7 Autumn Adventures in the Cairngorms National Park

Fresh air, coffee, vanlife, adventure and simplicity – It could only be autumn adventures in the Cairngorms National Park. The best of the Scottish highlands. Oh, and bikes too (of course).

With a week off scheduled, the lure of adventure begins to grow. Nothing quite awakens the soul like a trip to Scotland. Vast mountainous landscapes, full with vibrant of colours. Thoughts racing at the prospect of endless adventure. My obsession with Scotland is no secret, it offers everything I love in abundance. It’s an overload of the senses. Where the better then the Cairngorms National Park to lay eyes on the golden autumnal colours. Fill your nostrils with the smell of pine and fill your lungs with crisp autumnal air temperatures.

I spent a week in the great outdoors, living life at my own pace in the highest national park in the UK. Here’s 7 adventures to make the most of autumn adventures in the Cairngorms National Park.

1. Mountain Biking

Truth be told, I don’t think it’s possible to go to the Cairngorms without a bike – it’s like your passport, your entry ticket, I don’t think they let you in without one. And you’d be foolish to go without one too.

Whilst there are several top quality trail centres to choose from between Glenlivet & Laggan Wolftrax, the best mountain biking experience is undoubtedly the natural stuff. I’m an earn your turns kinda guy – enduro & all mountain is where I’m at. Slogging it out up hill, carrying your bike for miles & grinding it out through long, gruelling climbs is my preference. A little sadistic you might say – but that that burning feeling in my legs, earning the reward of a fantastic view is priceless. And once you’re up, there’s only one way down & for me, that’s the best bit!

Check out trailforks for route options.

Whilst the Cairngorms is a haven for the downhill adrenaline junky, it’s also a haven for the entire family, with miles and miles of flat, signposted loch side trails. Cycling in this spectacular area of Scotland is totally accessible for all.

Ultimate adventure tip: One route I’d love to tick off is Sgor Goaith. A Munro standing at 1118m elevation, with some truly epic Singletrack track descents and sheer cliff to one side of the summit. I imagine this would be a day out to remember.

2. Hiking the biggest mountains in the UK

Like most things adventure orientated, Scotland trumps in England in so many ways. Its therefore no surprise the Cairngorms offers some of the biggest mountain opportunities. Home to Ben Macdui & Braeriach, the second and third tallest mountains in the UK respectively.

The routes to both are equally as impressive. Ben Macdui and Cairngorm being the classic. The Braeriach loop being the more challenging, owing to the distance – for most this is a big summer day out, or a two day route – note the Corrour bothy beneath the Devils Point, along the Lairig Ghru.

Both should be shown respect, for the Scottish mountains have a reputation of unpredictability to maintain. Go prepared, hopefully catch the right weather window & you wouldn’t wish to be anywhere else. The Scottish mountains are nothing short of magic.

Hiking cairngorm plateau between the two 4000ft munros of Cairngorm and Ben Macdui is about probably the most accessible alpine feeling in the UK. Above 2500ft, the tree line stops. The terrain becomes become rocky & lunar; expect high winds, freezing temperatures & even snow through most of the year.

Tip: I found myself exploring a lot of the northern cairngorms, from Aviemore – however adventure can be found right across the national park. Just be aware there is no shortcut, there is one perimeter road around & no road through the Cairngorms. The Balmoral estate & Lochnagar range offers some fantastic mountain experience towards the south, with magnificent views from the summit!

3. Vanlife

For those not in the know, vanlife is the pleasure of simple living out the back of van. Converted and complete with most of the comforts of home, vanlife facilitates adventure and exploration like nothing else. You’re already outside, with all your kit to hand – simply choose a location, pick a route and head off into the great outdoors. There is nowhere quite like Scotland for finding the most remote and spectacular camping spots, it’s the pinnacle of UK adventure for any nomadic vanlifer in my opinion. Mountainous landscapes, coastal views, sunset views – even auroras are not uncommon in this magical part of the world. Scotland is as good as it gets.

Nor is Scotland much of tourist trap, by comparison to the Lake District or even Wales. This is what makes it so perfect for nomadic vanlifing – you’re never far away from a quiet & beautiful overnight park up location. The cairngorms offers seclusion in abundance, yet the thriving mountain village of Aviemore has all the amenities for the more social.

I don’t wish to share my favourite van spots on the internet, however they aren’t hard to find! Follow your nose, let your imagination get the better of you & you’re guaranteed a superb overnight spot. Just leave no trace and adhere to the legalities.

4. Whitewater action

You’ll have to head to the west coast for any serious white water kayaking action, but the Cairngorms do boast a couple of options.

An attractive multi day option along the river Spey can be tackled over 4 days, starting from Aviemore & finishing in on the east coast at Spey bay. This route can be done in a canoe, however I missed out on a trip with friends earlier this year (damn university) so I can’t attest to the difficulty of the rapids. From the pictures I saw on social media – beers, speakers and idyllic riverside camp spots, I don’t imagine its overly difficult!

The rapids at the Linn of Tummel, near Pitlochry range from grade 2 through to 4 depending on water level. These rapids can be tackled via kayak, or raft.

Not all my adventures are high altitude or crazy fast, sometimes I do just love to unwind by the side of loch & just marvel at the wonder of nature. Loch Morlich and Loch an Eilean are both ideal for a chill out, with the latter offering a stunning view around its shores. Both of which can be enjoyed with a leisurely cycle, or a float on the water.

5. Gravel riding & Bikepacking

I couldn’t write an article about adventure, in my favourite place, without including my new found favourite hobby – bikepacking.

First time I passed the Cairngorms was on the way home from the North West highlands – ironic as the Cairngorms is on the East of Scotland. But the A9 from Inverness via Perth was in fact the quickest way home. I remember driving through, seeing all the hills and tracks snaking their way up. I didn’t know a thing about this place, yet I figured there must be adventure in abundance lying beyond the hills.

I got home and punched in a quick google search ‘adventure in the Cairngorms’. That was it, I was fascinated. Several trips later and the Cairngorms has become one of my favourite national parks in the UK, it offers everything.

The list of passes and gravel tracks is endless, particularly so between Braemar on the east and Blair Atholl to the south. Whilst the Cairngorms loop is the most famous, the Monega pass from Glenshee is a superb option for a shorter ride – with a bothy opportunity between Achavan and Braemar.

6. Bothying

Ever wanted to head out wildcamping, without the worrying where to pitch your tent. The conditions might not be great, fearing the weather might take a turn for the worst. Bothying is the answer. These remote and simple shelters provide refuge for those for those who love wild and lonely places.

What could be better than a night with no signal, the warmth of a fire, sharing stories with new friends and a tipple of your choice.  The Cairngorms has a high density of bothies, none more accessible than Ryvoan bothy. Whilst the luxury of a bothy depends on location, the essence is simple. A stone shelter, a hearth and a place to bed down for the night. Take what you need & leave only useful stuff.

The MBA is an excellent resource, just remember to adhere to the bothy code.

7. Chase the sunset

For me, watching the sunrise and sunset are two of life’s simplest pleasures. These wonderful phenomena happen twice a day, yet provide utmost tranquillity the most spectacular views. Its undoubtedly the best way to start and finish the day – and in autumn, its more accessible than ever.

Not all hiking routes in the Caringorms are overly strenuous, Meall a’Bhuachaille is perfect for those wanting to experience the fine mountain views of Scotland. It’s is one is also one of the most epic sunset viewpoints – I owe Sophie Radcliffe big time for sharing this on her blog. Take the obvious tracks up from Glenmore, the climb is gentle and but quickly gains elevation. From the top, the sunset views are unrivalled.

The best thing about the Cairngorms is for those seeking elevation, the base layer is already several hundreds of metres above sea level. So getting to the magic 900m/3000ft Munro level isn’t actually all that much climbing. Whilst the top of a mountain is a superb vantage point to watch the sunset, the many lochs lined with golden leaf cladded trees also provide equally stunning sunsets. Loch Faskally presents the most magnificent autumn colours and reflections.

Scotland is a vast, spectacular and remote setting. Pursing autumn adventures in the Cairngorms National Park is exhilarating and risky at the same time. The weather unpredictable and the days shorter. This high altitude & high octane playground should never be underestimated – manage risks, go prepared and stay safe. Don’t get caught out!

I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad trip to Scotland, every time I leave I’m just even more infatuated with the place! Each area I’ve visited has given me another wonderful memory. The cairngorms is just another place where I felt so alive. My pursuit of adventure takes me to some incredible locations around the globe – but none quite have the same charm of bonnie Scotland.

Thanks for the memories Scotland, till next time!