Exploring the Cairngorms: Our Route Through Castles, Highlands and Viewpoints
- Jenn & Leon
- 2 hours ago
- 14 min read
There are road trips you plan, and then there are the ones that come out of nowhere and take you by surprise. Driving through the Cairngorms is most certainly the latter!
This trip was originally planned as the default route to get to our ultimate destination, Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness.
We knew it would be pretty, as most national parks are, but indeed we were completely blown away by the scale and beauty of it all.
Most of the time we were driving in silent wonder, and if that sounds like an exaggeration, it is not meant to be. There really is so much to enjoy here.
We hadn't really planned to stop, yet ended up checking out two castles and a phenomenal viewpoint of a third. We could have easily seen more if we had the time!
In this post, we take you through our Cairngorms road trip, from quiet castle stops like Braemar to royal landmarks like Balmoral and an unexpected viewpoint at Corgarff.
We finish our journey with the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness.
We share our highlights, our experience, and how to plan your own journey through one of Scotland’s most powerful landscapes.
In This Post...
Our Highlights
Literally the moment we crossed the border from England and entered Scotland, we noticed a difference in the landscape. England is renowned for its greenery, and we did not think it could get much greener. But it does!
The best way we could describe the drive from Norham (the small village south of the River Tweed near Berwick) is lush. Yes, lush!
It was immediately noticeable, from the rolling hills to the immaculately pruned bushes lining the A-roads. It is impressive, and we were totally down for it.
The roads are just as well maintained, and the drive was really smooth as we ventured further north. The only kicker was the ear-popping from the constant elevations and declines.
You can drive to elevations of approximately 670 meters (2,200 feet) in the Cairngorms. If altitude is an issue, it is definitely something to consider.
Unbeknownst to us, we drove on the highest public road in the UK, the Cairnwell Pass on the A93, which peaks at an incredible 670 meters (2,200 ft) between Braemar and Glenshee.
But what comes with driving at this height is also the view. And by gosh, the views in the Cairngorms are almost like a 360-degree canvas painting.
It feels quiet, serene, and almost spiritual here. Every time we stopped to admire the view, we were alone. This place is vast! In fact, aside from the castle visits and our stop at Corgarff, we very much felt like it was just us and nature.
There are 60 lakes (named lochs and lochans (small lakes)) and 55 mountains (munros) in the Cairngorms. There are so many places to see, many of which are best unplanned. You will find them; the place is really well signposted.
Most recommendations are to spend 3-5 days exploring here. We only had the one day to drive through, and it was definitely not enough.
The trip was extra special owing to some pretty cool experiences, like being in Balmoral when the then Prince Charles was present by pure chance, being one of the last people to see Braemar Castle before restoration, and chatting with a Ferrari owner at one of the area's most famous viewpoints.
We had so much fun here on the open road, and we cannot wait to venture up north again. This was the first time in Scotland for both of us, and judging by this trip, it will not be the last. For sure!
Why the Cairngorms Feels (and Is) Different
The Cairngorms does not overwhelm you straight away. It is more of a slow reveal of wide valleys, incredible mountains, and long empty roads that stretch far beyond what we expected.
It feels quieter than other parts of Scotland, but that is exactly what gives it weight. There is space here. Space to think, to stop, and to take it in properly.
Part of what makes the landscape feel so vast and exposed is that much of Scotland’s ancient woodland disappeared centuries ago.
During medieval times, forests across the Highlands were heavily felled for ships, housing, fuel, and industry.
Later, the demands of war, agriculture, and the growing Highland population accelerated the decline even further.
The Highland Clearances also reshaped the region dramatically, forcing communities from the land and leaving behind many of the wide, sparsely populated landscapes seen today.
What remains here is still incredibly beautiful, perhaps even more so after being shaped by centuries of change.
10 Interesting Facts About the Cairngorms
The Cairngorms is not just one of Scotland’s most beautiful regions. It is also one of its most historically and geographically fascinating.
1. The Cairngorms are named after “The Blue Hill”: The name comes from Cairn Gorm, one of the range’s most prominent mountains. In Scottish Gaelic, An Càrn Gorm translates to “The Blue Hill.”
2. The region was once known as “The Red Hills”: Historically, the area was called Am Monadh Ruadh, meaning “The Red Hills,” named after the pink and reddish granite scree scattered across the mountains.
3. The Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK: Covering around 4,500 square kilometers, the park is larger than Luxembourg and spans five different Scottish council areas.
4. Five of the UK’s six highest mountains are found here: The Cairngorms contains some of Britain’s most extreme landscapes, including Ben Macdui, the UK’s second-highest mountain after Ben Nevis.
5. The Highlands once had far more forest: Much of the open landscape seen today was once covered by ancient Caledonian pine forest. Centuries of logging, farming, war, and industry dramatically reduced woodland across the Highlands.
6. The Highland Clearances reshaped the region forever: During the 18th and 19th Centuries, many Highland communities were forcibly displaced during the Highland Clearances, contributing to the sparse population still associated with the region today.
7. Some of the coldest temperatures ever recorded in the UK: The Cairngorms holds the record for the coldest temperature ever recorded in the UK, with the village of Braemar reaching -27.2°C in both 1895 and 1982. This record is shared only with Altnaharra (also in the Scottish Highlands), which hit -27.2°C on December 30, 1995.
8. Lochs, rivers, and wetlands dominate the landscape: The region contains countless lochs, rivers, and peatlands, helping create one of the UK’s most important wildlife habitats.
9. The Cairngorms are home to rare wildlife: The park supports species rarely seen elsewhere in the UK, including red squirrels, golden eagles, capercaillie, and wildcats.
10. Many roads through the Cairngorms follow ancient routes: Several modern Highland roads trace paths once used by drovers, clans, military forces, and traders crossing Scotland centuries ago.
Our Cairngorms Route
After exploring Edinburgh Castle, the historic streets of Edinburgh, and earlier stops near the English border around Norham Castle, we gradually made our way deeper into the Highlands.
Our route through the Cairngorms naturally unfolded as we moved north through Scotland.
We began around Braemar and Royal Deeside, following the A93 through open mountain scenery and ear-popping mountain driving before continuing toward Balmoral.
From there, we crossed quieter Highland roads near Corgarff, where the landscape became even more remote and dramatic.
The final stretch took us north toward Inverness and Loch Ness, ending at Urquhart Castle overlooking the water.
One of the best things about driving through the Cairngorms is that the route never feels repetitive. Every section of road reveals a slightly different side of the Highlands.
💡 What we did here is just a fraction of what there is to see and do. The Cairngorms National Park is home to a significant number of historical sites, ranging from active royal residences to medieval ruins.
While the broader region of Aberdeenshire (which overlaps with the park) boasts over 300 castles, the park itself contains a concentrated collection of about 10 to 13 primary castles and significant ruins.
Braemar Castle: A Quiet Start That Stayed With Us
Our journey through the Cairngorms began with a stop we almost skipped. Unlike the polished grandeur of Edinburgh, Braemar Castle originally felt like a "hidden fortress" in a literal sense; unloved, weathered, and battling for survival.
When we first visited in 2019, the courtyard was empty and the towers looked tired, giving us an eerie but authentic sense of a castle shaped more by conflict than comfort.
We didn't go inside then, but walking the grounds beneath its unique star-shaped defensive walls, a design meant to eliminate blind spots for soldiers, left a lasting impression.
Today, the story has completely changed. After a massive £2 million community-led restoration, the castle has been transformed into a gleaming white beacon.
It stands as the only community-run castle in Scotland, which just goes to show that some of the best stops aren't the ones you plan for months, but the ones that surprise you by the side of the road!
ℹ️ Our full guide to Braemar Castle explores the history and restoration of one of the Highlands’ most overlooked castles.
Balmoral Castle: Where the Landscape Changes
Just a short drive from the raw, community-driven spirit of Braemar, everything shifts. Balmoral Castle feels curated, intentional, and deeply tied to the British monarchy.
It was an impromptu detour for us, part of a whirlwind month-long "first date" after meeting on Instagram, but it became one of the most surreal moments of our trip.
Arriving on Easter Sunday, we were greeted by a heavy police presence and soon realized why: we had missed the then-Prince Charles by mere minutes as he left for Sunday Mass.
Even without a royal sighting, the estate is magnificent. From the ballroom exhibition to the perfectly manicured gardens designed by Prince Albert, it feels like a scene pulled straight from a movie.
We even managed to squeeze in a traditional Sunday roast (the shepherd’s pie is a winner!), which felt like the only right way to cap off a visit to the King's private Highlands retreat.
ℹ️ Our full guide to Balmoral Castle explores the royal history, changing landscapes, and why this famous Highland estate feels so different from the castles around it.
Corgarff Viewpoint: The Stop We Never Planned
Some of the best moments on the road aren't found on a map; they find you. As we climbed the A939, one of the highest roads in the UK, we were trailing a red Ferrari that eventually pulled into a roadside stop 637 meters above sea level.
We followed suit, and what we found was arguably the most personal moment of our entire Scotland trip.
At the Corgarff Viewpoint, we discovered the Moment in Time monument. As two poets who met through our words just months prior, finding a stone monolith carved with Louise Gardiner’s poetry in the middle of the Highlands felt like divine intervention.
The site also features "The Watchers," angular steel sculptures that frame Corgarff Castle in the distance.
Even though we didn't walk to the castle itself, the viewpoint allowed us to see its striking white-harled walls, which actually served as the inspiration for the star-shaped design at Braemar.
It was a beautiful, full-circle moment that reminded us to "warm your soul before you go." Definately worth a stop!
ℹ️ Our Corgarff viewpoint guide explores the dramatic Highland scenery, the history behind the route, and the unexpected roadside stop that became one of the highlights of our journey.
Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness: A Dramatic Finish
If the Cairngorms felt like a slow, quiet reveal, Urquhart Castle was the high-energy finale.
Not quite in the Cairgnorms, it is located on the banks of Loch Ness in the Great Glen, near Drumnadrochit, approximately 21 km (13 miles) southwest of Inverness in the Highlands.
We are including it here as it is the perfect way to end your trip. Perched right on the edge of Loch Ness, it was a place we’d both dreamed of visiting long before we even met.
While we didn't spot Nessie (she was clearly on a day off!), the "romantic decay" of the ruins against that vast, still water was breathtaking.
Walking through the collapsed gatehouses and climbing the Grant Tower, you get a real sense of the "two parts" of Urquhart: the dark, oppressive defensive spaces inside, like the dungeon and fire pits, contrasted with the bright, picturesque views over the loch.
It was the fifth castle of our tour, and it carried a vibe that captured us instantly. It’s not just a ruin; it’s a site where nearly a thousand years of conflict were intentionally ended by blowing up the structure to keep it out of enemy hands.
It’s easy to see why Urquhart Castle remains one of Scotland’s most iconic sights, whether you spot Nessie or not!
ℹ️ Our full Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness guide covers the castle’s turbulent history, legendary setting, and what to expect when visiting one of Scotland’s most iconic ruins.
How to Plan Your Cairngorms Route
In our humble opinion, driving is the best way to experience the Cairngorms. The area is vast, it being the largest national park in the U.K.
And if hiking is your thing, there are many laybys and stop-off points, all of which are worth taking.
Driving through the Cairngorms, base your route around the following:
● A93 through Braemar and Balmoral
● A939 toward Corgarff
● A82 toward Loch Ness
Expect long stretches between stops, ever-changing weather, and roads that narrow as you move deeper into the highlands. The speed limit is 60 mph unless otherwise stated.
💡 The best stops are often the ones you do not plan. If something looks worth it, pull over!
Car Rental vs Public Transport
Exploring the Cairngorms National Park is easiest by car, especially if you want the freedom to stop at castles, viewpoints, lochs, and smaller Highland villages along the route.
Many of the best moments happen between destinations, pulling over unexpectedly at a scenic viewpoint, taking a quieter road, or stopping in a village you had not originally planned to visit. Having your own vehicle makes that flexibility much easier.
That said, public transport is available across parts of the Cairngorms, particularly around larger hubs like Aviemore and Inverness.
Train services connect several Highland towns, while local bus routes operated by Stagecoach link key areas throughout the park.
The popular “Aviemore Adventurer” service also runs between Aviemore town centre and Cairngorm Mountain throughout the week, making it easier to access hiking areas and visitor attractions without driving.
For shorter visits focused around one base, public transport can work well. But for a wider route like ours through Braemar, Balmoral, Corgarff, and Loch Ness, driving gives you far more flexibility.
⪢ Compare Car Rental Options in Scotland
If renting suits your travel style, comparing prices in advance can help you find better availability and avoid higher last-minute costs, especially during summer and peak road trip season.
Use the search tool below to compare car rental options for your Scotland trip.
Where to Stay in the Cairngorms
If you are following a route like ours, it makes sense to stay flexibly, either splitting your time across different areas or choosing a base that aligns with the part of the park you want to explore most.
● Braemar or Ballater work well if you want to stay close to castles, scenic drives, and the eastern side of the park
● Aviemore offers a more central base, with easy access to trails, lochs, and visitor centers.
● Inverness is ideal if you are continuing toward Loch Ness and want a larger town with more accommodation options
💡 For a deeper experience, consider staying within the park itself. Campsites, lodges, and smaller guesthouses allow you to slow things down and experience the Cairngorms beyond just the road.
Tips for Visiting the Cairngorms
The Cairngorms is far more than just a drive through. It is a region you can explore in layers, from quick roadside stops to full hiking days. The more flexible you are, the more you will get out of it.
● Use towns as natural checkpoints: Braemar, Ballater, Aviemore, and Inverness all work well as stop-offs for fuel, food, and a reset between long stretches of driving. They break the journey up naturally without forcing a rigid plan.
● Look out for lochs beyond Loch Ness: Loch Ness gets the attention, but smaller lochs like Loch Morlich and Loch Muick offer quieter, more intimate settings. These are perfect for short stops, walks, or simply taking in the landscape without crowds.
● Do not skip the Cairngorms Visitor Centre: The Cairngorms National Park visitor centers, particularly around Aviemore, give useful context on wildlife, trails, and changing conditions. It is worth stopping if you want to understand more about the area beyond the drive.
● Plan castle stops, but stay flexible: Stops like Braemar Castle, Balmoral, and even Corgarff Castle all tell very different stories. Some require tickets or seasonal access, so check ahead, but also allow time for unplanned stops along the way.
● Parking is usually easy, but not always obvious: Most viewpoints and attractions have small designated parking areas, but they can be easy to miss. If you see a safe place to pull in, especially near viewpoints, take it.
● Explore short walking trails where possible: You do not need full hiking gear to enjoy the Cairngorms. Many areas have short, clearly marked trails that give you a better perspective than the roadside. Even a short walk can completely change how you experience the landscape.
● Consider staying at a campsite or lodge: If you have the time, staying within the park adds another layer to the experience. There are campsites, cabins, and lodges throughout the region, especially around Aviemore and Ballater, offering a quieter alternative to hotels.
● Be prepared for fast-changing weather: The weather in the Cairngorms can shift quickly, even within the same hour. You can start in sunshine and hit rain or mist shortly after, especially at higher elevations. Bring layers and check forecasts before setting out.
● Expect limited mobile signal in remote areas: Signal drops are common once you move away from towns and main roads. Download offline maps, save key locations, and do not rely on real-time navigation throughout the entire drive.
● Fuel, food, and timing matter more than you think: Distances between services can be longer than expected. Top up fuel when you can, bring drinks and snacks, and avoid leaving meals too late, especially outside peak season.
● Watch for wildlife, especially at dusk: The Cairngorms is home to deer and other wildlife, particularly active early morning and evening. Stay alert when driving through quieter stretches.
● Let the drive lead the experience: Some of the best moments will not be marked on a map. The Cairngorms rewards slowing down, pulling over, and letting the landscape guide you.
Our Experience Rating:
The Cairngorms
No matter which way we look at it, as far as road trips go, the Cairngorms is right up there with the best experiences we have had.
To put that in context, we would say it is almost on par with Banff in Canada, although driving around Alberta and British Columbia will always be unrivaled.
The rolling hills, 360 views, and incredible colors of the landscape here are a feast for the eyes, and there is a wonderful energy and atmosphere about the place.
Couple that with the castles and viewpoints; there is no shortage of adventures to be found here. If you are into road trips, nature, and history, then journeying through the Cairngorms really needs to be on your list!
For a broader itinerary of our adventures in the region, our Scotland travel blogs bring together routes, destinations, and planning tips from our first-hand experience.
FAQ: Visiting Cairngorms National Park in Scotland
Planning a trip through the Cairngorms often comes with practical questions, especially if it is your first time driving through the Scottish Highlands.
Is the Cairngorms worth visiting?
Yes. It offers a quieter, more immersive experience compared to busier destinations like the Isle of Skye, with just as much natural beauty.
Do you need a car?
A car is strongly recommended. It gives you the freedom to stop where you want and explore properly.
How long should you spend here?
One full day works for a route like ours, but two to three days allows for a more relaxed experience.
Is it difficult to drive?
Generally no, but expect narrow roads, changing weather, and occasional single-track sections.
What is the best route?
The A93, A939, and A82 combination offers a strong mix of scenery and key stops.
Can you visit Balmoral Castle year-round?
No, access varies seasonally. Check opening dates before planning your visit.
Is Urquhart Castle worth it?
Yes. Even without entering, the views over Loch Ness make it one of the most rewarding stops.
Are there facilities along the way?
Yes, but they are spread out. Plan ahead for fuel and food.
Is it crowded?
Not compared to other parts of Scotland. It often feels quieter and more open.
What makes the Cairngorms unique?
The scale, the calm, and the sense of space. It rewards slowing down.
Related Reads
Not as well-known as other castles in the area, but well worth a visit. Recently restored.
Balmoral Castle, Royal Deeside:
One of the top highlights from our road trip in Scotland, visited by chance on Easter Sunday.
Corgarff Viewpoint, Cairngorms:
An unplanned stop that presented us with poetry, yes, poetry, and incredible views.
A castle right on the banks of one of the world's most infamous lakes.
One of Scotland's most intriguing historical places, along with the famous Rosslyn Chapel.
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