Aviemore sits right in the middle of the Cairngorms National Park, surrounded by ancient pine forest, lochs and mountains. From here you can walk around Loch an Eilein to its island castle, wander through Rothiemurchus forest, ride the steam railway or head up into the hills, with red squirrels in the woods and ospreys over the lochs in summer.
Every day is worked out stop by stop, with the drive between each place, where to stop for lunch, and what to book before you go. Some are gentle forest walks with a café at the end; others take in a distillery or a longer climb. It's lovely in every season, from summer swims to crisp, snowy winter days. Choose your day and enjoy the Cairngorms.
Your best match · In AviemoreThe Cairngorm Brewery and lunch at the Cairngorm HotelOn foot, about three hours.See the day
In AviemoreThe steam train to Boat of Garten and a walk back to AviemoreOn foot, about four and a half hours
In AviemoreA walk up Craigellachie above AviemoreBy car, about two hours
About 3 miles awayLoch an Eilein Castle and lunch at Ryvoan CaféBy car, about three and a half hours
About 5 miles awayA floodlit night zip at AlvieBy car, about three and a half hours
About 3 miles awayAviemore, Rothiemurchus and Glenmore: two lochs, the reindeer and Cairn GormA day by car, about 24 miles
About 3 miles awayA Day in the Cairngorms – Rothiemurchus & Glen MoreA day by car, about 11 miles
About 5 miles awayOspreys, Castle Roy and the old forest at Loch GartenA day by car, about 36 miles
About 5 miles awayThe Zip Trek at AlvieBy car, about three and a half hours
About 5 miles awayLoch Morlich beach and lunch at the Allt Mor CaféOn foot, about two and a half hours
About 5 miles awayA walk to the Green Lochan on the Ryvoan TrailBy car, about two and a half hours
About 5 miles awayMeall a' Bhuachaille and lunch at the Winking OwlBy car, about six hours
About 5 miles awayThe Green Lochan with the dog and lunch at Route 7By car, about four hours
About 5 miles awayThe reindeer hill trip and lunch at the Pine Marten BarOn foot, about three and a half hours
About 6 miles awayLoch Garten's red squirrels and old pinewoodBy car, about two and a half hours
About 6 miles awayLandmark and Loch Morlich with the kids and the dogBy car, about six hours
About 6 miles awayLandmark Forest Adventure Park and lunch in CarrbridgeOn foot, about three and a half hours
About 6 miles awayCarrbridge's packhorse bridge and a pint at the Cairn HotelOn foot, about two hours
About 6 miles awayCarrbridge's packhorse bridge and the Carr Plantation walkBy car, about two and a half hours
About 6 miles awayThe Lochside Loop walk at Kincraig on Loch InshBy car, about an hour
About 7 miles awayThe Cairngorm Mountain Railway and Loch MorlichBy car, about five hours
About 8 miles awayUath Lochans and Farleitter Crag walkBy car, an hour, or two and a half hours for both trails
About 8 miles awayThe Lettoch Trail walk up the River NethyOn foot, about three and a half hours
About 8 miles awayThe Broomhill Trail walk at Nethy BridgeOn foot, about three hours
About 8 miles awayUath Lochans and lunch in KincraigBy car, about three hours
About 8 miles awayBreakfast at Nethy House and the bridge at Nethy BridgeOn foot, about an hour and a half
About 8 miles awayThe Highland Wildlife Park's animalsBy car, about four hours
About 9 miles awayA walk round Castle Roy and Abernethy Old KirkBy car, about two and a half hours
About 11 miles awayThe Invertromie Trail walk at Insh MarshesBy car, about two hours
About 12 miles awayRuthven Barracks at sunset and supper in KingussieBy car, about two and a half hours
About 12 miles awayThe Beachen Orange Trail walk at Grantown-on-SpeyBy car, about two hours
About 12 miles awaySpey Bank Studio and afternoon tea at the Boat Country InnBy car, about two and a half hours
About 13 miles awayThe Highland Folk Museum with the children and the dogBy car, about four hours
About 14 miles awayThe Wildcat Trail walk round NewtonmoreBy car, about four hours
About 17 miles awayThe Tomintoul Country Walk to Queen Victoria's ViewBy car, about three hours
About 18 miles awayThe Linn of Dee and Braemar CastleBy car, about five hours
About 18 miles awayThe Linn of Dee and lunch at the BothyBy car, about three hours
About 18 miles awayThe Glenmulliach Viewpoint walk near TomintoulBy car, about two hours
About 19 miles awayA walk to the Falls of Truim and the Centre of Scotland stoneBy car, about two and a half hours
About 19 miles awayThe Linn of Quoich and lunch at Gordon's Tea RoomBy car, about three and a half hours
About 20 miles awayThe River Dee path and a pint at the Flying StagOn foot, about three and a half hours
About 21 miles awayAn art tour and afternoon tea at the Fife ArmsOn foot, about two and a half hours
About 21 miles awayBraemar Castle and lunch in BraemarBy car, about three and a half hours
About 21 miles awayRound Morrone, above BraemarOn foot, about six hours
About 21 miles awayUp Creag Choinnich, above BraemarOn foot, about three hours
About 21 miles awayClava Cairns at sunset and supper at the Cawdor TavernBy car, about three hours
About 22 miles awayThe Scalan Heritage Trail walk in the Braes of GlenlivetBy car, about two hours
About 22 miles awayCulloden Battlefield and afternoon tea at Culloden HouseBy car, about three and a half hours
About 22 miles awayCulloden, Cawdor and Nairn: a day east of InvernessA day by car, about 40 miles
About 22 miles awayA walk on the old military road at Corgarff CastleBy car, about five hours
About 23 miles awaySpending the Day in Speyside Whisky CountryA day by car, about 28 miles
About 24 miles awayInverness Botanic Gardens and lunch at Café BotanicsOn foot, about two and a half hours
About 24 miles awayCoffee and cake at Logie Steading near ForresOn foot, about two hours
About 24 miles awayInverness Leisure, the Botanic Gardens and Whin ParkOn foot, about six hours
About 24 miles awayThe wave pool and lazy river at Inverness LeisureBy car, about three hours
About 24 miles awayA wet day in InvernessA day by bus and on foot
About 24 miles awayA Day in InvernessA day on foot, about 3 milesMembers
About 24 miles awayInverness Museum and Art Gallery and lunch at RocpoolOn foot, about three hours
About 25 miles awayWhin Park, the Ness Islands and a hot chocolate at XOKOOn foot, about three and a half hours
About 25 miles awayThe River Ness and a pint at the Castle TavernOn foot, about three hours
About 25 miles awayInverness's old town: the Victorian Market, the Old High Church, Leakey's, the cathedral and the castle hillA day on foot, about 2 miles
About 25 miles awayBalmoral's grounds and gardensBy car, about two and a half hours
About 26 miles awayThe Cairnwell chairlift at GlensheeBy car, about two and a half hours
About 26 miles awayA sauna at dusk at Stravaig, facing LochnagarBy car, about three and a half hours
About 27 miles awayNairn's East Beach, harbour and piers walkBy car, about an hour, or two to three hours for the 6.25 miles to Culbin and back
About 27 miles awayNairn beach, the harbour and lunch at Basil Harbour CaféOn foot, about two hours
About 28 miles awayUp Ben Rinnes, above SpeysideBy car, about four and a half hours
About 28 miles awayChanonry Point and the Fairy Glen with the kids and the dogBy car, about five and a half hours
About 28 miles awayChanonry Point's dolphinsBy car, about two hours
About 28 miles awayHunting for History on the Black IsleA few hours by car, about 9 milesMembers
About 28 miles awayThe Tall Trees Trail walk in Reelig GlenBy car, about three-quarters of an hour
About 28 miles awayThe Bunzeach Trail walk at StrathdonBy car, about two and a half hours
About 28 miles awayBrodie Castle and lunch in its Castle CaféOn foot, about three and a half hours
About 29 miles awayA walk up Glen Tilt to Gilbert's BridgeBy car, about four hours
About 29 miles awayCoffee at Bakhoos and Fortrose CathedralOn foot, about an hour and a half
About 29 miles awayAberlour to Craigellachie and Telford's Bridge walkOn foot, about four hours
About 29 miles awayThe Black Isle Brewery and lunch at the Black Isle BarBy car, about three hours
About 29 miles awayA walk round Sanquhar Loch in ForresOn foot, about two hours with lunch
About 29 miles awayLinn Falls and lunch in AberlourBy car, about two and a half hours
About 29 miles awayA barrel sauna on Rosemarkie beachOn foot, about two and a half hours
About 29 miles awayThe Fairy Glen with the dog and lunch in RosemarkieBy car, about three hours
About 29 miles awayThe Falls of Bruar and lunch at the House of BruarBy car, about two and a half hours
About 30 miles awayBlair Castle's grounds with the children and the dogBy car, about five hours
About 30 miles awayBlair Castle on a wet day with the childrenBy car, about three and a half hours
About 30 miles awayA walk to Invermoriston Falls and Telford's old bridgeBy car, about half an hour
About 30 miles awayAn e-bike ride to Blair Atholl and lunch at the WatermillBy bike, about three and a half hours
About 30 miles awayThe Munlochy Clootie Well and its woodland walkBy car, about two hours with lunch; three quarters of an hour for the two paths
About 30 miles awayA walk up Cluny Hill to Nelson's Tower in ForresOn foot, about two hours
About 30 miles awayKnock Castle and lunch at the Rothesay RoomsBy car, about two and a half hours
About 31 miles awayLoch Muick and Ballater: a day in Glen MuickA day by car, about 18 miles
About 31 miles awayThe Hill 99 Trail walk in Culbin ForestBy car, about two hours
About 31 miles awayKilliecrankie with the dog and lunch at the visitor centreBy car, about three hours
About 31 miles awayBallater and Crathie: a royal day on DeesideA day by car, about 17 miles
About 31 miles awayThe Seven Bridges walk at BallaterBy car, about four and a half hours
About 31 miles awayThe Mackenzie Memorial walk at BallaterBy car, about two hours
About 31 miles awayUp Craigendarroch, above BallaterOn foot, about three hours
About 31 miles awayA wander round Ballater and afternoon tea at Darroch LeargOn foot, about three hours
About 31 miles awayBallater's Riverside Walk and a pint at the Balmoral ArmsOn foot, about two and a half hours
About 31 miles awaySpeyside Cooperage and lunch at the Spey InnBy car, about two and a half hours
About 31 miles awayDufftown's Town Walk from the Clock TowerBy car, about 20 minutes
About 31 miles awayCardhu and the SpeyA day by car, about 21 miles
About 31 miles awayLoch Muick and a picnic at Glas-allt-ShielBy car, about four and a half hours
About 31 miles awayWhisky, Castles & Pyramids - A 35-Mile Trail Through Aberdeenshire’s Royal HeartlandA day by car, about 11 milesMembers
About 31 miles away1 day in Royal DeesideA day by car, about 36 milesMembers
About 32 miles awayThe Keith and Dufftown Railway and lunch at the SidingsOn foot, about three hours
About 32 miles awayThe Allt na Criche Trail walk above Fort AugustusBy car, about an hour
About 32 miles awaySpending a Whole Day Around Loch NessA day by car, about 71 miles
About 32 miles awayLoch Ness by RIB to Urquhart CastleOn foot, about three hours
About 32 miles awayA canal walk at Fort Augustus to Loch Ness and the PepperpotBy car, about an hour and 20 minutes
About 33 miles awayCambus o' May bridge and an ice cream at Shorty'sBy car, about two and a half hours
About 33 miles awayAn evening by Findhorn Bay and a pint at the Kimberley InnOn foot, about two and a half hours
About 33 miles awayWinter birds on Findhorn BayBy car, about three hours
About 33 miles awayFindhorn Beach and lunch at the Captain's TableOn foot, about four hours
About 33 miles awayA walk round Faskally Wood and Loch DunmoreBy car, about an hour and a half
About 33 miles awayA walk up to Moulin and a pint at the Moulin InnOn foot, about two and a half hours
About 34 miles awayA round at Pitlochry Golf CourseBy car, about six and a half hours
About 34 miles awayA picnic by the Cambus o' May bridgeBy car, about two hours
About 34 miles awayA pedalo on Loch Faskally and a hot chocolateBy car, about two hours
About 34 miles awayLoch Kinord walk to the Kinord CrossBy car, about an hour and a half
About 34 miles awayLoch Kinord and pizza at Kite in DinnetBy car, about three hours
About 34 miles awayAn evening at the Enchanted Forest in Faskally WoodBy car, about two and a half hours
About 34 miles awayUdale Bay's wigeon and wadersBy car, about an hour and a half
About 34 miles awayA spa day at the Atholl Palace in PitlochryBy car, about four hours
About 34 miles awayThe Atholl Palace Museum and afternoon teaOn foot, about three hours
About 34 miles awayPitlochry Dam at dusk and supper at Port-na-CraigOn foot, about three hours
About 34 miles awayDolphins and the Moray Firth: a day over the Kessock BridgeA day by car, about 53 miles
About 34 miles awayThe community sauna in CromartyOn foot, about three hours
About 34 miles awayKildrummy Castle and lunch at the Kildrummy InnBy car, about three hours
About 35 miles awayA walk in Roseisle Forest and along its beachBy car, about an hour, or two for the Wildlife Walk
About 36 miles awayThe Invergordon mural trail walkBy car, an hour to an hour and a half
About 37 miles awayThe flume and soft play at Moray Leisure CentreBy car, about three and a half hours
About 37 miles awaySchiehallion and a late lunch at Victoria'sBy car, about seven hours
About 37 miles awayA walk up Craig Varr above Kinloch RannochOn foot, about three and a half hours
About 37 miles awayElgin Cathedral and afternoon tea at Johnstons of ElginOn foot, about three and a half hours
About 37 miles awayElgin and Pluscarden: cathedral, mill and abbeyA day by car, about 13 miles
About 37 miles awayThe Burghead and Clarkly Hill walkBy car, about two and a half hours
About 37 miles awayThe Annat Loop walk above Loch RannochBy car, about four hoursNot every day out needs to be a big one. A castle and a café, a walk and lunch, a museum when it rains: one place, somewhere good to eat close by, and the time between worked out.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about an hour and a half.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By train and on foot, about two hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about two hours.

By car, about three and a half hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about two hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

By car, about four and a half hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

By car, about five hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

By Subway and on foot, about four hours.

By car, about two hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

On foot, about three hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

By bus and on foot, about three hours.

On foot, about two hours.

By car, about an hour and a half.

On foot, about an hour and a half.

On foot, about three hours.

By Subway and on foot, about three hours.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

By Subway and on foot, about three hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

On foot, about an hour and a half.

By car, about three and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

By train and on foot, about three hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By car, about two hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

On foot, about two hours.

By car, about three hours.

By car, about two hours with lunch.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By car, about two hours.

On foot, about three hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

By Subway and train and on foot, about five hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

By boat and on foot, about four hours.

On foot, about an hour and a half.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about two hours.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about an hour.

On foot, about an hour and a half.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about three hours.

By car, about four hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about an hour and a half.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about four and a half hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

By bus and on foot, about five hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

On foot, about three hours.

By car, about four and a half hours.

By car, about two hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

By car, about four hours.

On foot, about two hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

By train and on foot, about three hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

By tram and on foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about four hours.

By car, about four hours.

By car, about four and a half hours.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about an hour and a half.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

By car, about five and a half hours.

On foot, about two hours.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

By bike, about three and a half hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

By car, about three hours with Nardini's.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

By car, about three and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

On foot, about three hours.

By car, about three and a half hours.

By car, about three and a half hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about four hours.

By car, about three hours.

On foot, about four hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

By car, about two hours.

By car, about three hours.

On foot, about four hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

By car, about three and a half hours.

By Subway and on foot, about four hours.

By car, about three and a half hours.

On foot, about two hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three hours.

By car, about an hour and a half.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

By car, about two hours.

By car, about five hours.

On foot, about an hour and a half.

By train and on foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.
By car, about two hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

By car, about three and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

On foot, about four hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about two hours.

By car, about two hours.

By car, about two hours.

On foot, about three hours.

By car, about two hours.

By car, about three hours.

By car, about two hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By car, about four hours.

By car, about two hours.

On foot, about three hours.

By car, about two hours.

On foot, about an hour and a half.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about four hours.

On foot, about three hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about an hour and a half.

By car, about four hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By car, about two hours.

By car, about an hour and a half.

By car, about two hours.

By car, about an hour and a half.

By car, about six hours.

By car, about two hours.

By car, about two hours.

By car, about an hour and a half.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about three hours, with lunch.

By car, about an hour and a half.

On foot, about two hours.

On foot, about three hours.

By car, about three hours.

By car, about four hours.
Days out within an hour of where you are staying, nearest first.
Our writers’ own days out, from the places they know best.

A day by car, about 26 miles.

A day by car, about 110 miles.
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A few hours by car.
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A day by car, about 58 miles.
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A day on foot, about 3 miles.
The people we have met along the way, the makers, owners and writers, on the places they love most, in their own words.

“…stroll up to The Birks of Aberfeldy from The Memorial Arch, soaking up the woods and waterfalls that once inspired Rabbie Burns.”
Zanna Wilson, artist and gallerist who runs The Watermill Gallery in Aberfeldy, Perthshire

“My absolute favourite café with the best coffee in town.”
Lorna Freytag, artist and illustrator based in Oban, with a studio overlooking Oban Bay

“The best veggie and vegan breakfast around. Epic cakes and great coffee.”
Shelley Richmond, freelance photographer and creative based in Dervaig, Isle of Mull, who publishes The Isle of Mull Journal

“The breakfasts here are incredible.”
Karen Harvey, owner of Hoos and InHoos, two homeware shops on Great Western Road in Glasgow's West End

“We particularly love doing sections of the Fife Coastal Path, especially through the East Neuk villages of Crail, Anstruther, Pittenweem, St Monans and Elie.”
Joy and Nick, own Airdit, a woodland treehouse stay above St Andrews, Fife

“A visit to the Falls of Foyers is a must.”
Anna Low, co-owns and runs Foyers Lodge, a small boutique hotel overlooking Loch Ness

“I’m a big fan of the Isle of Raasay Distillery.”
Katy Fennema, whisky Ambassador at the Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar, and runs Braemar Highland Experience with her husband Julian

“…amazing panoramas all the way up to the Old Man of Storr.”
Calum Gillies and Leonie, artist Calum Gillies and his wife Leonie run The Exchange, a gallery and coffee spot in the old telephone exchange at Clachan, Isle of Raasay

“The Nethy House Café is a regular spot for lunch or coffee.”
Sarah and Phil, run The Lazy Duck, an off-grid eco-holiday site with cabins, a bunkhouse and a campsite in Nethybridge, Cairngorms National Park

“I would definitely recommend Arthur’s seat in Holyrood Park.”
Kirsty Campbell, knitwear designer from Banchory, Deeside, behind RYVOAN, who knits in her Edinburgh studio

“…the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing and Fairy Pools etc are all incredible natural wonders to see.”
Jennifer Pearson, jewellery designer and founder of ÒR, two creative retail stores in Portree, Isle of Skye

“Exploring the incredible beaches of Oldshoremore, Polin, Achmelvich, Sandwood Bay all within 30-40 minutes drive, all with their unique character.”
Catherine Sinclair, textile designer behind Cove*, who also runs Kylesku Lodges on the north-west coast

“Both are incredible ruined castles on the coastal cliffs and have such interesting history alongside spectacular views.”
Laura (Fernweh), designer and maker of waxed-canvas bags and accessories at Fernweh UK, with a studio at Deemouth Artist Studios in Aberdeen

“Leith hall, Drum Castle and Crathes Castle gardens are all personal favourites.”
Hollie Berries, sustainable florist running Hollie Berries Flower Studio and Cutting Garden in Aberdeenshire

“Blackford Hill is my very favourite spot in Edinburgh.”
Emily Hogarth, papercut artist and illustrator who lives in East Lothian and works for Edinburgh clients, including Hidden Scotland's folklore illustrations

“…head down to the Harbour for Lobster & chips at either ‘The Rocketeer’ or ‘The Lobster Shack’.”
Stephanie Lothian, co-owns The Barn at Williamstone Farm Steadings, a holiday cottage in North Berwick
Two days and more: the days joined up, with somewhere to sleep between.








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Every day out has a Customise button: give it your own name and date, say where you are staying, move or drop a stop, and keep it in your account to share with whoever is coming.