Aviemore: Trails, Nature and Special Excursions

Aviemore combines varied trails, nature experiences and special excursions with good rail connections. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home can combine different types of days here: walks and more challenging sections of trail, a family cycling trip, a historic railway journey or activities at the ice rink. When choosing the right base, it is also important to consider which of these experiences should be the focus.

Hiking Trails Between the River Spey and the Nature Reserve

Six trails begin in the centre of Aviemore. Some run along the River Spey, while others lead through Craigellachie National Nature Reserve. This allows you to discover the landscape in different ways, without every excursion having to be the same. Craigellachie National Nature Reserve can be reached on foot from the centre of Aviemore and can therefore be included in your plans as a specific destination for a stay focused on nature and activity.

The Viewpoint Trail offers a special perspective. It leads uphill into Craigellachie National Nature Reserve and opens up views across Aviemore towards the Northern Corries. When planning your day, you should bear in mind that the trail includes longer steep sections as well as several uneven passages with exposed rock and steps. Anyone looking for accommodation in Aviemore can use ideas such as these to decide whether hiking and landscape experiences should shape the holiday or whether a broader mix of excursions and culture would be a better fit.

Cycling, Railways and Activities on the Ice

The Old Logging Way connects Aviemore with Glenmore via Inverdruie. The route is suitable for a family cycling trip to Loch an Eilein and adds a second way to experience the surrounding area alongside hiking. For families who enjoy alternating active and quieter days, this excursion can be a distinct part of the trip, without every day of the holiday having to follow the same pattern.

The Strathspey Railway offers a different perspective on the area. Its standard service runs from Aviemore via Boat of Garten to Broomhill. It is also possible to travel in a restored 20-ton LMS Brake Van. The railway is therefore not only relevant when planning how to arrive, but is also one of the experiences that can be incorporated into the stay as an excursion in its own right.

There are also specific options in changeable weather: Aviemore Ice Rink offers ice skating in a large, Alpine-themed tent. Curling sessions are also available for people aged 7 and over. For a holiday with children of different ages, this age requirement can be helpful when planning. Another activity is Aviemore Kart Raceway, whose track is 550 metres long.

Culture and History in Aviemore

The Ring Cairn & Stone Circle in Aviemore is a protected archaeological monument. Only five stones from the inner ring are visible at the site. It is precisely this tangible yet understated form that makes the site an interesting destination for travellers who would like to discover traces of history alongside nature and activity. The visit can be considered alongside the other types of excursion, without any particular route or distance having to be inferred from this.

Choosing Aviemore as a Holiday Destination

ScotRail connects Perth, Aberdeen and Inverness via Aviemore. This is a relevant consideration when planning your journey if you do not want to travel exclusively by car. When searching for a holiday apartment in Aviemore, you can therefore first decide on your preferred mix of holiday activities: would you like to explore the trails along the River Spey and in Craigellachie National Nature Reserve, take a cycling trip to Loch an Eilein, experience the Strathspey Railway, or plan activities such as ice skating and curling? The answer will help you choose accommodation in the town based on your preferred daily rhythm, without limiting your stay to just one theme.

For more travel ideas, you can also take a look at Plockton, Dunbeath, Dornoch, Corpach, Watten, Kinlochleven, Fort William and Strome Ferry.

For the overarching travel overview: Highland.