Aviemore: Trails, railways and leisure activities

Aviemore offers a range of options for a stay: walking trails, a cycling route, rail services, and leisure and cultural attractions. When planning, you can sort these options by the activity you want to enjoy and its specific conditions. The highlights below will help you distinguish between trails, rail journeys and individual activities.

Walking trails and views

Six trails start in the centre of Aviemore. Some run along the River Spey, while others pass through Craigellachie National Nature Reserve. The nature reserve is within walking distance of the centre. Both the river and the reserve are therefore landscape features to consider when planning a walk or hike.

The Viewpoint Trail is described in more detail in terms of its route, views and terrain: it climbs into Craigellachie National Nature Reserve and offers views across Aviemore towards the Northern Corries. At the same time, it has long steep sections and several uneven stretches with exposed rock and steps. When planning your route, take into account both the views and these sections and the terrain described.

Cycling the Old Logging Way

The Old Logging Way connects Aviemore with Glenmore via Inverdruie and is suitable for a family cycle ride to Loch an Eilein. Unlike the Viewpoint Trail, where the climb, views and terrain are the main considerations, this route is defined by the connection between the places named and its destination, Loch an Eilein. You can compare the hiking option and the cycle ride based on their different routes and activities.

Rail connections and journeys

The Strathspey Railway’s standard service runs from Aviemore via Boat of Garten to Broomhill. Timetables and service details may vary seasonally, so check the timetable before travelling. The Strathspey Railway also offers a ride in a restored 20-tonne LMS Brake Van. ScotRail connects Perth, Aberdeen and Inverness via Aviemore. These details distinguish the connection between the cities via Aviemore from the standard service route and the ride in the restored vehicle.

Leisure activities in Aviemore

Aviemore Ice Rink offers skating in a large alpine-style tent. The availability of skating sessions may change, so check in advance. Curling sessions are available for people aged seven and over. Curling booking availability may also vary, so it is worth checking before you plan. The minimum age is one specific point to bear in mind when choosing this activity.

Another leisure option is Aviemore Kart Raceway. Its track is 550 metres long. Alongside the trails and cycle route, ice skating, curling and a kart track therefore offer different ways to spend your stay.

Protected cultural heritage

The Ring Cairn & Stone Circle in Aviemore is a protected archaeological monument. Only five stones are visible in the inner ring. Its protected status and visible remains provide two specific points of reference for this cultural monument: its designation as a protected site and the detail of the inner ring that can be seen today.

Discover more destinations: Fassfern, Bowermadden, Oban, Latheron, Scrabster, Staffin, Carbost, Torlundy

For the main travel overview: Highland.