The Cairngorms National Park is full of delicious food to help fuel your adventures
For a quick bite to eat between activities, you could do a lot worse than the Rothiemurcus Estate Farm Shop, or if you're over the other side of the park, try Taste Coffee Shop & Deli in Braemar.
KJ's Bothy Bakery in Grantown on Spey is well-known for being especially good at accommodating special dietary requirements such as gluten-free and vegan. The owner, an intrepid Newzealander (known as the 'Kiwi in the Cairngorms') relocated after the 2020 pandemic forced closure of their popular Mountain Cafe in Aviemore.
There are many excellent community and farmers' markets in the Cairngorms area, including the one at Blairgowrie and the Cairngorms Farmers' Market in Grantown-on-Spey. This land is incredible for growing produce, and the locals more than make the most of it - this is no more evident than when you get the chance to sample it yourself whilst visiting the area.
If you're looking for a proper sit-down dinner, the jewel in the crown is the Clunie Dining Room at the Fife Arms, or the more informal Flying Stag pub, if you're not up for the full works including tasting menu. Non-residents can enjoy the fine dining delights on offer here, but you'll need to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Other very special dinner venues include the Loch Kinord Hotel near Aboyne and the Cross at Kingussie.
For honest, seasonal and local fare in an informal setting, we love the Old Bridge Inn gastropub in Aviemore.
For a great food-themed activity, check out the cooking classes on offer from Ghillie Basan, whose cookery shows influences from childhood in East Africa, teenage years in the Scottish Highlands and professional training in London. Day and residential workshops are available.
This is by no means exhaustive; you could practically write a book about food in the Cairngorms! Let us know if you think we've missed anywhere.