want to miss it.

The Loch Muick Circular Walk weaves history and the natural beauty of the Cairngorms National Park masterfully, inviting walkers to explore the grounds of the grand Balmoral Estate, purchased by the British royal family in 1852. The 12.5 km circular walk takes in the Glas-allt-Shiel, a lodge on the shores of Loch Muick, and several other highlights on the estate grounds, namely, the Balmoral Castle itself. Sound tracks and paths as well as a lack of elevation gain make this a suitable walk for families, as long as the wee ones can manage the distance.

Lording over the town of Pitlochry, which is nestled at its foot, sits Ben Vrackie (841 m), a classified Scottish Corbett and makes for a cracking hillwalk in Cairngorms National Park. The 10.0 km walk can be done in under 4 hours and is a great way to seize some incredible views across the park following a well-worn path. The ascent is steep, but walkers will be well rewarded by the views from the summit. It’s a popular hillwalk in the area, particularly for those visiting or staying in the town of Pitlochry.

Escape to walk among the towering pines of the Rothiemurchus Forest and see their reflection on the dazzling waters of Loch an Eilein on the Loch an Eilein Walk. The 7.0 km trail is one of Scotland’s most popular, and for a good reason! Unfolding around the entire perimeter of the loch, this route also features a lovely extension to take in neighbouring Loch Gamhna, a quieter and less travelled shoreline. Great paths and lack of ascent make this a top choice for families looking to experience the beauty of Cairngorms National Park.

The Mount Keen (939 m) From Glen Esk Walk invites you to tackle the most easterly Munro with a thrilling ascent from Glen Esk. The 17.5 km walk unfolds on tracks and a well-worn hill path leading to the trig point at the summit, where you’ll uncover atypical views of sprawling moorlands instead of peaks. The route features some steep sections, a few river crossings, and a dose of history with a look at the Queen’s Well, where Queen Victoria stopped during one of her treks in the Angus glens by pony.

The Burn O’ Vat and Culblean Circular Walk is a lovely 6.5 km forest trail that invites you to enjoy the beauty of the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve in Aboyne, Scotland. Pinewoods flank the trail that leads to the impressive Burn O’ Vat, a deep geological bowl that can be explored up-close via stepping stones. The walk is great for adults with older children who can manage the stone steps throughout the Burn O’Vat.

The 4km Craigendarroch Walk in Ballater Scotland is a popular, small hillwalk that features fantastic views of the surrounding hills, most notably Lochnagar, whose corrie and cliffs are guaranteed to steal the show on a clear day! At 402 m high, Craigendarroch may not be one of the tallest hills in the Cairngorms National Park, but it’s a challenging little hillwalk nonetheless, with some steep sections that are bound to get your heart rate going. This walk is an excellent choice for those looking to work towards tackling some of the park’s higher peaks and also for those walking with older children who are ready to take on a summit climb.

The Cairn Gorm and the Northern Corries Walk is a thrilling 11.0 km hillwalk, beginning at the Cairngorm Ski Centre in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park near Aviemore, Scotland. With an elevation of 1,244 m (1,245 m), Cairn Gorm is a classified Scottish Munro and is the most popular and most often-walked mountain in the Cairngorms range. Climbing Cairn Gorm is no small feat, and this walk is best reserved for experienced hillwalkers with a good set of navigational skills due to a significant pathless section.

At a mere 2.5 km, some may assume that The Falls Bruar Walk is just a short, leisurely stroll, but in truth, this short walk packs quite the punch! The hilly route consists of some steep sections that are sure to get the heart rate going while providing a nice little work-out for the legs. Due to the gorge edge featuring significant drops, this walk is best suited to adults walking with older children who can manage the steep inclines and remain vigilant when walking near the gorge edge. The route features a picnic area overlooking the falls, perfect for those looking to enjoy lunch while soaking up the marvellous scenery!

The Morrone Walk is a 12.0 km circular hillwalk located near Braemar, Scotland. This is the perfect way to soak up the incredible beauty of the Cairngorm peaks on a thrilling half-day excursion, and the views from the summit won’t disappoint! The return route features a lovely riverside stretch, providing the perfect cooldown following a relatively strenuous climb.

The Linn of Dee Circular Walk is a pleasant walk that the whole family can enjoy. The 3.0 km route unfolds on clear paths and tracks with helpful waymarkers that make navigation a breeze. There is plenty to see on this relatively short walk, including the beautiful River Dee itself, a charming old stone bridge arched over the water, pretty pine woodlands, and a waterfall.

The Glen Tanar Walk is a pleasant 8km waymarked route that unfolds on the Cairngorms south side near Aboyne. The easy trail follows scenic forest paths and tracks and is suitable for the whole family. Keep your eyes peeled on the walk for an array of wildlife, including red squirrels, crested tits, and if luck is on your side, even Capercaillie!

The Glen Banvie Trail and Blair Castle Walk is a great adventure in Cairngorms National Park that takes in the grounds of an historic estate and its scenic surroundings. While out on the trail, you will skirt around the grounds of Blair Castle - the ancestral home of Clan Murray - before making your way through Glen Banvie to explore the hills and forests to the northwest. The mixture of historic sites, rugged terrain, and beautiful scenery makes this an exceptional walking route for a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts.

Just shy of 30.0 km long, the White Mounth Munros Walk isn’t for the faint of heart. This extensive 29.0 km hillwalk invites you to tackle the summit of 5 Scottish Munros, including Lochnagar (1,155 m), Carn a' Choire Bhoidheach (1,110 m), Carn an t-Sagairt Mor (1,047 m), Cairn Bannoch(1,012 m), and finally Broad Cairn (998 m). And with a maximum ascent of 1,228 m, you’ll no doubt have the opportunity to take in some of the most phenomenal views in the Cairngorms National Park. While the 9 to 11 hour walk can certainly be completed in one go, many choose to Wild Camp for a night or two along the route, breaking the lengthy voyage into shorter sections.

The 19.5 km Glas Maol Munros Circular Walk is a thrilling adventure across a hilly plateau in the Cairngorms. With little descent between summits, this walk presents the perfect opportunity to conquer 4 Scottish Munros in under 8 hours. This full-day adventure is bound to get the adrenaline pumping with the added bonus of incredible panoramas from the summits. On this walk, you’ll climb Càrn an Tuirc (1,019 m), Cairn of Claise (1,064 m), Glas Maol (1,068 m), and Creag Leacach (987 m).

Walk 35.8 km over 2 days from Cairn Toul to Braeriach on the magnificent Cairn Toul Walk. Experience an incredibly remote part of Scotland’s expansive Cairngorms and revel in the views afforded by a total ascent of 1,820 m. The option to complete the route in a single day may appeal to extremely experienced hillwalkers, however, we recommend enjoying some wild camping along the way and enjoying this route over two remarkable days.

The short but ever so sweet loch Garten and Garten Woods Circular Walk covers just over 8.0 km of scenic, waymarked trails. The family-friendly walk invites you to explore charming woodlands, rich in Scots Pine and brimming with wildlife. The route also features the peaceful quiet shores of Loch Mallachie and further on Loch Garten. Minimum elevation and the ability to complete the walk in around 2 hours makes this the perfect jaunt into nature, enjoyable for the whole family.

The Geal Chàrn Walk is a 11.3 km out-and-back hillwalk that invites undertakers to reach the summit of Geal Chàrn (926 m) with a 732 m climb. Setting out first through the peak’s eastern corrie, this walk presents the opportunity to ascend one of the Monadhliath Munros while exploring an extraordinarily remote area of Scotland.

The Beinn a'Chaorainn and Beinn Bhreac Walk is an extensive hillwalk that requires endurance and a keen sense of adventure. The 29.0 km trail is a full-day voyage, featuring stunning views and formidable climbs. While some complete the trail in one-go, wild camping is an option for those looking to spread it out over two days.

The Dava Way: Dava to Dunphail is the second of three stages that comprise the full Dava Way. This 10.5 km section leads through expansive moorland before passing the Divie Viaduct and takes in incredibly remote areas with very little signs of life. You’ll walk alongside an old railway line for much of the route while enjoying pleasant easy walking on flat paths and tracks.