The Cairngorms National Park is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise - it's simply impossible to run out of things to do outside in this incredible natural playground.
Long-distance hikers can enjoy the rewarding 65-mile Cateran Trail on the Perthshire/Angus border, and the hikes in Glen Livet are also exceptional. Wherever you are, and whatever your fitness level, you'll be sure to find a suitable walk with stunning views. Munro-baggers will find themselves spoilt for choice as well, with Ben Macdui (1,309m) the crowning glory and Cairn Gorm also very popular. The long (20-mile round trip) up Cairn Toul is well worth it if you have the time and inclination, whilst quicker and easier options include Sgor Gaoith, Mount Keen (one of the best for beginners) and Beinn Dearg, known for its pink-tinged granite summit. If you're pushed for time and want two for the price of one, try Driesh & Mayar. Always check the local conditions and mountain weather forecast, and make sure you take the right equipment to stay safe on the mountains.
Adrenaline-seekers will go wild for places like Highland Fling Bungee Jumping at Killiecranke (40m freefall). Treezone Aviemore on the Rothiemurcus Estate will test even those with a head for heights, and Craggan Outdoor offers a range of exploits on and off the water, from boating and fishing to climbing and golf.
For families, the combination of rides, playparks and outdoor exploits at Landmark Forest Adventure Park is hard to beat.
Watersports
The areas around Loch Insh and Loch Morlich are watersports hotspots in the Cairngorms, with enthusiasts flocking here in their thousands each year. There's a good range of activities and areas to explore from beginner to advanced level, including canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing and even pedalos!
For those wanting a more bespoke experience, Outdoor Explore in Blairgowrie offers expertly guided kayaking across a range of locations in Scotland, with a special focus on the southern Cairngorms area.
Pitlochry is an excellent area for fishing and boating, and Loch Faskally boating station is a good place to start.
Mountain biking & road cycling
The Cairngorms is a real treat for mountain bikers, with miles upon miles of forest and mountain trails for all abilities. There are centres in Glenlivet, Laggan, The Lecht and Tarland where you can get advice and plan routes, as well as hire any equipment you need or a guide to take with you.
Road cycling is also very pleasant in the area - some of the stretches are hilly and challenging, whilst others are more level and punctuated by cafes at regular intervals to stop and refuel. The Snow Roads route is a great drive, and a fabulous road cycle for those who love a challenge - 90 miles on the highest roads in the country is not for the faint-hearted but the views will certainly help with motivation!
Winter sports & activities
Being up at altitude certainly has its benefits. The Cairngorms National Park offers the very best skiing and snowsports opportunities in the whole of the UK, with three separate ski resorts located here (of the five in Scotland in total).
Conditions vary by day, week and year, but when the snow does come, the area is very well set-up to help people take full advantage of it. Cairngorm Mountain is the best and most popular area for skiing and snowboarding as it's the highest and holds the snow well. The Lecht (best for families and beginners) and Glenshee (the largest and most varied wintersports area, and home of the famous Tiger black ski run) are also worth a visit. You can hire equipment directly at the resorts or in the surrounding towns and villages (especially Aviemore). You can either set out on your own with a lift pass or book some lessons first to get yourself read for the piste.