Aviemore Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Loch Morlich featuring a river or creek and forest scenes
This lively resort town is the gateway to the Cairngorm Mountains and the United Kingdom’s largest national park.

At the base of the Cairngorm Mountains, Aviemore is the region’s primary hub for accommodation, shopping and dining. This bustling town offers easy access to some of Scotland’s most beautiful natural scenery. Hike, cycle and climb during the warmer months or enjoy skiing at one of the country’s top resorts in winter.

In summer, most visitors to Aviemore come to explore nearby Cairngorms National Park. This massive 1,740-square-mile (4,500-square-kilometre) park has 52 mountain summits greater than 3,000 feet (900 metres), including many of Scotland’s highest peaks. Start at the Aviemore Information Centre and pick up maps or ask the staff for trail recommendations.

For a rewarding, low-intensity walk, head to Loch an Eilein and follow the gentle trail that wraps around its waters. Visit the crumbling 13th-century castle set on an island at the loch’s centre. The loch is located within the grounds of the Rothiemurchus Estate, known for encompassing some of Scotland’s last remaining Caledonian forest. Look for red squirrels and Scottish wildcats as you walk through groves of Scots pines, some up to 300 years old.

Find additional scenic trails around nearby Loch Morlich. Relax on the loch’s sandy beach or rent a canoe to explore its fresh waters. Many of these trails transform into wonderful spots for cross-country skiing in the winter.

Visit during the colder months to enjoy the CairnGorm Mountain ski area, which is a 25-minute drive southeast of Aviemore. Scotland’s largest ski area, CairnGorm offers over 30 runs and 19 miles (30 kilometres) of slopes, as well as a separate terrain park for skiers and boarders.

Ride the CairnGorm Mountain Funicular Railway to see dramatic views across the Valley of the Spey and the Cairngorms. Enjoy a meal in the restaurant at the mountain’s peak while admiring the vista from 3,500 feet (1,100 metres) above sea level.

Aviemore is about a 150-mile (240-kilometre) drive north of Edinburgh. Access it easily on Inverness-Edinburgh bus and train lines. Get active at one of Scotland’s loveliest outdoor destinations.

Coylumbridge Hotel
Coylumbridge Hotel
4 out of 5
Aviemore Invernesshire, Aviemore, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £49 per night from 20 Mar to 21 Mar
£49
per night
20 Mar - 21 Mar
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Aviemore. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 2 indoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
6.8/10 (1,001 reviews)
"The staff are brilliant and very professional..unfortunately the standard of the food served has dropped dramatically ..lots of the items on the menu were cold , some looked like they were reheats and in general a huge turn off ...it's a pity because it was very good on previous visits ..any furure ..."

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2024

Coylumbridge Hotel
Macdonald Aviemore Highland Hotel
Macdonald Aviemore Highland Hotel
4 out of 5
Macdonald Aviemore Resort, Aviemore, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £104 per night from 20 Mar to 21 Mar
£104
per night
20 Mar - 21 Mar
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Aviemore. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a golf course. Popular attractions Cairngorm Brewery and Spey Valley Championship ...
7.6/10 Good! (589 reviews)
Ok...
"First impressions of the hotel was lovely, and the room was nice and comfortable. But after a while you can see that it just needs a little tlc - lick of paid on the window sils, signed on the buildings were not complete, the loft didnt work and the disabled toilet near reception was out of order. ..."

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2024

Macdonald Aviemore Highland Hotel
High Range Hotel
High Range Hotel
3 out of 5
Grampian Road, Aviemore, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £66 per night from 20 Mar to 21 Mar
£66
per night
20 Mar - 21 Mar
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Aviemore. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (191 reviews)
"Friendly helpful staff. Room was immaculate, better than a lot of hotel's I've stayed in, in the past. Spacious room and great value for money. Definitely will come back again. Also the food at the Taverna at the bottom of the drive to the hotel had great food."

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2024

High Range Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sweeney Rooms Aviemore
Sweeney Rooms Aviemore
3 out of 5
137 Grampian Rd, Aviemore, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Aviemore. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a rainfall showerhead. Popular attractions Strathspey Steam Railway and Spey Valley ...
7.6/10 Good! (4 reviews)
Perfect little place
"Loved this little place. Everything you need!"

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2024

Sweeney Rooms Aviemore
Macdonald Spey Valley Resort
Macdonald Spey Valley Resort
3.5 out of 5
Dalfaber Drive, Aviemore, Scotland
Stay at this 3.5-star golf aparthotel in Aviemore. Enjoy free parking, a golf course and WiFi. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (144 reviews)
"Great location within a wonderful setting. Lodge was ideal and had everything we needed."

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2024

Macdonald Spey Valley Resort
Cairngorms Flower Lodge
Cairngorms Flower Lodge
Aviemore, Scotland
Stay at this ski chalet in Aviemore. Enjoy a water park, WiFi and on-site parking. Popular attractions Spey Valley Golf Course and Strathspey Steam Railway are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (61 reviews)
Center of our Scotland stay
"Very nice location, close to food, shopping, restaurants, yet is in a very quiet location close to a river and beautiful scenery. Loved it!!"

Reviewed on 10 Sep 2023

Cairngorms Flower Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Aviemore

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
30
" "5 - Excellent 37.5%
4 - Good
40
" "4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
5
" "3 - Okay 6.25%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 6.25%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
5 Feb 2020

Aviemore is a very nice town with plenty to do and friendly people

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
19 Nov 2019

Convenient and has everything you need. One of the gems Scotland holds.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
20 Oct 2019

Aviemore is lovely, small quiet and beautiful....a good base for exploring the Scottish Highlands.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
8 Oct 2019

I loved the quad biking, trip on the steam train and the drive up to Cairngorms Mountains. Beautiful sight.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
14 Sep 2019

Aviemore is a great location for walking and more adventurous activities in the Cairngorms. It’s a shame that the funicular railway to the ski area was closed as we really wanted to do that, but there were plenty of other activities available.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
13 Sep 2019

Zip Park at Alvie Estate highly recommended FANTASTIC

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