Cairngorms National Park (Scotland)

Dating back 40 million years before the last ice-age and home to five of the six highest mountains in Scotland, the Cairngorms are one of Britain’s last true remaining areas of wilderness. The Cairngorms ‘ smooth glacial valleys, the ancient woodland and rivers huddling at their bottom and the impressive mountains that flank them present a varied playground for the walker. From mountain challenges and Munro bagging to riverside and forest strolls and scenic cycle routes, there is something for all the family in the Cairngorms. This is remote and wild country though and due consideration should be given to this before venturing out with kids. As with any mountainous areas, the weather can change quickly and dramatically even on the best of days and the Cairngorms are historically home to some of the coldest temperatures on record for Britain as well as some of the fastest wind speeds. Winter walking in the Cairngorms should be undertaken with great care and the correct technical equipment and many routes are unsuitable for younger walkers in the winter due to the extremes of temperature and wind chill as well as the challenge presented by snow-cover. The milder seasons however offer plenty of outdoor activities for all ages and a wonderful scenic background for any family adventure. Below you will find a selection of suggested walks in the Cairngorms that are suitable for families as well as some useful links to other websites with information on walking and outdoor activities in the area that you may find useful.

• Walkhighlands – this is a great resource for walks across Scotland, including in the Cairngorms National Park. The simple layout of walks by duration, difficulty and distance is really handy with the ‘bog factor’ rating on the walks a personal favourite! No specific information on suitability of walks for pushchairs.  
• Cairngorms.co.uk has a good page with online versions of the visitor centre walks leaflets on each area of the Cairngorms. The walks are well detailed with accompanying map and indicate suitability of different walks for different abilities, including those walks accessible for those walking with pushchairs or wheelchairs.