cairngorms national park tours

Cairngorms National Park & Whisky 1 day tour

Prepare to mix mountain magic with mouthwatering whisky on this tour through the Cairngorms and Speyside.

Tour Highlights

Tomatin Distillery - Here, everyone is as passionate about protecting the environment as they are about whisky-making.

Speyside - A lush region that brims with spectacular vistas, whisky distilleries, and fascinating history.

Loch Morlich - This freshwater loch with sandy beaches is as unique as it is bonnie.

Cairngorms National Park - Examine the landscapes of an area that boasts four out of five of the UK’s highest mountains.

Your journey

This is your chance to experience an inspirational blend of Scottish sights and flavours.

Delight in the rolling hills and wildlife of the Cairngorms National Park, relish a golden dram of famous whisky, and learn the legends and little-known secrets behind these two quintessential Scottish wonders.

Tour Details

Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)

• Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
• Access to distillery production areas may not be possible
• Some distilleries offer tutored tastings instead of tours
• Distilleries may be substituted
• Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour. 
• Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
• Air conditioning as standard
• The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
• Attraction entry tickets

You depart Inverness and travel through the spellbinding landscapes of Speyside towards Dava Moor for some great views of the Cairngorms National Park. Keep your camera ready to capture the vibrant colour of blooming heather if you’re visiting in the summer and autumn months.

Your first destination is the forest village of Carrbridge. Here, you can get some refreshments, breathe in the cool mountain air and wander around the Old Packhorse Bridge.

You continue south to the Glenmore Forest Park, where you have free time to explore. Your options include a walk through the woods to Loch Morlich, which is one of Scotland’s most scenic and popular lochs. You can admire a sandy beach and large and ancient pine trees before you make your way back to the mini-coach. If you prefer not to walk, there’s a café and exhibition at the visitor centre.

All this walking and fresh air must have worked up your appetite, so you head to Aviemore for lunch.

This great day must be finished off with a dram of delicious whisky at Tomatin Distillery*. Savour the aromas of fruit and spice, and feel the passion for community and environment in this little town clustered around the distillery.

You leave the remote landscapes behind and start your journey back to Inverness, where you arrive in the early evening.

*Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.

Attractions

Tour Attractions

You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:

• Tomatin Distillery

Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.

What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?

If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure

For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure

For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure

For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.

If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.

To cancel your booking, email [email protected] as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.

Click here to view terms and conditions

Can Itineraries change?

Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.

Do you take children on your tours?

We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.

You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.

What is ABTOT?

You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email [email protected] , or check out our full FAQs .

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Prices from £41.00

Cairngorms National Park Tours & Trips

• Choose from 5 Cairngorms National Park tours
• 1 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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5 best Cairngorms National Park tour packages

Compiled by

Melissa Cairngorms National Park travel expert at TourRadar

Scotland Whisky Trail (Hotel) - 3 days

Loch ness & highlands express (hotel) - 2 days, whisky tour - speyside, walk the cairngorms in summer, highlands winter walking.

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year
• Royal Deeside - Marvel at the castles, rivers, mountains and moors of this beautiful region that is a favourite of the Royal Family
• Speyside - Explore the heartland of Scottish whisky with its rivers, hills, villages, and 50 distilleries
• Lindores Abbey Distillery - Visit this historic site that is mentioned in the oldest written reference to whisky

• Loch Ness - Hunt for 'Nessie', the mythical beast believed to dwell in the dark waters of Scotland's most famous loch
• Glencoe - Soak up the stunning mountain views and learn about the tragic and famous massacre that took place here in 1692
• Urquhart Castle - Discover this picturesque castle that overlooks Loch Ness

• Explore Lindores Abbey Distillery origins
• Learn barrel making at Speyside Cooperage
• Visit Dalwhinnie, Scotland's highest distillery

• Hiking & Trekking
• Trek to Craigellachie's summit for views
• Climb the Creag a Chalamain in Cairngorms
• Relax at Loch Morlich's sandy shores

• Stay overnight in a traditional bothy
• Hike around Loch Muick in Cairngorms Park
• Tour a local whisky distillery in Pitlochry

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Walking & Hiking

The Cairngorms is one of the best places in the world for hiking because it offers such variety, to suit all, in terms of length and difficulty, all set in stunning surroundings…

Walking in the Cairngorms is by far the most popular activity in the National Park. The joy of hiking here is that whether you are a beginner starting out in search of a scenic lowland trail, or an experienced Munro-bagger on the hunt for your next big challenge,  you will find an adventure that will live with you long after you leave. 

Outdoor Access Advice

Become part of the #CairngormsTogether community and help take care of the environment by following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and these simple steps.

There are some great walks on local path networks around the National Park…

There are leaflets available on  local path networks  around the National Park.

Ranger Services throughout the National Park run many guided walks and events.

Walk Highlands  is a very useful resource detailing many different walks for different abilities throughout the Park.

The  East Highland Way  connects Fort William with Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park.

Walking in the Cairngorms is not just varied in terms of length and difficulty, but also in terms of surroundings.

The sheer size, scale and remoteness of the Cairngorms make them one of the most dramatic and harsh mountain environments in Britain, a challenge to even the most seasoned hillwalkers.

However, you don’t need to undertake a serious expedition to enjoy the hills of the Cairngorms.

Many of the 50+ Munros (that’s at least 3,000 ft / 914.4m), including five of the six highest mountains in Britain, can be tackled in a day with basic equipment and navigation experience.

And, by following the old drove roads and passes, the wild heart of the National Park can be experienced without trekking over summits.

The  Glenmore  area and  Rothiemurchus Estate  have a great selection of paths that take you through the ancient and mysterious Caledonian pine forests and some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland.

The Speyside Way  starts at Aviemore and follows the majestic Spey all the way to Spey Bay in the Moray Firth some 65 miles away.

There are several outdoor activity providers who provide guided summer and winter walks and expeditions in the area. You can also take the opportunity, during your stay, to enhance your mountain craft, survival and navigation skills by booking yourself onto a course. If you don’t fancy walking, why not take a pony trek and enjoy the views that way instead?

Yes! So many. One reason we get so many return visitors to the Cairngorm is the sheer variety of walking, to suit all ages and abilities, available here. You’ll find plenty of inspiration and articles on this site about the best walks for beginners and families or – for the more advanced – advice on Munro bagging and harder peaks to tackle.

There are also fantastic hill walking guides operating in the Park which are a good option if you are at all nervous about venturing out on your own, or if you want to push out of your comfort zone or if you like to walk and learn about the local area as you go. Browse our listings for providers.

Yes! The Cairngorms National Park has hikes to suit all ages and abilities and is a great starting ground if you are looking to get kids interested in hiking. You’ll find lots of inspiration on this site for suggested walks with children – lowland and in the mountains.

The Cairngorms is the UK’s largest expanse of high ground. The area is loved by hikers because it has so many Munros (over 914 metres) and Corbetts (between 762 and 914 metres) on offer to climb. The highest peaks are Ben Macdui (1,309 metres), Braeriach (1,296 metres), Cairn Toul (1,291 metres) and Sgor an Lochain Uaine (1,258 metres).

Looking for inspiration? Take a look at these articles…

5 more wee walks in the Cairngorms

7 of the Best Family-Friendly Hill Walks in the Cairngorms

15 More of the Best Munros to climb in the Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms walks with Cameron McNeish: Spring-time on the Great Moss

5 of the best winter walks in the Cairngorms (warming cafe included!)

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• SI SWIMSUIT
• SI SPORTSBOOK
• Mountaineering
• National Parks

The Most Alluring National Parks the United Kingdom Has to Offer

Kenneth teape | aug 21, 2024.

2024 is the 75th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 in the United Kingdom. Just two years later, the Peak District was created as the first National Park in the country.

To celebrate such a special occasion, the BBC had Carey Davis , a hiker, naturalist and author of the new book National Parks Of The United Kingdom, highlight five of the best National Parks the country has to offer.

Very popular attractions, the national parks offer a lot for anyone seeking an adventure. "They're also refuges for rare wildlife, plants and distinctive habitats, and they have a vital role to play in addressing some of the most pressing challenges our country faces, such as biodiversity loss, climate change and wellbeing," says Davies. "We need our national parks now more than ever."

Which of the national parks in the U.K. caught Davies's attention the most? Coming in at No. 5 on his list was The Broads National Park in England.

The largest protected wetland area in Britain, the Broads National Park is home to some of the rarest wildlife in the country. With 125 miles of waterways to explore, this is a popular destination for boat tours.

Coming in at No. 4 on his list is Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales, home of the only park with a coastline. Evidence exists that people have lived or used Pembrokeshire as a passage for thousands of years.

Pembrokeshire has been in the news recently for an Adventure Sports Hub that has been proposed for the area . But, there has been pushback because of some believe it will impact the birds that call the area home.

Cairngorms National Park in Scotland was Davies’ No. 3 pick. It is the largest national park in the U.K. at 4,528 square kilometers. It is nearly twice as big as the second largest, the Lake District, which was selected as No. 1 by Davies.

Cairngorms also stakes claim to being the wildest and most snow-filled of the national parks the country has to offer. What makes this so unique is the remains of the Caledonian forest that once covered Scotland but has been devastated by humans.

Davies selected the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park in Wales as the No. 2 national park. Home to the highest mountain and national park offering incredible landscapes. Along with the rocks, rainforests and alpine meadow grass make for an awesome experience.

And at No. 1, the aforementioned Lake District in England.  "Sheep farming is part of the park's heritage and history," says Davies. "It's been there since the Vikings.”

Cruise along several lakes in a boat or get into the water for some swimming and paddleboarding. The popularity of the national park can sometimes be overwhelming, but there are plenty of things for visitors to enjoy.

KENNETH TEAPE

Kenneth Teape is an alumnus of SUNY Old Westbury and graduated in 2013 with an Honors Degree in Media Communications with a focus on print journalism. During his time at Old Westbury, he worked for the school newspaper and several online publications, such as Knicks Now, the official website of the New York Knicks, and a self-made website with fellow students, Gotham City Sports News. Kenneth has also been a site expert at Empire Writes Back, Musket Fire, and Lake Show Life within the FanSided Network. He was a contributor to HoopsHabit, with work featured on Bleacher Report and Yardbarker. In addition to his work here, he is a reporter for both NBA Analysis Network and NFL Analysis Network, as well as a writer and editor for Packers Coverage. You can follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @teapester725, or reach him via email at [email protected].

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Loch an eilein castle

© personal photo

Loch an Eilein Castle

Cairngorm National Park - Private Tour

Experience the beauty of the Cairngorm National park, sharing with you the history, culture & folklore of this beautiful area. Highland folk museum, Cairngorm mountain views, Loch an Eilein, loch Garten whisky, Gin tastings, distillery or brewery

A full day 8 hr tour private, bespoke tour experiencing the beauty of the area where I live.

9am depart accommodation or agreed location and travel back in time to the Highland Folk Museum ( Outlander location McKenzie village scenes)

Visit the Ruthven Barracks built early 1700 where the Jacobites regrouped following Culloden in 1746

Loch an Eilein with the water reflecting the magnificent pines and view the ruined island castle.

The magnificent views from the Cairngorm Mountain car park before descending to Loch Morlich & or a walk to the Green Lochan

Brewery, whisky gin tasting, optional and sheepdog demonstration subject to availability.

Picking you up at your accommodation or agreed location, train station, airport,port.

From £60 per adult

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

January — December

Contact details

• +44 () 07817460995
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Tour information

• Aviemore and the Cairngorms
• Invergordon
• Driver guide
• Food and drink

Tour prices

From £60 Per Adult £55 Per Child £55 Concession

Prices are subject to change depending on season

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Tour company information

Personalised bespoke private tours of Highlands & Scotland Castles, Cairns, dramatic Landscapes, historic sites-Distillery tours Culloden Battlefield, Eilean Donan castle, Loch Ness, Glencoe, Glenfinnan, Isle of Skye, NC500. Personalised Private - Day, Multi Day tours, Shore excursions, City Trips, Transfers.

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Opening times

8am to 10pm Daily

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Hiking Scotland's Cairngorms, the U.K.'s Biggest National Park