The Cairngorms National Park – ‘Where winter comes to life!’

The Cairngorms were built on winter experiences. Home to three of Scotland’s ski centres, its very own reindeer herd and a 90-mile SnowRoads trail, it’s the UK’s original winter destination.

The region offers everything from winter sports, stargazing and guided wildlife-spotting adventures and opportunities to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Local expert guides are on hand to offer a warm welcome to visitors, including opportunities to explore the natural history, landscape, heritage and traditions of the Cairngorms.

The region is also home to some of Scotland’s most historic castles and distilleries, as well as popular family attractions, watersports, and some incredible high and low-level walking and cycling routes.

Visit Cairngorms has also produced a series of short films to showcase the region, including ‘The Cairngorms National Park, Where Winter Comes to Life!’, SnowRoads, Dark Skies, Storylands and The Speyside Way click here to find out more.

Glenmore

Start high. Cairngorm Mountain offers a completely different perspective on the landscape, with the funicular taking visitors up the mountain and plenty of reasons to spend some time at the resort. Take in the views, stop for something to eat and enjoy being high in the Cairngorms.

One of the area’s best-known attractions, the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre is home to Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer. The newly renovated centre has been part of Glenmore for decades and offers visitors the chance to learn more about the herd and meet some of its residents.

With a pristine sandy beach, backed by forest and with the Cairngorm mountains beyond, Loch Morlich is one of the most recognisable places in the National Park.

SnowRoads

Prepare to fall in love with one of the best driving routes in Scotland…

The SnowRoads wind 90 miles from the market town of Blairgowrie, south of the Cairngorms National Park, to the Highland village of Grantown-on-Spey, passing through the iconic Scottish towns of Braemar and Ballater along the way. Traverse dramatic landscapes on the highest public roads in Britain and discover something new at every turn.

The SnowRoads route allows the visitor to experience wild landscapes, historic treasures, grand days out, and phenomenal Highland food and drink. There’s so much to see and do on and around the SnowRoads, and it’s all linked together by some of the most scenic driving in Scotland.

After dark

The Tomintoul and Glenlivet areas were awarded Gold Tier status as an International Dark Sky Park in November 2018 by DarkSky International. It is one of the best places in the Cairngorms National Park to discover the wonders of the night sky. Not only does this remote area have stunning dark skies, but it also has easy access, allowing everyone to enjoy a night sky brimming with stars with three Dark Sky Discovery Sites at Tomintoul Field of Hope, The Carrachs or Blairfindy Moor.

Landmark Forest Adventure Park has also just announced the return of its ‘Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS’ experience at the award-winning family attraction Park this winter. From late November until February half term, the 'Ancient Forest Twi-LIGHTS' experience will allow families to follow a one-kilometre woodland trail and immerse themselves in the enchanting ancient pinewood forest, illuminated by thousands of lights, sounds and effects. Once again, visitors will get the chance to experience the UV light tunnel and ‘Red Squirrel Trail’, taking them up eight metres into the forest canopy for stunning views of the illuminated woodland below.

To plan your visit to The Cairngorms National Park this winter, go to http://www.visitcairngorms.com/winter

You can also follow Visit Cairngorms on social media, including

Facebook and Instagram – use the hashtag #CairngormsWinter