The Cairngorms National Park was formed in 2003 to protect the unique aspects of the area. It is the UK’s largest national park with a massive mountain range at its heart and with diverse communities around it. The habitat offers a secure haven for many of Britain’s rarest bird, animal and plant species with substantial remnants of the original Caledonian pine forest combining with large areas of heather moorland to foster ecological diversity and a rich variety of terrain and landscapes for those who venture into the hills. Of particular interest to mountain walkers is the dramatic Northern Corries ice wall and the plateau itself, the largest arctic mountain landscape in the British Isles.

Climbing & Walking

From Nethy Bridge follow waymarked trails through the famous Scots Pine forest, and along the River Nethy. Guided walks will also give you extra local information on wildlife and help you discover how people have lived and worked in this forest over the centuries.

This long distance walking route, from the Cairngorms to the Moray Coast, passes through Nethy Bridge mostly following the course of early rail routes beside the River Spey. Any section can provide a beautiful day's walk through world famous whisky making countryside.

For a guided introduction to mountain walking in the Cairngorms or for advice relating to climbing or high level walking at any time of the year, including weather/snow conditions, we recommend the Cairngorm Ranger Service.

Wildlife

In spring witness ospreys nesting from the hide at nearby Loch Garten Reserve or rise early to observe a capercailllie lek with the experts.

Abernethy pinewoods remain a stronghold for native scottish red squirrels and these plentiful residents are an everyday sight. Visit the feeding stations located on the Explore Abernethy trails and report your sightings to the ranger.

Experience international endangered animals of mountains and tundra as well as our native wildlife in the spectacular setting of the Highland Wildlife Park.

Shopping

Family run, friendly and focussing on our most iconic highland plant, this is much more than a gift shop and garden centre. There's a great collectables emporium and restaruant as well!

The Whisky Castle in the village of Tomintoul is where you will find Mike and Cathy Drury offering a mindboggling range of malts and blends from throughout Speyside and the whole of Scotland. Very much worth a visit; often there are special offers and you'll learn a lot too!

Leakeys Bookshop in Church Street, Inverness, is a one off for character. Here, Charles Leakey, bookseller and gallery cafe owner surrounds himself with his second hand volumes and old prints while inviting you to join him in the woodstove warmed former church building.

Kids

Landmark has developed its range of attractions over the years to provide entertainment, recreation and education in just about equal measure. It is a firm favourite providing you like company and the squeals of delighted children.

Smarty Art, an enthusiast run caper for Kids four miles down the road in Grantown. Discover how mildly messily creative very young people can be.

The Leisure Pool at Aviemore Centre is a recently built replacement for the original we had in the village. This one has all the trimmings of steam room, sauna, exercise rooms and towels, if you need them. Not cheap but good for a wet day and early in the day before the crowds arrive.