Aviemore is a Scottish village famous for its ski slopes and winter sports. Situated in the picturesque Scottish Highlands, it is Britain’s most visited ski resort during the winter months. A packed schedule of year round festivals and events ensures that visitors have an unforgettable Outdoor Activity Holiday in the breathtaking natural beauty of Scotland. It is situated in a unique setting in the Cairngorms National Park and is easily accessible via train, bus and car. A diverse selection of outdoor activities and pursuits for all ages are on offer in the surrounding Cairngorms National Park including mountain biking, hill walking and golf. Aviemore lies 50 kilometres south of Inverness on the A9 main road which leads south east to Perth. Back in 1897, the village began to expand due to the fact it became a railway junction and, since the 1960’s it has grown into an important sporting holiday destination.
Where to Stay
Due to its continuing popularity as a great holiday destination, Aviemore features an ever-growing selection of accommodation including self-catering cottages, holiday homes and apartments. Stay at a cosy Aviemore guest house with a private garden, or whisk the whole family away to one of the self-catering cottages located outside the village centre in peaceful leafy surroundings. To keep up with the increasing flocks of adventure-seeking tourists, the village offers a mix of accommodation to choose from. Choices include a traditional cottage, a guest house or a brand new self-catering apartment. Whether you are a family visiting with children, a group of sporty friends, or a couple wanting a romantic break in the Highlands, you’ll find a comfortable holiday home in Aviemore!
Fun Facts
- Aviemore was one of the first ski resorts to be established in Scotland with the first chairlift opening in 1961.
- Nearby Cairngorm Reindeer Centre in Glenmore is the only place in the United Kingdom which boasts free-grazing reindeer.
- The royal residence, Balmoral Castle, is located in the Cairngorms National Park.
- With an area of 4,528 square kilometres, the Cairngorms are Britain’s largest National Park.
- The River Spey runs through the village and is the fastest-flowing river in Scotland.
Things to See and Do
Sports and Outdoor Activities
A plethora of outdoor activities can be undertaken in the surrounding region. Aviemore itself hosts a 9-hole golf course located on the famous River Spey, whilst Mountain biking and quad biking can be practiced along many tracks and paths in the nearby forests.The Cairngorms National Park boasts 4 out of 5 of Scotland’s highest mountains so hiking and hillwalking enthusiasts will feel at home here. In the winter months you can go skiing or snowboarding on Cairngorm Mountain. Laggan Wolftrax Mountain Bike Trails is just 35 kilometres from the village and offers a purpose-built network of trails. It includes a cafe and a shop, and you can hire bikes on site. If you need a break from all the exercise or if you have children, take a day trip to see the freely-grazing reindeer at the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre in Glenmore.
Shopping and Dining
As one would expect, there are many retail outlets located in the village which sell outdoor clothing and sporting equipment. There is a mixed selection of stores including brands like Fat Face and Blacks, as well as the Sue Ryder Charity Shop which sells bargain second hand skiing and sports wear.Visitors will also find some excellent restaurants in the village as well as an award-winning butchers shop where you can purchase some of the best sliced sausage you may every taste. The local Tesco’s Supermarket provides all the necessary supplies for self-catering holiday-goers.
Getting Around
Aviemore is well-connected by train and bus routes from major Scottish and British cities. First Scotrail provides trains connecting Aviemore with Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness with trains run several times a day. If you’re coming from London, East Coast offers a daily service between the British capital and Inverness, stopping in Aviemore on the way. The journey time is normally between 7 and 8 hours and stops include Edinburgh, Newcastle and York. The Caledonian Sleeper also links the village with London 6 nights per week. Buses, operated by Citylink, come from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. If you are arriving by car, then the A9 road is the main access route for the town. Inverness is just a 40-minute drive away. Edinburgh can be reached within 2 and a half hours.Public transport is good in Aviemore with coach companies offering regular bus routes within the town, to the ski areas, and the Spey Valley. Discover the surrounding areas easily on foot via the numerous official paths and designated walks around the Lochs and Cairngorm Mountain.