Walks & Trails
From the ‘Walk @ the Top’ to the ‘Train up, Guided Walk Down’, walking at CairnGorm Mountain is one of the most amazing experiences you can enjoy on any holiday in the UK. High mountain trails for the experienced, lower level way marked trails the whole family can enjoy and also a trail suitable for wheelchair and buggy access. It’s all here in the Cairngorms National Park.
With CairnGorm Mountain established as one of the best weather watching sites in the UK, hiking to the summit is a great way to take in the brilliant scenery and the fresh mountain air before you gaze at the incredible views or simply wonder at the weather here.
From car park level at Coire Cas it is possible to walk anywhere on the mountain range. Visitors are advised to pop into the Ranger Base and pick up the most up to date information on weather conditions and walking routes and if you are planning a longer walk you may wish to leave a route card with the Rangers before you set off.
The Cairngorms Massif is Britain’s largest nature reserve and is protected under various UK and European Law. Outwith the skiing months it is not possible to use the Mountain Railway as a quick means of access to the high mountain plateau. The Mountain Railway operates a Visitor Management Plan to help protect the mountain environment and visitors are asked to play their part in safeguarding this special place for future generations by observing the management arrangements. Click here for full details of these Visitor Management arrangements. Visitors who are booked onto the Walk @ The Top will be accompanied by a guide once they leave the safety of the top station. Visitors who ride the mountain railway but are not booked onto a Walk @ The Top must remain within the area of the top station building and weather terrace. Visitors will be reminded of these arrangements when purchasing their train tickets at the ticket office and once again when they ride on the upward journey to the top station.
If you’re staying in Aviemore as part of your visit to the Highlands of Scotland, you’re sure to want to take one of the self guided trails or ranger guided walks whether you simply want to engage with the mountain environment or keep yourself fit. There is no need to have any previous mountain walking experience to take part in the walks as long as you have suitable clothing and footwear and are in good health.
You can walk to the highest restaurant in the UK – the Ptarmigan Restaurant – and visit the Shop at the Top, before moving on to the summit. Or you could take the path to the Northern Corries to enjoy some of the best climbing conditions that the Highlands of Scotland has to offer.
A typical self guided walk will conclude with taking the mountain railway back down the mountain – the top station closes at 4:30pm so check train departure times before you leave the car park. There are a range of trails suitable for all abilities with the longer summit walks taking in some more strenuous terrain.
For all walks you should prepare for the variable mountain weather, even during the summer. Take layers of clothing including an outer waterproof and bring a rucksack with a hat, gloves, a water bottle and a snack. Walking boots with ankle support are recommended and dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash.
You can book a guided walk online or by calling 01479 861 341. Or book online.
