This part of the Cairngorms has so much to offer. Here are my personal recommendations for where to stay and what to do.

Stay
Self-catering: classy, coorie and beautiful

Love Cairngorms, near Aviemore

Three beautiful properties, all lovingly refurbished and close to Aviemore. Their timeless high standard combined with a homely atmosphere and personal touches will ensure your holiday feeling!

The properties sleep 4-7 and dogs are welcome too. 

More info and book Love Cairngorms here.

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Inshriach, near Aviemore

If you're after a quality but unique place to holiday, Inshriach's range of accommodation is for you! From an old fire truck to a shepherd's hut to a hand-built log house, they all have their own private space on a small estate just south of Aviemore. 

The properties sleep 2-17, and dogs are welcome. 

Book on Canopy & Stars.

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Dell of Abernethy, Nethy Bridge

A peaceful retreat on the edge of the 'forest village.' From small cottages to the Lodge itself, the vibe is luxurious and quirky. Relax in a hammock beneath the trees, or by a firepit beside the woodland tipi. 

The properties sleep 2-9. 

More info and book the Dell here. 

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The Lazy Duck, Nethy Bridge

Rustic luxury in the woods, with a range of eco-huts, hostel and a small number of camping pitches. It's a quiet off-grid haven to relax and truly enjoy your holiday time. 

The properties sleep 2-6. 

More info and book the Lazy Duck here. 

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Bed & Breakfast: treat yourself

Ravenscraig, Aviemore

Located in the heart of Aviemore in a Victorian villa, Ravenscraig has a range of rooms sleeping 1-4 people, including cabins.

​Family run and with an eye for quality and good food, you'll be well looked after here! 

More info and book Ravenscraig here.

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Bunking: smaller budgets, good options

Aviemore Bunkhouse

A great location next to the river in Aviemore, with comfortable private or dorm rooms, all ensuite. Group bookings are also accepted.

​It also happens to be next door to the best food and drink in Aviemore, at the Old Bridge Inn...

More info and book the Bunkhouse here.

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Youth Hostels, Aviemore & Glenmore

The two Youth Hostels in the area are also good options for self-catering, in dorm or private rooms, with self-catering kitchen facilities. Both hostels offer breakfast, and the Glenmore hostel can provide lunch and (hearty) dinner too.

More info and book at SYHA:
Aviemore hostel
Glenmore hostel

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Explore

Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, Glenmore

Visit the UK's only free-roaming herd of reindeer, in the only sub-arctic bit of Britain!

Join a daily tour onto the hill to see and be amongst the herd in their natural habitat, or visit the centre and exhibition in Glenmore with a few reindeer if the hill is too much.

​Book online in advance at: www.cairngormreindeer.co.uk

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Highland Folk Museum, Newtonmore
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A free and excellent open-air museum with buildings and artefacts collected from across the Highlands and Islands. Don't miss the township of blackhouses, where staff are on hand to help show and tell what life would have been like here just a few hundred years ago. 

Check opening times at: www.highlifehighland.com/highlandfolkmuseum/

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Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig

A great day out no matter your age. With really special and unusual animals adapted to cold climates, there's a section to walk round, and a reserve to drive around. 
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Book tickets at: www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk

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Walking: 
There are so many walks in this area for every level of stamina, from strolls to massive day hikes. Trail leaflets that can be picked up from Glenmore Forest Visitor Centre or Waterstones Aviemore. 

Alternatively, WalkHighlands is an excellent and much-used free resource which suggests walking routes, graded according to difficulty. They include descriptions, images, and GPX route files. I highly recommend them! ​