The Best Hiking Trails in Cairngorms National Park

The Scottish National Trail is a superb long-distance trek that spans the country from south to north, passing through both of its national parks and the capital city. In the Lowlands, it follows established paths and roads to link cities, but becomes progressively more difficult heading northward, requiring wilderness backpacking on a route through the Highlands that is marked in places and pathless in others....

With expansive views across the Eastern Highlands and 3 Munros en route, it's easy to understand why this is considered such a famous and iconic hike. The route begins at the carpark of Cairngorm Mountain resort and the fact that you can drive to such a high altitude (over 600 metres asl) means that there is relatively little uphill hiking required to tag these 3 summits....

With quick access from the Cairngorm Mountain carpark and a scramble which feels interesting but never hard, the Fiacaill Ridge is a popular half day excursion. The ridge can be climbed in summer or winter conditions, so we've shown it as being suitable for every month of the year....

With its wide rolling plateau and monumental corrie system Scotland's third highest mountain is also one of its most interesting and impressive. The corries of Braeriach are notable for snow depth, cornice size and the presence of snow patches famous for surviving through many summers; if there's ever another ice age it'll probably start here....

Distant views of Scotland's second highest point don't generally grab the attention, its domed peak and curving flanks not promising a lot by way of scenery. But make the effort (a long walk-in from any angle) and you'll discover the hidden depths of this massive sprawling mountain....