Top Things to Do in the Cairngorms

3. Get familiar with the Spey

• The Spey is the river famous for fuelling one of Scotland’s most beloved whisky regions, Speyside. However, there is a lot more to the Spey than it’s role in whisky production.
• The river Spey runs for 107 miles from Loch Spey to the Moray Firth.
• Due to its length and volume the Spey has a lot to offer to the passing-by waterbabies.
• You can canoe, raft, kayak, and even tube your way down sections.
• We prefer canoeing to be honest, it gives you plenty of time to admire the various sights on the river banks.

Adventure Inspiration: Take on a new challenge and paddle the length the Spey from Aviemore all the way to the sea on a true wilderness canoeing expedition. Along the way stop to taste the local whisky, admire the wildlife and to set up your own camp. Want to take on the rapids of the Spey in an open canoe but less keen on camping? We also have a Spey descent with evenings in comfortable Highland accommodation, find out more here.

4. Toast the taste of the region

• Speyside is home to HALF of Scotland’s entire whisky production!
• So for the lovers of whisky there are over 40 different distilleries in the Speyside area. A large number are open to visitors with daily tours and tastings.
• 5 of these distilleries sit in the boundaries of the Cairngorms National Park, so a great wet weather alternative.
• The park is also home to its own brewery, the Cairngorm Brewery. The brewery produces a small but award-winning collection of beers and ales that you must try, especially in a steak & ale pie at the Winky in Aviemore;).

5. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife

This is something that I remember being amazed about when I first moved to the Cairngorms.

My walk to work would involve sightings of at least 10 wild rabbits just walking out of the village. A deer calf scampering across the bicycle path. A mole (exciting, my first time seeing one). A bird of prey swooping overhead (I don’t know which one but it had talons). And to finish things off, I saw two red squirrels having a violent spat between several trees.

Due to the variation of the landscape, the park is home to an abundance of interesting, rare and endangered species. Examples of this include the shy wildcat, pine martens, capercaillies, ospreys, deer and even reindeer!

• Spotting wildlife here can be as easy as paying a little bit of attention on a hike, but you can also go on a guided wildlife walk if it’s an absolute must-do activity.
• Some quick ways to get a guaranteed wildlife encounter include a visit to the Osprey Centre for a wander in the beautiful reserve.
• Alternatively, have a stroll along the Wild Cat Trail in Newtonmore, or even hand feed reindeer on a guided tour.
• The Highland Wildlife Park is part of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and plays an important part in the conservation of various species globally. Pay them a visit to meet a wolf pack, snow leopards and a host of other incredible animals.
• Explore the mountain species of the Cairngorms on our incredible Scottish Highlands Wildlife Adventure.

Wolf cub at the Highland Wildlife Park

6. Indulge in cafe cuisine

The benefit of being a tourist destination and beautiful place to live is the numerous high quality and boutique cafes popping up in the park.

As I’ve not been to every cafe and tried every scone I don’t feel the confidence to deliver a complete cafe review for the entire park (it’s rather big). Here are some favourites though to get you started.

• Let me start with the absolute shining star of the cafe scene in the Cairngorms. It barely needs an introduction but the cake display at the Mountain Cafe in Aviemore is what I imagine heaven may look like to a lot of people. I’m a little bit afraid to admit it in an office full of sweet-toothed cake lovers, I’m not really that big a fan of cake. However, I think Mountain Cafe may have made me rethink my position on cake altogether. Threatening to spill over the sides of the counter, the cake selection is vast, colourful and very varied. Muffins, cakes, bakes, brownies, squares, cookies and home-baked breads aplenty. There are also various options for people with special dietary requirements so no one will leave disappointed.
• The Druie in Rothiemurchus provides a reliable source of delicious scones and gluten-free brownies. More than anything, their savoury lunch options are of the more-ish kind that are perfect after a long hike out in the hills. The Druie embraces the best of the Scottish natural larder, frequently using locally sourced ingredients. The menu features venison, home-made bread and locally roasted coffee.
• The Bothy in Ballater is one that I remember from one of my ventures into the Cairngorms National Park before I moved here. I clearly remember being squeezed in the corner seat with my group of giggling girls. Them all tucking into their cakes and scones (with great delight) and me slurping away at my soup in cake-protest. The atmosphere was great, and the cafe cosy. This is definitely the place to go on a rainy morning whilst you are waiting for the weather to clear. The sister company the Bothy Braemar comes highly recommended as well (great views).
• The Route 7 Cafe has rapidly become a local favourite. The cafe is located upstairs in the Highland Home Centre, along the Route 7 National Cycle Route and at the end of the Speyside Way. Expect hearty breakfasts, excellent wraps, vegetarian curries, and good strong coffee.

7. “How it’s Made” Highland Edition

Rain happens and it’s not always great to go out in it, so here are some indoor things to do in the Cairngorms.

If you are with kids, or have seen enough of distilleries, why not try the The Speyside Cooperage? I actually cannot stress enough how surprisingly interesting and fun the Cooperage is. The tour above the factory floor is noisy, so don’t come with a headache but it’s great being able to watch the skilled craftsmen at work. The tour also includes a 4D video presentation which is guaranteed to delight. Also, be open-minded to a bruised ego when you are given a chance to put together a little barrel yourself.

• Like the idea of a more hands-on experience? Wooden Tom offers wood-working courses. If you are willing to dedicate the time and money, you can learn how to carve your own spoons, or make your own rustic furniture or even your own quaich. 
• Alternatively, the aforementioned Cairngorm Brewery offers tours during the week and some on the weekends. Although the tour is short (the brewery is small…) you do get to taste a lot of different beers, ales and ciders.

Discover our range of trips that visit the Cairngorms and Central Highlands