Local Area

A PLACE OF WONDER

Avielochan provides an escape to nature whilst also remaining within a short drive to fantastic eateries and activities.

WHAT’S ON

There is a huge amount going on in the local area all year round. For an up to date calendar on goings on visit the Visitcairngorms website here to view their calendar and events magazine

Eating Out

You can enjoy delicious meals while exploring the Cairngorms National Park. From cosy cafés to traditional pubs and fine dining restaurants, there’s something to suit every taste. Many places use local ingredients, offering fresh, seasonal dishes. Whether it’s a quick snack or a special meal, there’s plenty to try out! For the most up-to-date information on local businesses, please refer to VisitCairngorms

Anderson's

BOAT OF GARTEN

Anderson’s is a fantastic family restaurant that prides itself on using local produce. Regular menu plus special pie nights.

The Cairn

CARRBRIDGE

A good pub, The Cairn provides nice bar meals and excellent selection of local beers and whisky. Dogs welcome too.

Cairngorm Hotel

AVIEMORE

With a lively atmosphere the Cairngorm Hotel provides traditional fare at very good value. Entertainment some nights in the bar.

THE Rowan Tree

AVIEMORE

The Rowan Tree Restaurant provides fine dining in a traditional inn overlooking Loch Alvie.

The Penny Bun

GLENMORE

The Penny Bun is a Scottish eatery at Badaguish, showcasing the Cairngorms larder and wild produce.

La Taverna

AVIEMORE

La Taverna Restaurant & Pizzeria is family friendly with great views of the Cairngorms

WILDLIFE

At Avielochan, wildlife comes to you! The loch attracts ospreys, goldeneye, and otters, while the woods are home to roe deer, badgers, foxes, and woodcock. Swallows, wagtails, and sand martins nest nearby. Venture into the Cairngorms to spot red squirrels, crested tits, and more at local nature reserves.

ABERNETHY NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE

NETHY BRIDGE

Explore Abernethy Nature Reserve’s ancient pine forests, Loch Garten Nature Centre, and trails. Spot ospreys, red squirrels, and more while enjoying peaceful walks and stunning views.

INSH MARSHES

INSH

Take a trip to Insh Marshes, a vast wetland in the River Spey floodplain, home to breeding waders like curlews, lapwings, redshanks, and snipes.

CRAIGELLACHIE NATURE RESERVE

AVIEMORE

Discover Craigellachie National Nature Reserve, with trails through peaceful birch woods and rare butterflies. Enjoy superb views above Aviemore and watch for peregrine falcons soaring overhead!

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Unleash your advenurous side with the many outdoor activities available in the Cairngorms National Park. Try cycling, hiking, or skiing in the winter. For more adventure, go zip lining, canyoning, or gorge walking. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in this stunning part of the Highlands, making it perfect for your next outdoor escape.

Cycling

You can explore 64km of off-road cycle routes in the Cairngorms National Park. Learn more here. Need a bike? Hire one at Aviemore Bikes!

HIKING

You can enjoy beautiful walks from Avielochan and explore fantastic trails across the Cairngorms National Park. Discover routes here for stunning views and peaceful adventures.

SNOWSPORTS

Avielochan offers easy access to Cairngorm Mountain and The Lecht ski centres, with Glenshee also within reach, perfect for your next snowsports adventure.

CAIRNGORMS ACTIVITIES

GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY

At Cairngorms Activities, you can plan unforgettable days filled with canoeing, archery, golf, and more. Perfect for you, your family, or your group adventures!

G2 OUTDOOR

KINCRAIG

G2 Outdoor invites you to experience thrilling adventures like canyoning, white water rafting, and ziplining in the Cairngorms National Park—perfect for families, groups, and adventure seekers!

ACTIVE SPIRIT

AVIEMORE

Active Spirit offers you the chance to create unforgettable adventures with activities like mountain biking, canoeing, and climbing—perfect for families, groups, or solo explorers!

FISHING

You can experience fantastic fishing in the Cairngorms National Park, with opportunities for trout, salmon, and sea trout fishing in rivers like the Spey and stocked lochs. Whether you’re an expert or a beginner, there’s plenty of advice, permits, and guides available to help you enjoy this peaceful activity.

OSPREY FISHING SCHOOL

AVIELOCHAN

Avielochan’s waters, leased from Strathspey Estate, are managed by Jim Cornfoot, owner of Osprey Fishing School. Jim offers expert fly fishing lessons and local advice. Email Jim, or call 01479 810632

ROTHIEMURCHUS ESTATE

AVIEMORE

You can enjoy trout fishing in stocked lochs or try salmon and sea trout fishing on the River Spey at Rothiemurchus Estate. Call 01479 812345.

Mortimers of Speyside

GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY

You can find top-quality fishing gear, country clothing, outdoor equipment, and permits at Mortimers of Speyside.

ABERNETHY ANGLING

You can enjoy superb salmon and sea trout fishing on the River Spey with Abernethy Angling Association. Permits are available for visitors. Email the secretary or call 01479 821803.

Strathspey Angling Improvement Association

GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY

You can explore exceptional fishing opportunities with Strathspey Angling Improvement Association, offering access to prime River Spey fishing spots.

FAMILY FUN

You can enjoy family adventures near Avielochan, from meeting polar bears and tigers, to exploring historical buildings and traditional crafts, and water slides and a whole lot more. Take a scenic steam train journey, visit a reindeer herd, and even participate in archery, pony trekking, and driving little Landies. We’ve highlighted a few options below but there are so many more options – see VisitCairngorms for a much larger list!

Landmark

CARR-BRIDGE

Have an unforgettable day at Landmark Forest Adventure Park! Zoom down water slides, climb high in the treetops, explore illusions, and enjoy endless fun for the whole family.

Highland FOlk Museum

NEWTONMORE

Step back in time at the Highland Folk Museum – exploring historical buildings, traditional crafts, and life in the Highlands from the 1700s to the 1950s.

Rothiemurchus Estate

AVIEMORE

Enjoy a great day out at Rothiemurchus with activities like feeding deer, quad biking, clay shooting, fishing, and driving little Landies.

HIGHLAND WILDLIFE PARK

KINCRAIG

Visit the Highland Wildlife Park to see amazing animals like polar bears, tigers, and wild cats, and enjoy a safari-style drive-through experience.

CAIRNGORM REINDEER

GLENMORE

Head to the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, Britain’s only free-ranging reindeer, right here in the Cairngorms. Meet these friendly animals on guided hill trips or in the paddock.

Strathspey Steam Railway

AVIEMORE – BOAT OF GARTEN – BROOMHILL

Take a scenic steam train journey through the Cairngorms, enjoy afternoon tea, panoramic views from the observation carriage, or explore heritage stations.

PHOTOGRAPHY & ART GALLERIES

The Cairngorms National Park is lucky to have an abundance of art galleries and photography spots. Discover stunning landscape photography, unique crafts, and vibrant exhibitions and admire local artists’ work, from intricate wood carvings to fine art. Capture breathtaking scenery with your own camera or learn and buy from the professionals.

1896 Gallery

BOAT OF GARTEN

Step into the 1896 Gallery, owned by James & Mairi Gordon, and discover stunning landscape photography and more in this beautifully restored public hall.

OLD POST OFFICE

KINCRAIG

Enjoy Kirsten Gilmour’s delicious cakes, admire and buy beautiful art by Ann Vastano, and savor fresh local dishes at the Old Post Office Café Gallery.

Spey Bank Studio

GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY

Visit Spey Bank Studio to explore Scottish art, join creative classes, and find unique gifts inspired by the Cairngorms.

Carrbridge artists

CARRBRIDGE

Discover Carrbridge Artist Studios, a family-run gallery, featuring paintings, ceramics, chainsaw carvings, and jewellery by Jeff, Alice, and Amy Buttress.

The Iona Gallery

KINGUSSIE

The Iona Gallery is the only public art gallery in the Cairngorms National Park. It showcases a diverse range of local and national artworks.

Gordon Rae Photography

LOCKERBIE

Gordon Rae, an award-winning photographer, specialises in wildlife and landscape photography.

LOCAL PRODUCE

Local produce in the Cairngorms National Park is bursting with quality and flavour. From farm-fresh meats and seasonal goods to award-winning whisky and craft gin, there’s plenty to enjoy. Add artisan cheeses, jams, and baked treats for a true taste of the Highlands.