Summer Activities
Can such an incredible winter destination like Cairn Gorm Mountain in the Highlands of Scotland, thrive in the summer too? The resounding answer is “yes” thanks to the incredible array of activities on offer.
Bike CairnGormStarting from the 1st of June and running throughout the summer we will be running two exciting mountain biking experiences. |
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Bird WatchingThe Cairngorms National Park is world renowned as a hotspot for ornithology. Cairngorm is the most accessible mountain site in the Cairngorms, and is regularly used by birdwatchers seeking mountain species. Ptarmigan, Snow Bunting, Dotterel and Ring Ouzel are just four of the regular breeding species present in the summer. |
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Camera ObscuraWhen you come and visit us at CairnGorm Mountain our Camera Obscura is well worth a visit, especially on a clear day. |
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Cas BarLocated in the Day Lodge at CairnGorm Mountain, the Cas Bar is open daily throughout the year (except Christmas Day). Children, climbers, walkers, skiers, and sightseers are all welcome. |
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Exhibitions at CairnGorm MountainWhilst here do visit our year round Mountain Exhibition. Also, throughout the year CairnGorm Mountain plays host to a range of art exhibitions displaying works from a range of local Scottish artists and photographers from throughout Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park. Many of the works are for sale. Entry is free. |
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Explore at 635mImagine you’ve arrived at Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park, deep in the Highlands of Scotland and taken a glance at the scale of the mountain and decided it’s not for you. What is there to do if you don’t want to walk or go on the funicular mountain railway? |
Funicular Up, Guided Walk DownWhen conditions permit (usually May - Oct) visitors may ride the funicular up, then join a guided walk down the mountain. Suitable footwear and clothing advisable. Daily at 13:20. Prices (including funicular day ticket): |
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Mountain GardenOriginally created by Ben Humble MBE in the 1960s, the mountain garden at CairnGorm Mountain was rejuvenated in 2001 when the old chair lifts were replaced by the mountain railway and the area was enlarged and given a new lease of life. |
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Mountain RailwayWith some of the most spectacular views in Scotland looking across the Cairngorms National Park and beyond, it’s no wonder that CairnGorm Mountain is one of the country’s leading visitor attractions in the Scottish Highlands. |
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Northern Corries WalkOpportunities like this don’t come along too often – but now you have the chance to enjoy something truly spectacular by walking one of the most famous mountain areas in the Scottish Highlands. |
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PoliciesWelcome to the policies page The Company has a range of policies, many of these are available as downloads from the pdf section of the web site. If the policy is not available from the download section to the right hand side of this page please do not hesitate to contact us directly by emailing info@cairngormmountain.org |
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Ptarmigan RestaurantWhether you want soup, a snack, a delicious Highland casserole or traditional Haggis; the highest restaurant in the UK, the Ptarmigan Restaurant is keen to whet your appetite. |
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Ranger ServiceCairnGorm Mountain Ranger Service ensure stewardship on behalf of Highlands & Islands Enterprise for the Cairngorm Estate and provide a welcome and support service for visitors to the Estate. |
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ShoppingWhen you go on holiday or visit a truly unique location you’ll probably want to take home something special with you – and at CairnGorm Mountain you have that opportunity courtesy of the Shop at the Top and the Mountain Shop. |
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Walk @ The TopOpportunities like this don’t come along too often – but now you have the chance to enjoy something truly spectacular by walking to the top of Cairn Gorm, Scotland’s sixth highest mountain and gazing at the incredible views or simply experiencing the Scottish weather. |
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Weather WatchingFrom snow storms to sunshine, CairnGorm at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park is an incredible place for meteorology enthusiasts to visit. Thanks to its elevated position and extreme weather it’s said to be possible to see all four seasons in one day as you gaze across Aviemore and far over the Scottish Highlands. |
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WildlifeWith such a beautiful and varied landscape it’s no wonder that the Cairngorms National Park, in the Scottish Highlands, is a location where wildlife, and flora are specially adapted to survive and thrive in this mountain environment. |
Among the summer activities to enjoy in the area is the chance to go walking and climbing. There are many self guided walking routes, or you can hike with the assistance of a guide who can offer interesting insight into the landscapes, wildlife, flora and fauna. It’s a great chance to find a good spot for a picnic too if you’re having a family day out. At the end of some of the walks you might arrive at the Northern Corries where you can test your climbing skills.
Should you choose to walk to the top of the mountain then you’ll discover some excellent visitor attractions as well as the magnificent views across Aviemore. For example, there is the Ptarmigan Restaurant, the highest restaurant in the UK, with its brilliant varied menu; and you can even go shopping at the Shop at the Top, where you can pick up some unique gifts that prove you had the energy to get there. Alternatively, you could always take the Funicular mountain railway, which is a visitor attraction in its own right as you can take in the brilliant scenery without breaking a sweat.
Of course you don’t have to travel up the mountain to still have fun as there is plenty to explore at 635m. For example, you can check out the mountain garden with its brilliant wild flowers and rare plant species; or you can view the camera obscura with some of the most spectacular landscapes across Scotland.
If you visit Cairn Gorm Mountain during the summer, you can even enjoy some fantastic entertainment as part of the ceilidh nights with traditional country dancing and music to enjoy.
