Easy Yet Adventurous Hillwalking Near Aviemore

Cairngorm mountain must be one of the easiest, most accessible peaks in Scotland, despite being the sixth highest. Visitors can conveniently park at the top ski centre car park or take the local bus, which stops at the same location.

From there, a straightforward walk leads to the summit, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Once atop the plateau, it’s possible to walk much further, across to Ben Macdui (the second-highest Munro in Scotland) and back. This would make the hike about 17.5 km / 11 miles there and back. Alternatively, walking the length of the corries and down Cairn Lochan is a great hike, too, but the terrain is rougher underfoot.

Walkhighlands Route

Setting off from Glen Feshie, the trek to Mullach Clach a’Bhlàir offers a mix of captivating scenery, though it mellows out once you hit the plateau. While not overly strenuous, the 22 km/14 mile round trip still makes for a significant day. The journey boasts diverse terrain—think burn crossings, pleasant strolls through heather and pinewoods, and an easy climb on a Landrover track. Navigating the plateau might be tricky in bad weather, but the views on the way up past Coire Caol and Coire Garbhlach are worth it.

Now, Mullach Clach a’Bhlàir’s summit isn’t exactly a showstopper—it’s often described as an uninspiring lump. Even the panoramic views seem to lose a bit of their charm against the vast plateau backdrop. For the way down, the rough ATV track along Druim nam Bo ridge offers a simpler route rather than backtracking, though watch out for some rough patches with erosion and bog. It’ll guide you back to the main Glen Feshie valley track, completing the adventure.

Walkhighlands Route

A’ Bhuidheanach Bheag and Càrn na Caim are often tackled together. This hike starts from the high-altitude car park at Drumochter Pass, leading up a steeply rising moor. Despite initial impressions and the A9 traffic noise, the path soon provides a sense of spaciousness and peace.

Càrn na Caim, the northern Munro, offers boggy paths but surprisingly good views over the Drumochter Pass. A’ Bhuidheanach Bheag, a broad summit on the wild and desolate plateau, lacks distinct features but is still an enjoyable walk. These Munros may not be the most thrilling, but the easy access and expansive views make them a rewarding half-day hike.

Walkhighlands Route

Meall a’Bhuachaille

This fine hill is along the Glenmore road, and access is from just behind the Forest & Land Scotland building (which has Cobbs Café, for that post-walk cuppa). This hill offers not one but two fine circuits. Either reach the summit and descend down to the Green Lochan and back along a good forestry track, or head west from the summit to follow the ridge line of undulating tops, which give terrific views to the north and east or to the main Cairngorm plateau in the opposite direction. The descent can be muddy in places, but takes you back through different forestry track to you starting place. This is the longer of these two options.

Walkhighlands Description

Càrn Dearg Mor

This hike offers fine walking down Glen Feshie. The hill itself is accessed by a forestry track and it’s summit offers fine views. The rewilding that has occurred in Glen Feshie make this an interesting walk, filled with an abundance of trees, both young and old.

If energy is plentiful, it’s possible to push on further to take in Leathad an Taobhain as well.

Walkhighlands Description

Meallach Mhòr

Meallach Mhòr sits at the head of Glen Tromie before it goes off down the Gaick Pass and over to Perthshire. This is similar in approach to Càrn Dearg Mòr as Glen Tromie runs parallel to Glen Feshie and can be included with that hill. It’s also possible to do a circuit, combining both glens.

A bike is a good option for this, otherwise the long daylight hours of summer are recommended.

Walkhighlands Description

Càrn na Fhreiceadain

Càrn na Fhreiceadain sits at the back of Kingussie, making it very accessible by car or bus from Aviemore. It can be done either clockwise or counter-clockwise, with a good track in both directions. It offers a really good day out, with a range of trees on the approach, wide open views from the hill and a plentiful supply of cafes in Kingussie at the end.

Walkhighlands Description

Geal-charn Mòr

Starting from Aviemore, Geal-charn Mòr awaits near the village, nestled on the west side of the A9. The hike offers a straightforward trek along a clear path, with rewarding views along the way. What’s convenient is the accessibility; you can begin this hike right from your doorstep, giving you the satisfaction of not having to drive anywhere to access a hill.

Walkhighlands Description