Do you know that the Cairngorms National Park, the largest national park in the UK, has its eastern entrance in Aberdeenshire? In actuality, the Park is larger than the entirety of Luxembourg and is twice as large as the Lake District National Park! For the following ten reasons, you must visit the Cairngorms National Park in Aberdeenshire.
1. Climb a Munro
More than 30 Munros and Corbetts can be found in Aberdeenshire. Your breath will be taken away as you stare out over some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes, whether you’re attempting your first Munro or are on your 282nd (there are 282 Munros in Scotland).
Ben Macdui, Braeriach, Cairn Toul, Sgor an Lochain Uaine, and Lochnagar, perhaps one of Scotland’s most famous Munros due to its Royal ties, are four of the five tallest mountains in the UK and are all found in Aberdeenshire.
2. Go to the Pixies
The legendary Lochan Uaine, popularly known as “The Green Loch,” is said to have green water due to pixies washing their clothing there. Some think that the loch’s floor trees are what gives the area its color. Visit for yourself to form your own opinion.
3. Take on the Lairig Ghru
The Lairig Ghru is the most well-known mountain pass in Scotland. Braemar to Aviemore is 19 kilometers of breathtaking natural beauty. The Lairig Ghru trail is difficult to hike; it takes 8 to 10 hours to complete.
Although this is a well-traveled path, experienced mountain guides, Hillgoers provide guided walks through the pass. Because these tours sell out quickly, make sure to make reservations in advance.
4. Get close to the local wildlife
There is a remarkable variety of plants and animals in the Cairngorm National Park. Watch for red deer, red squirrel, pine marten, and capercaillie herds. While you will probably come across some local animals on your hikes, going on a highland safari excursion with an expert local guide is a terrific way to see more of the local species. The Highland Wildlife Park near Kingussie is where you can see the lone polar bear cub in the UK if you’re trekking the Lairig Ghru.
5. Try the “water of life” in Aberdeenshire
Refuel with a little dram once you’ve worked up an appetite while enjoying the great outdoors. Visit one of the neighborhood distilleries to experience the “water of life” in Aberdeenshire.
The Cairngorms National Park’s Royal Lochnagar Distillery is one of Aberdeenshire’s “Hidden Malts” and is located there. After Queen Victoria was invited to visit this distillery by the proprietor, it was given a royal warrant in 1848.
6. Live like a royal for a day
The British Royal Family’s vacation house in Scotland is in Royal Deeside, which shares the Cairngorms National Park. To receive the “Royal treatment,” you must visit Ballater and Braemar while visiting the Cairngorm National Park.
In addition to being charming towns, Balmoral Castle and Braemar Castle are open for exploration. You can take the Deeside Railway and eat at Prince Charles’ restaurant, The Rothesay Rooms.
7. Get on the road
The Snow Roads Scenic Highway can be enjoyed even without snow. One of Scotland’s best-kept travel secrets is the route. The Snow Roads, the highest public road in Britain, runs directly through Aberdeenshire and offers breathtaking vistas as you travel along it.
8. Take to the slopes
Bringing up snow, Snow is not necessary to enjoy snow roads, but they do make for some interesting winter activities. Go to the slopes at Glenshee Ski Center or The Lecht 2090 by dusting off your skis and snowboard.
9. Stick with traditions
Visit the Highland Games to get a taste of Scotland’s traditional side. The Ballater Highland Games, Lonach Gathering & Games, and The Braemar Gathering, three of Scotland’s largest Highland Games events, will be held in Aberdeenshire. Each year, thousands of tourists, including members of the Royal Family and A-list celebrities, go to the area for these activities.
10. In the wild, unwind and relax
When it comes down to it, the Cairngorms National Park is a terrific spot to unwind amid Aberdeenshire’s serene and breathtaking surroundings. Come here to find freedom, just like the Royal Family has.
