Aviemore, a town in the Scottish Highlands within the Cairngorms National Park, has been named among Scotland's most scenic towns and villages by travel experts WorldAtlas. The list, compiled as part of a UK-wide roundup, singled out the settlement as "an incredible destination for anyone craving exhilarating adventures".
Outdoor activities and natural highlights
The town is known for its picturesque setting, offering access to tranquil lochs, ancient forests, and dramatic mountain trails. It is a popular resort for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, canoeing, and kayaking.
WorldAtlas highlighted Rothiemurchus Forest and the Craigellachie National Nature Reserve as particular attractions. Rothiemurchus is described as one of the most spectacular areas of the Cairngorms National Park, while Craigellachie is recommended for wildlife spotting.
Family attractions and dining
For families, the nearby Landmark Forest Adventure Park offers indoor and outdoor activities for all ages, including treetop nets, climbing challenges, and an optical illusion exhibit. The town also has a range of food and drink options, with The Old Bridge Inn gastropub noted for its roaring log fire, live music sessions, and seasonal menu featuring burgers and Sunday roasts.
WorldAtlas wrote: "Up in the northwestern reaches of Cairngorms National Park, the mountain town of Aviemore is an incredible destination for anyone craving exhilarating adventures in the Scottish Highlands. For one, Cairngorm Mountain (also known as Cairn Gorm, or An Càrn Gorm in Scottish Gaelic) makes for mighty hikes and bikes."
Further praise from WorldAtlas
The travel experts added: "Then, there’s Rothiemurchus, one of Britain’s largest expanses of natural forest, where folks can try everything from archery and clay shooting on land to canoeing and paddleboarding on the hallowed waters of Loch an Eilein. And at Craigellachie National Nature Reserve, people can look above for peregrine falcons and wander the trails to spot rare butterflies and moths in the tranquil birch forest."
Rothiemurchus, a sprawling estate in the heart of the Cairngorms, offers activities including canoeing, quad biking, safaris, axe throwing, fishing, and biking. Craigellachie National Nature Reserve features idyllic birch woods and a scenic viewpoint with views across the Cairngorms. The Old Bridge Inn remains one of Aviemore's top gastropubs, serving hearty dishes by a roaring fire.
