Adrenaline Activities in The Cairngorms
Home to rugged mountains, tumbling rivers, wild moorland and huge swathes of pine forest, the beautiful Cairngorms National Park is one of the best places for extreme sports in the UK. Our guide to adrenaline activities in the Cairngorms takes in some of the park’s best locations for skiing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and climbing, with ziplining and treetop adventures thrown in, as well as some useful tips on finding equipment suppliers, adventure providers and places to stay.
Top adrenaline activities in the Cairngorms
Mountain biking
With miles of heather-covered moorlands, exhilarating woodland trails and five of the UK’s highest peaks, the Cairngorms National Park was made for mountain bikers. The park is home to three purpose-built mountain bike centres – Glenlivet Mountain Bike Trail Centre, the Cairngorm Mountain Bike Park and the Laggan Wolftrax Centre – each of which has bike hire facilities and trails for all levels of ability. If you prefer finding your own way, classic trails like the Lairig Ghru Pass, the Burma Road in Aviemore and the Ryvoan Pass provide great off-road challenges for intermediate and advanced riders.
Tip: For more details on all of these places, check out Pitchup’s guide to mountain biking in the Cairngorms.
Rock climbing and bouldering
At the heart of the Grampian Mountains, the Cairngorms National Park is blessed with a huge range of rock climbing and bouldering opportunities for everyone from beginners to seasoned mountaineers. From challenging trad climbing routes at Kingussie Crag and Craigh Dubh to numerous scrambling opportunities around Aviemore and on the Balmoral Estate, you’re spoilt for choice. Summer is the best time to try these out if you’re just finding your feet, but the park is also home to some legendary winter climbing spots like Lurcher’s Crag and the northern corries of Cairn Gorm, although winter climbing is a different sport altogether, and requires specialist equipment and considerable experience.
Tip: Visit Cairngorms has an extensive list of guides and adventure sports companies who will introduce you to some of the best climbing routes in the Cairngorms. For more details on these and the routes mentioned here, check out Pitchup’s guide to climbing in the Cairngorms National Park.
Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater rafting is a great way to get acquainted with the thrill of plunging down the rapids, and requires no previous experience. The River Spey near Aviemore and the River Findhorn near Forres both have stretches where you can join organised trips. Spring (April to June), when the melting snow from the surrounding mountains increases the water levels, is the best time to try, but rafting is also possible in late summer (good for beginners and families). Autumn, when there’s more rainfall, offers the added bonus of beautiful surroundings as the leaves turn gold in the surrounding forest.
If this sounds like fun to you, see the rafting trips offered by Cairngorms Activities and Active Outdoor Pursuits.
Canyoning
An adrenaline-fuelled combination of swimming, hiking and climbing, canyoning is another great way to get up close and personal with the Cairngorms’ rivers. A typical guided trip involves plunging into rock pools, abseiling down waterfalls and sliding down gorges, and it's an activity that's possible all year round. Bruar Canyon, near Blair Atholl, Laggan Canyon and Randolph’s Leap on the River Findhorn are all popular Cairngorms canyoning spots.
Visit Cairngorms recommends Full On Adventure Ltd and Active Outdoor Pursuits, which both offer trips led by expert guides, with helmets, wetsuits and buoyancy aids provided.
Tip: Visit Cairngorms has a handy page with an extensive list of adventure companies who offer both rafting and canyoning trips in the national park.
Skiing and snowboarding
The Cairngorms National Park is home to some of the best places for skiing and snowboarding in the UK. The Cairngorm Mountain Ski Resort, the Glenshee Ski Centre and The Lecht (all usually open from December to April) have miles of runs suitable for everyone from beginners to experts, plus ski schools, lift systems, off-piste areas and freestyle snowboarding parks. They’re also great places for other snow-based activities like snowshoeing and sledging.
If you prefer cross-country skiing, check out Glenmore Lodge, which has a range of trails around the Glenmore Forest Park and Loch Morlich, and the Glenlivet Estate.
Tip: For more details on all three ski centres, and other opportunities for activities in the snow, check out Pitchup’s guide to winter sports in the Cairngorms.
Ziplining and treetop adventures
A real favourite with children and families (but great fun for adults too), ziplining is a great way to get a thrill, requires no experience, and is generally suitable for ages from eight upwards. Tempted? The following sites in the Cairngorms all have exciting zipline courses.
-
G2 Adventure Hub Zip Park in Aviemore, based around the Alvie Gorge, has two courses with 12 and 21 zip lines respectively.
-
Killiecrankie Zip Park has lines through the trees and above the River Garry, as well as a bungee jump and a giant swing.
-
Bike Glenlivet’s zipwire course has 13 descents, including a double zipwire at the end.
If you’d like obstacles such as wobbly bridges, scrambling nets and ropes thrown in, try one of these treetop ropes courses.
-
Treezone Aviemore has balance beams, tightropes, bridges and nets, as well as a 100-metre zip line.
-
Landmark Forest Adventure Park has three different ropes courses for different ages, and a Skydive from a 35-foot treetop platform, as well as a host of other family-friendly attractions.
Best locations for adrenaline activities
Aviemore
Whether you want to explore mountains, rivers, lochs or forests, Aviemore is the undisputed hub for adrenaline activities and extreme sports in the Cairngorms. More than 100 local companies and providers here offer tuition, guided trips and equipment rental for a huge range of adventure sports and outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, rafting and climbing. It’s less than half an hour’s drive from major adventure centres including Cairngorm Mountain, Loch Morlich and Glenmore Forest Park, and there’s local accommodation suitable for everyone from backpackers to families, including hostels, B&Bs and a wide range of self-catering properties.
Glenmore Forest Park
Only a 15-minute drive from Aviemore, the beautiful Glenmore Forest Park is right in the heart of the Cairngorms, and an ideal destination if you’re seeking some outdoor adventures. Loch Morlich is good for canoeing, windsurfing or sailing, and there are numerous trails for hiking, cycling and mountain biking, as well as cross-country skiing in winter. As an added bonus, if you have family with you who are less keen on vigorous activity, there are plenty of places for a gentle walk with the chance to spot rare wildflowers and wildlife including red squirrels, ospreys, dragonflies and deer.
If this sounds like the place for you, we’d suggest dropping in to the Glenmore Visitor Centre, which has a wealth of information, maps and advice on all the activities in the park.
Cairngorm Mountain
In winter, Cairngorm Mountain’s popular ski resort is the go-to location in the region for skiing, snowboarding and other snow sports, with a range of runs and facilities catering to all skill levels. And that’s not all – when there’s no snow on the ground, the mountain becomes a playground for all sorts of activities, from karting, mountain biking and tubing (on a dry slope) to hiking trails including the popular route to the summit, where you’ll enjoy unrivalled views over the national park.
Full details of the best things to do here all year round can be found on the Cairngorm Mountain website.
River Spey and River Findhorn
The Spey and Findhorn rivers are a magnet for kayakers, canoeists and whitewater rafters, with Grade 1, 2 and 3 rapids that provide a thrilling experience for everyone from beginners to experienced paddlers. If you don’t fancy getting quite that wet, the Spey is also considered one of the best salmon fishing rivers in Scotland.
Simple tips for enjoying adrenaline activities safely
Safety
-
Make sure you have the right equipment. Depending on your chosen sport, this may include waterproof and weatherproof clothing, helmets, wetsuits, buoyancy aids and appropriate footwear
-
Always stay within your skill limits, and if you’re a beginner, consider employing a professional instructor
-
Check the weather conditions and local forecasts before setting out
-
Inform someone of your intended route, and when you plan to return
-
Always carry a basic first aid kit, and enough food and water for the duration of your trip
-
Carry a fully charged mobile phone in case of emergencies, and as a useful navigation aid with the use of downloadable GPX files. A map and compass (and the knowledge to use them) are a useful backup.
-
Respect other sportsmen, wildlife and the local environment, leave no trace, and always dispose of your rubbish properly
If you’re planning a guided trip, check out Visit Cairngorms’ list of outdoor activities providers.
If you need to buy or rent outdoor equipment, there are numerous suppliers throughout the park. We’d suggest a visit to Aviemore, where major suppliers include:
Accommodation for adventure seekers
Visit Aviemore and Visit Cairngorms both have handy lists of hotels, hostels, guest houses and self-catering accommodation within the national park.
If you’re planning to camp out, check out Pitchup’s campsites in the Cairngorms National Park.
Whether you want to plunge down a river, freewheel down a forest track, swing through the trees or carve your way down a snowy mountain, the Cairngorms has a place where you can do it. It’s time to start planning your adventure.