3 Best Sights in Aviemore, Inverness and Around the Great Glen

This sprawling, rugged wilderness of mountains, moorlands, glens, and lochs covers nearly 1,750 square miles of countryside, making it Britain's largest national park. It is home to five of Scotland's nine 4,000-foot mountains, with 13 more over 3,000 feet. These rounded mountains, including Cairn Gorm (meaning "blue hill" in Gaelic) and Ben Macdui, the second highest in Britain at 4,295 feet, were formed at the end of the last ice age. The Lairig Ghru Pass, a stunning U-shaped glen, was carved by the retreating glacier.

A good place to start exploring the Cairngorms is the main visitor center in Aviemore. The staff can dispense maps, expert advice on the best trails, and information on guided walks and other activities. For hikers and cyclists, there are dozens of scenic trails centered around Loch Morlich. Because much of the park's best scenery—including ancient pine forests and open moorland—is off-road, a particularly good way to cover ground in the park is on a pony trek. The Rothiemurchus Estate leads treks for riders of all abilities.

The environment supports rare arctic-alpine and tundra plant and animal species (a full quarter of Britain's endangered species are found here), including flora such as the least willow and alpine blue-sow thistle and birds such as the ptarmigan, dotterel, and Scottish crossbill—the only bird completely unique to Britain. Lower down the slopes, terrain that was once filled with woodland is now characterized by heather, cotton grass, and sphagnum moss. This open expanse affords glimpses of animals such as the golden eagle, roe deer, or red deer. Fragments of the ancient Caledonian forest (largely Scots pine, birch, and rowan) remain and are ideal habitats for pine martens, red squirrels, and capercaillie (a large grouse). Studding these forests are dramatic glens and the rivers Spey, Don, and Dee, which are home to Atlantic salmon, otters, and freshwater pearl mussels.

Weather conditions in the park change abruptly, so bring cold-weather gear, particularly if you plan on hiking long distances.

This excellent activity center has a host of organized outdoor diversions, including guided pony rides, mountain biking, fishing, gorge swimming, and white-water rafting. It also offers ranger-guided safaris to see the park's rare and endangered wildlife, including red squirrels and "hairy heilan coos" (Highland slang for Highland cattle—docile, yaklike creatures). The Rothiemurchus Centre is the best place to get oriented and book activities; it also has a handy restaurant and a well-stocked shop selling plenty of fresh produce from the estate. One of the most beautiful parts of the estate is a nature reserve called Loch an Eilein. There are great low-level paths around the tree-rimmed loch—perfect for bikes—or longer trails to Glen Einich. A converted cottage beside Loch an Eilein serves as a visitor center, art gallery, and craft store.

On the high slopes of the Cairngorms, you may see the reindeer herd that was introduced here in the 1950s. The reindeer are docile creatures that seem to enjoy human company. Ranger-led visits to the 150-strong herd are offered at least once a day, weather permitting. In July and August you can also accompany rangers on gentle half-day "hill trips," trekking through the mountains. From April through December a small herd of young reindeer is cared for at a paddock near the visitor center; you can visit (and pet them) for a small fee. Bring waterproof gear, as conditions can be wet and muddy. The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre lies 6 miles east of Aviemore.