Emma Mykytyn Nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore is Scotland’s go-to adventure town, a place where you can ski in the morning, paddle a kayak at lunchtime, and warm up over a dram and a plate of hearty food in the evening. It’s lively, it’s beautiful, and the food scene has come on enormously in recent years.
Interactive Google Map of Aviemore
Use our interactive Google Map of Aviemore to plan your 48-hour Highland escape. We have marked where to eat, where to stay, transport links and nearby places to explore, including Delaney’s, The Penny Bun, The Old Bridge Inn and Sweeney’s Two.
Click on each pin to see more information and save the map to your own Google account for your Aviemore weekend itinerary.
Getting There
Aviemore sits on the main A9, roughly midway between Perth and Inverness — about two and a half hours from both Glasgow and Edinburgh by car. If you’d rather not drive through the mountains, it’s also on the main ScotRail line from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Inverness, so you can arrive completely car-free and still access most of the best bits on foot or by bike. Scottish Citylink buses also stop here. Check with Traveline Scotland for up to date information and for their journey planner.
Where to Eat in Aviemore
The Old Bridge Inn
The Old Bridge Inn sits right on the banks of the River Druie and has the kind of cosy, wood-panelled atmosphere you dream about after a long day in the hills. It’s a great lunch stop, the soup and sandwich deal beside the fire is hard to beat on a cold day, and equally strong in the evening, with the menu leaning into hearty Highland classics like Cullen skink, venison burgers, and steak and ale pie. Backed up by a brilliant selection of Scottish real ales and whiskies, it’s one of those places that’s very easy to lose an afternoon in. Book ahead for dinner; it fills up fast, especially in ski season.
Good for: lunch, dinner, après-ski, couples, whisky lovers
Website for The Old Bridge Inn
La Taverna
For those moments when you want a break from haggis (we’ve all been there), La Taverna brings a taste of Italy to the Highlands. The pasta and pizza are consistently well-reviewed, the carbonara in particular gets rave mentions. It’s a fuse of everything Scottish with the spirit of Italy — which sounds unusual but somehow works beautifully in Aviemore.
Good for: dinner, families, Italian food fans
Delaneys, Aviemore
Tucked into the ground floor of Sweeney’s Two on Grampian Road, Delaneys has become one of the most talked-about restaurants in Aviemore. The menu is built around creative small plates showcasing quality Highland produce, with the kitchen clearly passionate about doing the region’s ingredients justice. It’s a more contemporary option in a town that leans traditional,.Unsurprisingly for somewhere this good, it’s a small space, so book ahead.
Good for: dinner, date night, breakfast, foodies looking for something a little different
Where to Drink in Aviemore
The Cas Bar, Cairngorm Mountain
After a day on the slopes or the hill, the Cas Bar at the bottom of Cairngorm Mountain is an institution. Cold beers, hot drinks, and the warm glow of having earned it — what more do you need?
The Old Bridge Inn Bar
Even if you’re not eating, the bar at the Old Bridge Inn is one of the best whisky selections in town. A cracking dram with a view over the river is one of Aviemore’s quieter pleasures.
Where to Stay in Aviemore
Sweeney’s Two sits right on Grampian Road, the main street through the village, making it about as central as it gets. The recently updated interior is stylish and modern, with rooms and apartments ranging from cosy doubles to spacious suites and a Macdui Garden Apartment that’s ideal for families or groups (rooms are named after local mountains, which is a lovely touch).
The added bonus is having Delaneys on the ground floor, one of Aviemore’s best restaurants right on your doorstep, serving excellent breakfasts and a creative small plates dinner menu.
Things to Do in Aviemore & the Cairngorms
Cairngorm Mountain
The big one. Scotland’s only mountain railway, the UK’s highest funicular — takes you up to over 1,000 metres above sea level to the Ptarmigan viewpoint. In winter, it’s the centrepiece of Scotland’s most popular ski resort. In summer, there are guided walks, mountain biking trails, mountain karting, and tubing slides. There’s even a mountain garden, and you can make a call from the highest phone box in the UK. The view from the top on a clear day is genuinely breathtaking.
Rothiemurchus Estate
Just outside Aviemore, Rothiemurchus is one of Scotland’s great working estates and one of its most rewarding visitor experiences. You can take ranger-led wildlife tours, meet Highland cows, cycle or walk through the ancient Caledonian pine forest, try fly fishing on the loch, or let the kids loose on the Little Landy’s off-road driving experience. The estate farm shop is excellent for picking up local produce.
Loch Morlich
One of the finest inland beaches in Scotland. Surrounded by Scots pines and with the Cairngorm peaks as a backdrop, Loch Morlich is beautiful in every season. In summer it’s perfect for wild swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and windsurfing. In winter, the snow-dusted trees around a frozen loch make it feel like a film set.
RSPB Loch Garten Nature Centre
This is where Scotland’s famous ospreys returned to nest after an absence of over 40 years, and it remains one of the country’s great wildlife watching spots. Red squirrels, crested tits, crossbills, and capercaillie also call the Abernethy Forest home. A must for wildlife enthusiasts.
Strathspey Steam Railway
Catch the steam train from Aviemore to the charming village of Boat of Garten for a genuinely magical experience. There’s something wonderfully timeless about rattling through the Highland countryside behind a steam locomotive. Kids love it, and honestly, so do adults.
Highland Wildlife Park, Kingussie
A short drive away, the Highland Wildlife Park is home to wolves, polar bears, bison, lynx, and Scotland’s iconic red deer and Highland cattle. One of the best wildlife parks in the UK and a brilliant family day out.
Highland Folk Museum, Newtonmore
Step back in time at this outdoor living history museum, where you can explore a recreated Highland township from the 1700s. It’s bigger and more impressive than you might expect, and completely free to enter. A genuinely fascinating few hours.
Walking & Hiking in the Cairngorms
The Cairngorms offer some of the finest walking in the British Isles, from gentle woodland strolls to serious Munro bagging. Beginner-friendly options include the Loch an Eilein circular, the Loch Morlich circuit, and Glenmore Forest trails. For more of a challenge, Ben Macdui, Braeriach, and Bynack More reward the effort with extraordinary views.
Mountain Biking
The Cairngorms National Park is widely considered one of the best mountain biking destinations in Scotland. There are trails through the forests of Glenmore and Rothiemurchus to suit all abilities, and at Laggan, the Wolftrax trail centre has purpose-built routes from green to black.
Wild Swimming & Saunas
The River Spey and the Cairngorm lochs offer some of the most beautiful wild swimming in Scotland — cold, clear, and utterly refreshing. Pair a dip with a session in one of the outdoor saunas now popping up around the area for the full Nordic-in-the-Highlands experience.
Foodie Explorers Tips for Aviemore
Book restaurants in advance, especially at weekends and during ski season (January to March). Aviemore is popular and good tables go fast, Delaneys in particular fills up quickly.
Hire bikes to access more of the forest trails — it opens the whole area up and makes getting between stops much easier.
Visit the Rothiemurchus Farm Shop for local venison, smoked salmon, and Highland produce to take home.
Don’t skip Boat of Garten — it’s only a short drive or train ride from Aviemore but feels a world away. Quiet, quaint, and full of Highland character.
The Cairngorm Brewery in Aviemore produces award-winning ales — keep an eye out for their beers on tap across the town’s pubs.
Whisky fans should note that the Speyside whisky trail is within easy reach, with distilleries including Glenfarclas, Cardhu, and The Glenlivet all driveable day trips.
Getting Around Aviemore
Most of central Aviemore is walkable. The main mountain areas (Cairngorm, Glenmore, Rothiemurchus) are a short drive or a solid bike ride away. There is a Cairngorm Mountain bus service running in ski season, and the Strathspey Railway adds a charming option for reaching Boat of Garten. Hiring a car gives you the most flexibility for exploring the wider national park.
48 Hours in Aviemore Itinerary
From mountain views and steam trains to cosy pubs and excellent food, here is our suggested itinerary for spending 48 hours in Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park.
Day One
Morning – Arrive in Aviemore
Arrive in Aviemore and check into your accommodation. Take some time to explore the town centre and enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery before beginning your Highland adventure.
Lunch – The Old Bridge Inn
Head to The Old Bridge Inn for lunch. Located beside the River Spey, this welcoming pub is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Enjoy hearty Scottish dishes, local ales and riverside views before an afternoon of sightseeing.
Afternoon – Strathspey Railway
Step back in time with a journey on the Strathspey Railway. This heritage railway operates vintage steam and diesel trains through some of the Cairngorms’ most scenic landscapes. The route between Aviemore and Boat of Garten offers stunning views of forests, moorland and Highland wildlife.
The beautifully restored carriages and historic stations make this one of the most enjoyable family-friendly attractions in Aviemore.
Dinner – Delaney’s
After a day exploring the Highlands, enjoy dinner at Delaney’s. Expect a relaxed atmosphere and comforting dishes that make it a popular choice for visitors looking for a satisfying evening meal in Aviemore.
Day Two
Morning – Cairngorm Mountain Railway
Start your day with a visit to Cairngorm Mountain and a ride on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway. The UK’s highest funicular railway climbs through spectacular mountain scenery to the Ptarmigan area, offering panoramic views across the Cairngorms National Park.
Whether you visit in summer or winter, the mountain provides some of the most impressive scenery in Scotland.
Lunch – Explore Cairngorms National Park
Spend the afternoon exploring nearby attractions such as Loch Morlich, Glenmore Forest Park or one of the many walking trails surrounding Aviemore. Stop for a light lunch or coffee while enjoying the fresh Highland air.
Afternoon – Loch Morlich and Glenmore Forest
Take a leisurely walk around Loch Morlich, one of Scotland’s most beautiful freshwater lochs. The sandy beach, forest trails and mountain backdrop make it one of the highlights of any visit to Aviemore.
Aviemore FAQs
What is the best restaurant in Aviemore?
Delaneys at Sweeney’s Two is outstanding for both breakfast and dinner small plates.
Where should I stay in Aviemore?
We stayed at Sweeney’s Two on Grampian Road, centrally located, beautifully updated, with Delaneys restaurant on-site. The Cairngorm Hotel is another central option.
What are the best things to do in Aviemore?
Top things to do include riding Scotland’s only mountain railway at Cairngorm, exploring Rothiemurchus Estate, watersports at Loch Morlich, spotting ospreys at RSPB Loch Garten, catching the Strathspey Steam Railway to Boat of Garten, and hiking or mountain biking in the Cairngorms National Park.
How do I get to Aviemore?
Aviemore is on the A9, approximately two and a half hours by car from both Glasgow and Edinburgh. It is also on the main ScotRail line between Glasgow/Edinburgh and Inverness — easily accessible by train without a car.
Is Aviemore good for families?
Yes, Aviemore is an excellent family destination. Top family highlights include Cairngorm Mountain’s tubing slides and mountain railway, the Highland Wildlife Park in Kingussie, the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore (free entry), Loch Morlich watersports, and Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge.
When is the best time to visit Aviemore?
Aviemore is a year-round destination. Winter (January to March) is ideal for skiing at Cairngorm Mountain. Summer brings hiking, watersports, cycling, and wildlife watching. Autumn offers stunning colours, quieter trails, and cosy evenings by the fire.
