Cairngorms

The very best places to stay in The Cairngorms.

Cairngorms National Park is one of the UK’s best-kept secrets. A sprawling wilderness of ancient Caledonian pine forests with heathery floors, rugged munros topped with snow, deep glens cut through by rivers and crystal-clear lochs, it’s a place for proper adventure. Hiking, mountain biking, climbing, kayaking and wild swimming in the warmer months; skiing and snow shoeing in the winter.
Wildlife enthusiasts will be in their element, too; the BBC’s Springwatch has been filmed in the Cairngorms’ unique, secluded landscapes, following breeding ospreys, snow hares and red squirrels. Lucky visitors may also glimpse the rare Scottish wildcat, Highland coos and pine marten. Our Cairngorms hideaways include cosy cottages, family-friendly lodges, lochside cabins, the most romantic secluded riverside cabin with a hot tub, and big houses for groups.
Holidaying in the Cairngorms is as much about quiet moments as it is about adventure, and we’ve found the perfect places to soak it all up.

Kip tips:
• Must-do: The Cairngorms has two official Dark Skies Park awards (Tomintoul and Glenlivet), and is the most northerly Dark Sky Parks in the world so it’s one of the best places in the UK to spot the Northern Lights. Wrap up very warm when you go searching!
• With kids: Ride the Strathspey Railway, a heritage steam train that puffs through stunning forest.
• Foodie treat: try a Speyside raspberry bar from Braemar Chocolate; dark chocolate filled with a ruby chocolate raspberry gin ganache, with a dot of raspberry gel. The gin’s made at the Balmenach distillery so it’s a truly local product!
• Best activity: Take a guided nature walk or 4×4 drive to help you spot the incredible wildlife. Or for something tamer, visit the Reindeer Centre in Glenmore where you can get up close to the only free-roaming reindeer herd in the UK.
• Secret Kip tip: the 19km Lairig Ghru pass is one of the most spectacular hiking routes in Scotland, cutting through the heart of the range with incredible views and the chance to spot golden eagles soaring overhead.

Why book a Cairngorms holiday with Kip Hideaways?
We endlessly research and curate the very best places to stay across the UK: all gorgeous and great value. Beautiful, unique style is a must for us but it’s the thoughtful detail and owners who really care that make our hideaways so special. Our Cairngorms hideaways include family-friendly cottages of all sizes on the edge of the National Park, dog-friendly cottages, big houses for groups, and romantic cabins by lochs or nestled in pine forest.