Outdoor Adventures in Scotland’s National Parks

Although Scotland has no shortage of protected areas, from national nature reserves to marine sanctuaries, only two reserves are designated as national parks – Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and the Cairngorms. However, what national parks they are! Both are packed with jaw-dropping landscapes and overflowing with outdoor adventures.

From stargazing in one of the UK’s first designated dark sky parks to hiking some of the country’s best long-distance routes, here are the top things to do in Scotland’s national parks.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

Best for walking and cycling

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs was Scotland’s first national park, created in 2002. The park extends over a huge area, from Balloch north to Tyndrum and Killin, and from Callander west to the forests of Cowal. The “bonnie banks” and “bonnie braes” of Loch Lomond – a scenic region of hills, lochs, and healthy fresh air – have long been Glasgow’s favorite rural retreat. Meanwhile, the picturesque Trossachs region, characterized by thickly forested hills and romantic lochs, exemplifies wild highland beauty.

The Best Walks Around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

There are numerous walking routes throughout the national park, with trails suitable for walkers of all abilities and experience levels. All offer stunning highland views and peaceful serenity. For those seeking a challenge, the village of Rowardennan is the starting point for day ascents of Ben Lomond (974m), a popular and relatively straightforward climb. Here’s a guide to the best-loved long-distance hikes:

• West Highland Way (96 miles/154km): A scenic journey following Loch Lomond’s eastern shore.
• Rob Roy Way (80 miles/128km): An epic hike from Drymen to Pitlochry through the Trossachs over five to eight days.
• Three Lochs Way (34 miles/55km): A multi-day loop west from Balloch through Helensburgh and Arrochar.
• Great Trossachs Path (30 miles/48km): A fine two- to three-day walk linking the loch with the Trossachs.

Top Cycle Rides in the Trossachs

Many walking trails are suitable for mountain biking, alongside dedicated cycle routes. Cyclists can explore the mostly traffic-free Clyde and Loch Lomond Cycle Way, which links Glasgow to Balloch (20 miles/34km) in a day. Dedicate a second day to the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path, continuing from Balloch along the loch shore to Tarbet (10 miles/16km). A variety of shorter cycle routes are available for a leisurely pedal.

The Cairngorms

Best for high mountain hikes and skiing

The Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK, more than twice the size of the Lake District. This vast expanse stretches from Aviemore in the north to the Angus Glens in the south, offering breathtaking scenery and exciting outdoor activities. The park features the highest landmass in Britain, with five of the six highest summits in the country, and 55 peaks designated as Munros (summits over 3000ft/914m).

Where to Ski in the Cairngorms

Cairngorm Mountain is Scotland’s most popular ski area, offering more than 30km of managed runs, along with 11 surface lifts and ski rental on-site. Just 11 miles (18km) from Aviemore, it serves as the park’s main hub for accommodation, dining, and nightlife. Other family-friendly skiing areas include Glenshee and The Lecht.

Aviemore is easily accessible by car, bus, or train, although winter conditions may affect transportation schedules. Shuttle Bus 31 runs from Aviemore to the Cairngorm Mountain car park. Notably, the snow conditions can be variable due to climate change, leading to the occasional need for artificial snow on lower slopes.

Walking and Cycling in the Cairngorms

The Cairngorms offer a wealth of walking and cycling routes, with bike rental available at tourist hubs. Hiking is viable year-round in the Cairngorm range, although winter hiking requires experience and proper gear due to serious weather conditions. Popular long-distance routes include:

• The Speyside Way (65 miles/105km): A challenging trek from the Moray coast to the Grampian Mountains along the River Spey.
• The Deeside Way (41 miles/66km): A hike along a former railway line from Aberdeen into the national park.
• The Cateran Trail (64 miles/103km): Traverses Perthshire and the Angus Glens in five stages.
• The Dava Way (24 miles/39km): A rewarding trek from Forres in Moray to Grantown-on-Spey.

Water Activities and Stargazing in the Cairngorms

In the southwest section of Aviemore, the Spey widens into Loch Insh, which is home to the Loch Insh Outdoor Centre, offering activities like canoeing, windsurfing, sailing, mountain biking, and fishing. Stargazing events are available monthly from August to April at the Tomintoul and Glenlivet Cairngorms Dark Sky Park, one of the UK’s first designated dark sky reserves.

Visiting the Cairngorms

Main accommodation centers in the Cairngorms include Aviemore, Newtonmore, Kingussie, Grantown-on-Spey, Ballater, and Braemar. Wild camping is an ideal way to experience the scenic glens and mountains of the national park. Trains and buses regularly service Aviemore from Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Inverness, and local buses connect the park’s villages.

The A9 Perth–Inverness road, along with the railway line, runs along the western and northern edges of the park, while the A93 Aberdeen–Braemar road facilitates access to the eastern section. The southern Angus Glens are reachable via minor roads branching from Kirriemuir and Brechin, north of Dundee. The nearest airport is situated in Inverness, approximately an hour’s drive north of Aviemore.