t A mountain biker riding across bleakly beautiful moorland in the Cairngorms

This vast wilderness, home to reindeer, red deer, golden eagles and mountain hare, is within easy reach of all Scotland’s major cities. The Cairngorm plateau is dominated by Ben Macdhui, which is Britain’s second-highest mountain at 1,309 m (4,296 ft) and can be ascended from both Speyside and Deeside. It is said to be haunted by a resident spectre, the Old Grey Man. However, the brooding peak of Lochnagar, with its magnificent northern corrie, is perhaps the most coveted munro of the lot. It was immortalised in verse by Lord Byron, who lauded its wild crags and the “steep frowning glories of dark Lochnagar”.

Activities for all Seasons

Aviemore, commonly considered the gateway to the Cairngorms, is a purpose-built resort town with a wide choice of places to stay, eat and be entertained throughout the year. In winter, this is Scotland’s snow sports paradise, with good snow cover for skiing as late as April or even May. Chairlifts and tows provide access to almost 30 ski runs on the flanks of 1,245-m (4,084-ft) Cairn Gorm during the ski season. Visitors can also head up the mountain on Scotland’s only funicular railway, which operates all year. In summer, the Rothiemurchus Centre offers outdoor activities including river kayaking, white-water rafting, quad biking, off-road safaris and pony trekking on the Rothiemurchus Estate near Aviemore. Treetop-level zip wires and swings add to the excitement for families. On rainy days, the Highland Folk Museum, where actors in authentic period costume bring history to life on a working croft, is well worth a visit.

Experience The Highlands and Islands

t Reindeer ploughing through deep snow in the Cairngorms National Park

Rothiemurchus Centre

" ' - = ⌂ Rothiemurchus, by Aviemore, Inverness-shire # Times vary, check website
∑ rothiemurchus.net

Highland Folk Museum

⌂ Newtonmore# Apr–Aug: 10:30am–5:30pm; Sep & Oct: 11am–4:30pm

Wildlife Encounters

Driving through the Highland Wildlife Park visitors can see bison alongside bears, wolves and wild boar, all of which were once common in the wilds of the Highlands. Britain’s only herd of wild reindeer roam free at the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, where they were introduced in 1952.

Highland Wildlife Park

" ⌂ Kincraig, Kingussie # Times vary, check website
∑ highlandwildlifepark.org.uk

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

" ' ⌂ Glenmore, Aviemore # Times vary
∑ cairngormreindeer.co.uk

EXPERIENCE The Highlands and Islands

walks in the Cairngorms

Loch Brandy

An easy half-day walk from Clova village to a mirror-calm loch.

Glen Doll

A two- to three-hour stroll on a well-surfaced path from Glen Doll to Corrie Fee, a dramatic natural amphitheatre.

Lairig Ghru

This age-old mountain trail runs from Speywaide to Deeside and climbs to 835 m (2,740 ft). A tough but rewarding full-day hike with amazing views.

Jock’s Road

This iconic long-distance trail traverses three Munro summits. Allow a full day to complete the walk.