Cairngorms National Park: Scotland’s Wild Heart

When you think of Scotland’s wild places, you might picture lochs and castles—but Cairngorms National Park, Scotland’s largest national park, covering 4,528 square kilometers of mountains, forests, and rivers. Also known as the Cairngorms, it’s not just a scenic backdrop—it’s a living ecosystem where red deer roam, golden eagles circle, and ancient Caledonian pine forests still survive. This isn’t a theme park with ticket booths and gift shops. It’s raw, quiet, and often lonely in the best way possible.

What makes the Cairngorms different from other parks? It’s the scale. The mountains here aren’t just hills—they’re some of the highest in the UK, with five of Scotland’s six highest peaks. The plateau at the top of Cairngorm Mountain is one of the coldest places in Britain, where snow can linger into June. You won’t find a Starbucks here, but you will find reindeer herds—yes, wild reindeer—introduced in the 1950s and still roaming free. And while Edinburgh Castle draws crowds, the Cairngorms draw people who want to disappear for a few days. Hikers come for the long-distance trails like the Cateran Trail. Wildlife watchers come for the ptarmigan, the capercaillie, and the elusive Scottish wildcat. Even in summer, you’ll likely share the trails with fewer people than you’d find in a single parking lot at Loch Lomond.

The park doesn’t just sit there looking pretty. It’s managed by people who live here—farmers, rangers, guides, and conservationists. You’ll find local shops in Aviemore and Newtonmore selling handmade wool and honey. The train from Perth to Aviemore runs through the heart of the park, offering a slow, scenic way in. And if you’re wondering whether it’s worth the drive from Fife? Absolutely. You won’t find this kind of untouched space near cities. It’s the kind of place where you stop checking your phone because there’s no signal anyway—and you realize you haven’t missed it.

Below, you’ll find real guides from people who’ve walked these trails, watched these animals, and slept under these stars. Whether you’re planning a day hike or a week-long expedition, the posts here give you what you actually need: where to find the best views, when to avoid midges, how to stay warm when the weather turns, and which paths are still hidden from the guidebooks.