13 BEST Things to do in Aviemore (2023 Updated Guide!)
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Need to know the best things to do in Aviemore, Scotland? You’ve come to the right place! Aviemore is (and will always be) one of my favourite places in Scotland, and here’s just a snippet of some of the highlights!
Whether you’re looking for mountain scenery, scenic hikes, ski resorts, Alpine-style bars, cosy pubs, watersports, sandy beaches, desolate castles, forest trails, or even a field full of reindeer at the UK’s only free-roaming reindeer herd, Aviemore has something for everyone.
Looking back on our Scotland road trip, I wish we had planned more time to stay in Aviemore. It’s a small Scottish town located in the North-West of Cairngorms National Park, and it attracts thousands of tourists each year.
But one of the best things about Aviemore is it still feels secluded and away from the hustle and bustle of some of the bigger Scottish towns. It’s like you’ve found a hidden gem when you arrive!
If you’re an adventurous or outdoor type of person, Aviemore should be at the top of your UK bucket list.
This guide is written from my most memorable experiences in Aviemore. During our epic Scotland road trip, I’d even go as far as to say Aviemore was the highlight.
Walking around Loch Morlich (more on this beautiful location later) was the most memorable day of our trip!
Below I’ve listed all of the best things to do in Aviemore, but there are many more things to do in this part of Scotland! Even just driving through Aviemore is an experience!
Visiting Scotland this year? Check out my other guides!
- 7 Day Scotland Road Trip Route & Itinerary (2022)
- Where to Find Highland Cows in Scotland: Highland Cattle
- Fairy Pools Skye Walk: Everything You Need to Know
Best Things to Do in Aviemore, Scotland
1) Have a beach day at Loch Morlich
When we first visited Loch Morlich, I was shocked at how picture-perfect it was. The loch is small and is surrounded by the Rothiemurcus forest and the Cairngorm mountains.
It’s one of the most beautiful locations in the whole of the UK!
There are a few stops around Loch Morlich, but we found the sandy ‘beach’ to be our favourite.
There’s a watersport hut full of paddleboards, kayaks, and wet suits, an ice cream hut, and a cafe. Even in the peak summer months, you won’t find many tourists here, making it feel like you’ve found a hidden gem of Scotland!
If it’s not too cold, enjoy a swim or paddleboard on the loch. When we visited Loch Morlich in August, I spent a few hours just swimming around the lake without spending any money on equipment. It’s a perfect backpacker-friendly activity!
There’s also a large Tesco in Aviemore’s main town, so you can pack a bag and take a picnic to enjoy on the sand as well!
2) Walk through the Rothiemurcus forest
One of the best things about Aviemore is the Rothiemurcus Forest. We stayed in the Rothiemurcus RV campsite (which I highly recommend, one of the cutest campsites I’ve ever stayed in!) and it was right in the heart of the forest.
Rothiemurcus is home to different species of wildlife and has hundreds of trails to follow for an easy day out.
Trails can be found from different spots throughout the forest, and our favourites started near Loch Morlich. This again is a completely free activity to do in Aviemore and is perfect for those backpacking Scotland on a budget.
When you’re finished exploring the forest on foot, you can rent a quad bike, try pony trekking or kayak down the river if it’s a warm day!
🥾 Whilst visiting Aviemore, I’d highly recommend wearing hiking boots. It made the walks a lot easier and I was much more stable when scrambling, especially in my favourite Brasher walking boots!
3) Stay at the Rothiemurcus campsite
The Rothiemurcus campsite is one of the best places to stay in Aviemore.
At around £20 a night, the accommodation is located right in the middle of the forest. The campsite owners had thought of everything; they’d even decorated the trees with fairy lights.
It was such a nice touch and we couldn’t have been happier. It’s a blissful place to switch off from reality and be surrounded by nature.
The campsite is clean, easy to find and in a perfect location to explore the Cairngorms. Wild camping is great to do in Scotland, but when you need a night to top up electricity, I highly recommend the Rothiemurcus campsite. It’s one I’ll be returning to!
4) Enjoy Aviemore High Street
Aviemore’s high street has a great atmosphere and a friendly, chilled vibe. Whether you visit the outdoor adventure stores, the restaurants and pubs, or to buy a BBQ from Tesco’s to have by your van, there are lots of reasons to enjoy Aviemore high street.
If you’re someone who doesn’t want the night to end, head to The Vault for after-hours dancing. Even the Glaswegians say it’s a good place for a party!
5) Go skiing in the Cairngorms mountains
Booking a winter ski trip? Scotland might not be your first thought for skiing, but the Cairn Gorm Mountain is the UK’s most popular ski destination! It’s close to Aviemore and is a popular ski resort.
You can do activities such as snowboarding, sledging, skiing, and even dog sledging.
If you’re a beginner skier, the Cairngorms Centre also offers gear hire and lessons. But if you’re more advanced, you can go off-piste and explore on your own.
6) Do a circular walk around Loch Morlich
As Loch Morlich is surrounded by forest and beaches, it’s a great place to spend a few hours walking and exploring the Cairngorms.
Most of the trails are flat and have the opportunity to go ‘off road’ and into the forest. If you’d rather stay on the path, the routes are all clearly marked with colours and are easy to follow.
Our walk around the loch took a couple of hours with lots of stop-offs on the way. It was also a good chance to get Drogo (our drone) out to film some of the surrounding landscape. If you have a drone, I’d highly recommend taking it!
7) Swim to an abandoned castle in Loch Eilein
Loch an Eilein (loch of the island) is known for its historic castle ruin situated at its centre.
Hundreds of tourists visit the loch every year for some wild swimming and a picnic by the side of the water – it was even voted the number one picnic spot in a Warburtons National Bread Week competition.
A short walk from the car park, you’ll find views of the castles and dramatic views to the pine trees and towering mountains.
Even if you don’t swim right out to the castle, it’s a great place to cool off from the sun and enjoy the woodland scenery.
🗺️ If you’re going to be swimming in the sea or lochs, I’d recommend getting a Syncwire Waterproof Case. I’ve had mine for a few years and I’m able to swim underwater, take photos and videos and keep my belongings safe when I’m in the water!
8) Visit the UK’s only free-roaming reindeer herd
The Cairngorm Reindeer park is home to Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer. They roam the area as visitors can get up close to the friendly animals, which would be the ultimate Christmas card photo!
There are currently around 150 reindeer to see, and you’re more than likely to see them all year round (although it can be a bit of a walk to reach them).
The trip to see the reindeer lasts about 2 hours, and although you can’t feed them, you’ll have lots of fun seeing them up close and in their natural habitat!
Find out more about the reindeer visits and events that take place throughout the year here.
9) Find a spot to go wild camping
Wild camping should be high on your list if you’re planning a trip to Scotland. It’s one of the best things about taking a road trip there – just finding a spot and parking up for the night.
Sometimes we drove around for hours just looking and enjoying all the different secluded spots.
There are a few wild camping spots in Aviemore, with my favourite being near Loch Morlich. There’s a small car park overlooking the loch which is only around £4 to park in, and it hosts several overnight sleepers.
If you’d prefer someone a bit more isolated, drive around through the forest and find a layby or side street, making sure it’s safe to stop and stay overnight. Wild camping is one of the best things to do in Aviemore!
10) Get your adrenaline fix with watersports at Loch Morlich
If you want something to get your adrenaline pumping, hit up Loch Morlich to take part in some watersports.
With the stunning backdrop of the peaks of the northern Cairngorms, you can take part in paddleboarding, kayaking, and surfing for a reasonable price.
Book and check out the activities at Loch Morlich here!
Want to try River Tubing in the Cairngorms National Park?
Get more extreme from your trip with River Tubing. You will enjoy plenty thrills and spills on this river in the heart of the breath-taking Cairngorms National Park.
Book the activity HERE
11) Drink a pint at The Pine Marten Bar + Scran
The Pine Marten Bar and Scran is a small Alpine-style bar at the foot of the Cairn Gorm mountain, in the heart of the national park. A short walking distance from Loch Morlich, we enjoyed a pint here after a long day of hiking through the Rothiemurcus forest.
It has a warm, friendly vibe and was a great spot after a long day of exploring!
Head to the bar on a weekend for live music, or stop off for a mid-week beer. The bar also has a shop attached for all of your grocery essentials.
12) Enjoy yourself at the breweries and distilleries
A rite of passage for visiting the highlands and Aviemore is to have a few drinks in the local breweries.
The Cairngorms National Park is home to the Cairngorm Brewery and six distilleries: Dalwhinnie, Glenlivet, Tomintoul, Speyside, Balmenach, and Royal Lochnagar Distillery.
Check them out online before visiting as venues offer different services (learning about the making of the drinks, history and so on). It’s one of the best things to do in Aviemore!
🥃 Get to know Cairngorms National Park and try Scottish whisky on the journey from Inverness
Book the tour
13) Have fun at the Landmark Forest Adventure Park
Six miles north of Aviemore is the Landmark Forest Adventure Park, with attractions like rollercoasters, wild water slides, high rope trails, and the Skydrive.
Not only will you enjoy man-made attractions, but the geographic variety of waterfalls, caverns, caves, and forests makes the park unique and interesting to walk around.
14) Have breakfast in The Barn
The Barn in Aviemore is a cosy cafe and coffee shop supplying and serving all local produce. Decorated with rustic furniture and fairy lights, it’s a great stop-off on your Aviemore trip.
Whether you want to sit in or grab a coffee to go, The Barn serves everything from breakfast, daily specials, warming stews, soups and homemade cakes. Dogs are also welcome!
The Barn is currently open 7 days a week from 9.30am – 4.00pm. It can be located around a 15-minute walk from the Rothiemurcus campsite.
15) Hike the Cairngorm Mountain and Ben Macdui
If you’ve got your hiking boots, I recommend hiking Cairn Gorm Mountain and Ben Macdui. Ben Macdui is the second-highest mountain in Scotland, and this double hike means you’ll climb both Ben Macdui and the Cain Gorm!
Whilst it’s a high-altitude climb, it isn’t particularly strenuous and shouldn’t take longer than 5 or 6 hours.
There is also no scrambling on any part of the hike. You’ll first summit the Cairn Gorm mountain and then continue to summit the peak of Ben Macdui. It will be a long day, but the views at the top are worth it!
Grab my favourite Brasher walking boots here!
16) Take a dip in the green waters of Lochan Uaine
Also known as the ‘green lake’, Lochan Uaine (pronounced oo-an-yi) is known for it’s healing waters and serenity. It’s great for swimming, but can get cold in the winter months!
If you believe in legends, the locals often state the bright green colour comes from the fairies washing their clothes in the water.
Others, more sceptical, state it’s from the algae (which isn’t as fun). Regardless of what you believe, swimming in Lochan Uaine is one of the best activities in Aviemore.
17) Enjoy a local event in Aviemore
Many events take place in Aviemore each year, and depending on the time you visit, you might be able to take part in one!
From Halloween costume parties to visits from Santa Claus, be sure to check out the Aviemore annual events page for up-to-date information.
Where is Aviemore?
Aviemore is a town in the Cairngorms National Park, within the Scottish Highlands. It is 30 miles south of Inverness.
If you’re driving from Glasgow, it will take around 2.5 hours and 142 miles. Or, if you’re driving from Edinburgh, it’s around 2.5 hours and 130 miles.
Aviemore is one of the most beautiful places in the Cairngorms National Park, and in my opinion, the whole of Scotland.
It’s a popular tourist destination all year round, with cold winters perfect for skiing on the Cain Gorm mountain, to mild/warm summers swimming in the lochs, it’s a great place to visit at any time of year!
I’d highly recommend Aviemore if it’s your first trip to Scotland. It’s a great adventure base to have, and you can easily spend 4-5 days exploring.
Where to stay in Aviemore
There are many places to choose from when staying in Aviemore, and here are some of the best options for first-timers. Simply click on a link to be taken directly to the accommodation of your choice!
- Rothiemurcus Campsite: if you’re travelling Scotland by van or would like to pitch a tent, this is the best campsite in Aviemore! ➡ BOOK THIS CAMPSITE NOW!
- Aviemore Youth Hostel: for solo and budget backpackers in Aviemore. ➡ BOOK THIS HOSTEL NOW!
- Cairngorm Hotel: for couples looking for luxury in Aviemore. ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!
- High-Range Holiday Apartments: for those who prefer their own space in an apartment. ➡ BOOK THIS APARTMENT NOW!
How to get to Aviemore
🏴 GLASGOW TO AVIEMORE
Aviemore is around a 2.5-hour drive from the centre of Glasgow (approx 142 miles). There is also a train that runs direct from Glasgow to Aviemore which takes roughly the same amount of time. Prices start at around £8.
🏴 EDINBURGH TO AVIEMORE
Aviemore is around a 2.5-hour drive from the centre of Edinburgh (approx 130 miles). The train takes a bit longer and lasts on average 3.5 hours. Prices are a bit steeper and can cost over £20.
🏴 INVERNESS TO AVIEMORE
Flying direct to Inverness is the quickest way to get to Aviemore. It’s only around 40 minutes by car (approx 30 miles), and there’s a 40-minute train from the centre of town direct to Aviemore too. Aviemore is located in the country of Inverness.
Things to do in Aviemore FAQs
1) Is Aviemore worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the Cairngorms National Park, and in the whole of Scotland. Aviemore is also a popular tourist destination all year round. With cold winters perfect for skiing on the Cain Gorm mountain, to mild summers around the lochs, it’s a great place to visit at any age!
I’d highly recommend Aviemore if it’s your first trip to Scotland. It’s a great base and you can easily spend 4-5 days exploring the Cairngorms, even if you’re on a backpacker’s budget. There are also so many things to do in Aviemore in summer, as well as the colder months!
🗺️ When we were travelling around Scotland, we used Take The Slow Road by Martin Dorey to help us decide on our next destination. If you’re looking for more recommendations of Scottish wonders, I also recommend this Scotland guide.
Want to try River Tubing in the Cairngorms National Park?
Get more extreme from your trip with River Tubing. You will enjoy plenty thrills and spills on this river in the heart of the breath-taking Cairngorms National Park.
Book the activity HERE2) What do I need to pack for Aviemore?
Knowing what to pack for Aviemore is weather and season-dependent. In summer (June-August), pack your light clothes but still bring a jacket. Temperatures will only rise to around 15°C, so some kind of layers are still needed.
Throughout the rest of the year, temperatures are fairly low, with January and February being the coldest, with a 2-3°C average. Being a popular ski destination, brave for the snow and frozen lochs!
If you’re topping up your packing list for Aviemore, I would recommend:
- A lightweight waterproof jacket
- Hiking boots (that won’t slip) – these are my favourites for any kind of weather
- An umbrella
- A waterproof day bag
- A waterproof phone case (which can also be used for wild swimming when it’s sunnier)
- A portable charger
- Lots of layers
- A GoPro for waterproof camera footage
- A waterproof backpack cover
- A chilly bottle to keep your water at a drinkable temperature
- A Dry Robe, as it helps to keep you warm when entering and leaving the water (even if it’s raining!)
- As well as using bug spray, we have midge repellent wristbands.
3) What supermarkets and restaurants are in Aviemore?
Aviemore has a ‘main’ high street which is full of shops, restaurants, bars and supermarkets. You’ll find a big Tesco for all your food and camp dinner needs, and a Mountain Warehouse, and lots of other adventure shops for all your hiking needs.
The Happy Haggis is your go-to for fish and chips in Aviemore, and you’ll also find pizzerias, a Subway, Smiffy’s chip shop, Coffee Corner, and the regular coffee stops like Starbucks. Our favourite bar was The Pin Marten Bar and Scran as it has a real ski-adventure feel and atmosphere!
The Old Bridge Inn is great for an authentic British pub experience.
4) Can you go sledging in Aviemore?
Yes! If you’re heading to Aviemore in winter, Cairn Gorm Mountain is the most popular UK ski destination. The Cairngorm Mountain is close to Aviemore Centre and is a popular ski resort, with activities such as snowboarding, sledging, skiing, and even dog-sledging.
5) Do you need a car in Aviemore?
No, however, it is easier to travel around Aviemore with a car. But if you aren’t in a position to hire a car, there are other ways to get around. There are many bike rental shops such as Aviemore Bikes and In Your Element, which both have budget-friendly prices for day hire.
You can also get around Aviemore by foot (within reason). Depending on the location of your accommodation, Aviemore is easy to explore on foot through the woodlands and the high street. If you’re walking from the main high street to Rothiemurcus forest, it will take around 40 minutes.
You can also travel around Aviemore via public transport. There is a bus, but it can be quite slow and unreliable. Your best options are to walk, cycle, hire a car or grab a taxi.
Need to hire a car in Aviemore? I recommend this company for the cheapest car rental deals all over the world.
6) Is Rothiemurcus forest in Aviemore dog-friendly?
Yes, Rothiemurcus forest is dog-friendly. You will find many people taking their dogs for walks around the Lochs and in the forest.
More things to do in the Cairngorms and the Scottish Highlands
As the Cairngorms is one of the UK’s largest national parks, the fun doesn’t stop at Aviemore. Although we didn’t have much time to explore a lot of the Cairngorms apart from Aviemore, there’s so much else to do in this beautiful area of Scotland.
If you’re planning a road trip through the Highlands (the NC500 or any other similar route), be sure to check out my detailed itinerary and route planner.
Best Things to Do in Aviemore: In a Nutshell
Well, if this blog post hasn’t convinced you to work Aviemore into your Scotland road trip, I don’t know what will. Aviemore is incredible, and there are so many things to do in there. I know it’s going to be somewhere I return to over and over again, year after year.
And hopefully, now you know what to do in Aviemore when you visit for the first time!
Have you got some other things to add to the best things to do in Aviemore? I’d love to hear! Let me know on Instagram or in the comments below!
Happy travelling!
Jennie 😀 x
Other Scotland posts:
- 7 Day Scotland Road Trip Route & Itinerary
- Fairy Pools Skye Walk: Everything You Need to Know
- Where to Find Highland Cows in Scotland: Highland Cattle
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MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
