5 Great Walks in Aviemore

Long hailed as a haven for outdoorsy types, The Walking Northerners recently had the pleasure of journeying to Aviemore for the very first time.

Nestled in the heart of Cairngorms National Park, the wild Scottish landscape is unrivalled in its rugged beauty and offers an assortment of trails for keen hikers to explore.

Ancient pinewoods, luscious hillsides, glistening lochs and grand mountaintops - Aviemore is bursting with outdoor adventure for all ages and abilities.

Picking out five of my favourite walks after our most recent escapade in and around Aviemore, trust me when I say these trails are absolutely worth your attention.

Distance: 5.6 kilometres (3.5 miles)

Parking: Car Park Loch an Eilein, Aviemore PH22 1QP

Famed for its majestic vistas, abundance of wildlife and historic castle ruins, Loch an Eilein tops the list as an absolute must-visit.

Only a 10-minute drive from Aviemore centre, parking costs £4.50 per car for the day, with options to pay either by cash or card.

The funds earned from the car park go directly back into the nature reserve - investing in vital work such as trail maintenance and wildlife preservation. Plus, upon entry you’ll be given a walk guide leaflet from one of the friendly park wardens.

A relatively small and irregularly shaped loch, the winding trail keeps things interesting throughout and offers little in the way of incline. For most walkers the full loop can comfortably be completed in under 2 hours.

Plus, with plenty of opportunity to venture off the beaten path towards the loch’s edge, be sure to get up close to the 13th-century castle ruins perched on the water.

Steeped in legend and mystery, the castle has been the site of several battles through the years and was even known to house fugitives for a time.

Likewise, the whole nature reserve is teeming with wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels and the diversity of birds known to frequent the waters as you ramble your way around.

Lastly, what better way to finish your pleasant walk than with a warming beverage at the The Druie Café, conveniently located at the end of the circular trail. Take a seat, enjoy a drink and bask in Cairngorms tranquillity. Perfect.

Distance: 3.5 kilometres (2.25 miles)

Parking: Laggantygown Cemetery, Boat of Garten PH22 1QD

Often considered a “local’s secret,” Loch Vaa is a hidden gem that rivals - and arguably exceeds - some of its more popular neighbours in beauty.

The mirror-like water and rickety old boathouse create an almost Alaskan wilderness vibe, making it one of the most photogenic spots around Aviemore.

Tucked away in the dense pinewoods between Aviemore and Boat of Garten, you can find a small and free-of-charge parking area as you turn off the A59 at Laggantrygown Cemetery to start your walk.

After taking the uphill woodland trail to the left of the cemetery entrance and hugging the shoreline, the boathouse is found 15 minutes into the hike, while the full circuit around the loch takes roughly 60-90 minutes.

Unlike the Loch an Eilein walk however, this trail is less defined and can get rather boggy after rain, so sturdy walking boots are recommended.

Top tip – Weather permitting, I’d recommend packing a picnic and stopping by the boathouse for a truly scenic bite to eat during your ramble!

Distance: 5 kilometres (3.1 miles)

Start point: Reindeer House, Glenmore, Aviemore PH22 1QU

During your time in Aviemore, you’d be amiss to not sign up for one of the legendary reindeer walks.

Roaming an area of 10,000 acres high on the mountainsides, Reindeer have lived in the Cairngorms since 1952 after Mikel Utsi and his wife visited the National Park and recognised it as an ideal place to raise reindeer.

Founding the aptly named ‘The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd’ company, today they offer guided hikes where you’re invited to walk with, and even feed, these gentle creatures in their natural habitat.

Starting at the gift shop in Glenmore Forest Park, your guide will confirm your booking before directing you to the nearby car park where the trail begins.

The hike up to the herd takes about 30 minutes, and once you've enjoyed your time with the reindeer, you’re welcome to head back at your own pace.

Once you climb the steady slope and arrive at the reindeer herd, a herder distributes feed for the reindeer, who are comfortable around humans and will approach gently for food.

While the walk is quite short, it does nevertheless involve a rocky incline, so a moderate level of fitness and confidence on uneven ground is required.

It is also worth noting that from February to April, the hike is more challenging due to extreme weather conditions and children under four years are restricted from participating.

Likewise, hiking boots, waterproof jackets, and warm clothing are essential. Herders are required to turn away anyone not dressed appropriately for safety reasons.

Top tip - Once completing the walk, don’t forget to peruse the Cairngorm Reindeer Gift Shop. Teeming with reindeer-inspired memorabilia, their offering even includes real reindeer antlers!

Distance: 4 kilometres (2.5 miles)

Location: Glenmore Forest Park Visitor Centre, Glenmore, Aviemore PH22 1QU

Nicknamed the ‘Green Loch’, the fairytale like panoramas on offer around these waters are simply sublime.

A gentle woodland trail weaving through towering Caledonian pines, legend states that fairies of Glenmore washed their clothes in the loch, giving the water its magical green hue. Some even state that the forest is home to king of the fairies himself, Big Donald!

Whether or not you believe in Scottish fairies however, there’s no denying that the walk to Lochan Uaine is one of the shortest yet most rewarding hikes in the whole of Cairngorms National Park.

A common starting point for the Lochan Uaine walk is the Glenmore Visitor Centre Car Park, which is roughly a 15-minute drive from Aviemore. An easy-to-follow woodland path, you’ll spot the small green lake to your right after 30-45 minutes of steady hiking.

From here, you then have the option to make your way back to the visitor centre or continue along the trail via the picturesque Ryvoan Pass.

Once returning to the car park, I’d highly recommend crossing the road and checking out Loch Morlich Beach if you’d like to extend your hike slightly.

A secluded stetch of soft sand overlooking epic panoramas of Loch Morlich, this hidden gem is also home to a Boathouse Café and the Pine Marten Bar for some well-deserved refreshments after your ramble.

Distance: 4.4 kilometres (2.7 miles)

Location: Aviemore, Youth Hostel, PH22 1PR

Last but not least, the Craigachlle National Nature Reserve walk is the perfect hiking spot for those not wanting to venture far out of Aviemore.

The trail conveniently begins at Aviemore Youth Hostel in the heart of town and is home to lochans, birchwood, steep crags and spectacular vistas of the surrounding landscape.

A tranquil footpath culminating to a craggy summit, Craigachlle derives its name from the Gaelic Creag Eileachaidh, meaning ‘crag of the rocky place’.

With four official walks on offer, the longest is the Viewpoint Trail, which still only comes in at a comfortable 4.4 kilometres.

Manoeuvre your way through serene woodlands and up the hillside before feasting eyes on panoramas over Strathspey and out towards the iconic Cairngorm Mountain range.

A walk that should be relatively comfortable for most, it does nevertheless contain some steep sections along with terrain that can be quite loose underfoot. Please take care and only tackle the longer trail if you are confident in your footing.

For the full lowdown, the official Craigachlle National Nature Reserve leaflet can be accessed here - https://www.nature.scot/doc/craigellachie-nnr-visiting-reserve-leaflet